USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG)
USDA grants up to $200,000 for nonprofit Cooperative Development Centers to help establish, expand, and improve rural cooperative businesses.
About this program
The Rural Cooperative Development Grant program funds nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education that operate as Cooperative Development Centers, providing technical assistance to rural cooperatives. RCDG funds support feasibility studies, strategic planning, leadership and operations training, business plan development, market research, and cooperative formation. Cooperatives developed through RCDG include worker-owned businesses, agricultural producer co-ops, home health care co-ops, and food co-ops. Recipients must contribute matching funds equal to 25% of total project costs.
Eligibility
Nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education operating Cooperative Development Centers serving rural areas; ultimate beneficiaries are rural cooperative businesses and emerging cooperatives.
Requirements
- Nonprofit or higher education status
- Operation of Cooperative Development Center
- 25% matching funds