Grants available for rural cooperative development | News

USDA Rural Development State Director, Terry Brunner, announced his agency is accepting applications for the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program.

"Cooperative enterprises often lead economic growth and job creation in rural areas," Brunner said. "USDA is offering grants to help organizations start co-operatives and expand existing ones or help develop other business opportunities in rural areas."

The RCDG is offering grants to nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education. The grants may be used to conduct feasibility studies, create and implement business plans, and help businesses develop new markets for their products and services.

One-year grants up to $175,000 are available. In most cases, grants may be used to pay for up to 75 percent of the cost of establishing and operating rural cooperative development centers. Recipients are required to match 25 percent of the award amount. The grant period should begin no earlier than October 1, 2012, and no later than January 1, 2013.

The USDA may award up to $5.8 million in grants. For additional information, see the June 7, 2012 Federal Register or contact the USDA Rural Development State Office in Albuquerque at 505-761-4953. Application materials are available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/bcp_rcdg.html.