Rural Community Development Initiative Grants

Application Deadline: 4:00 pm Local Time - August 13, 2015
Notice of Solicitation of Application (pdf) | Posted: May 15, 2015

What does this program do?
This program provides funding to help non-profit housing and community development organizations support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas.

Annoucement of recent RCDI Grant Awards and the list of recipients.

Who may apply for this program?

• Public bodies
• Non-profit organizations
• Federally Recognized Tribes 

What is an eligible area?
Rural areas including cities, villages, townships, towns and Federally Recognized Tribal Lands  outside the boundaries of a city of 50,000 or more and its immediately adjacent urbanized area .

How may funds be used?
To improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas.
Rural Community Development Initiative grants may be used for, but are not limited to:

• Training sub-grantees to conduct:

1. Home-ownership education
2. Minority business entrepreneur education

• Providing technical assistance to sub-grantees on

1. Strategic plan development
2. Accessing alternative funding sources
3. Board training
4. Developing successful child care facilities
5. Creating training tools, such as videos, workbooks, and reference guides
6. Effective fundraising techniques

What kind of funding is available?

• Minimum grant award is $50,000; maximum grant award is $250,000
• Grant funds are limited and are awarded through a competitive process

Are matching funds required?

• Matching fund requirement equal to amount of grant
• In-kind contributions cannot be used as matching funds
• Partnerships with other federal, state, local, private and nonprofit entities are encouraged

How do we get started?

• Applications are accepted on an annual basis through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in the Federal Register
• Program Resources are available online (includes forms needed, guidance, certifications etc.)

 
Who can answer questions?
Contact your local RD office.

What governs this program?
Code of Federal Regulation; 2 CFR 200 and Guidelines announced in NOFA, published in the Federal Register.