ALBUQUERQUE, NM July 2, 2015 --USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announces that USDA-Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to help rural cooperative develop. The grants are being made available to non-profit corporations and institutions of higher education through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program.
In making the announcement that applications are being taken for this funding program, Brunner said, "This is a great opportunity for a non-profit or schools to use this money to help the businesses in their community grow and expand through cooperative efforts."
The Rural Cooperative Development Grant program improves economic conditions in rural areas by helping individuals and businesses start, expand, or improve the operations of rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses. Other eligible grant activities may include conducting feasibility studies and creating business and marketing plans.
USDA-Rural Development is making up to $5.8 million in grants available in Fiscal year 2015. Up to $200,000 will be awarded for each grant. In most cases, grants may be used to pay for up to 75 percent of a project's total costs. Recipients are required to match 25 percent of the award amount. The grants will be awarded prior to September 30, 2015. The recipients will have one year to complete their grant project.
The application deadline is July 30, 2015. For additional information, please contact Jesse Monfort Bopp, USDA-RD State Office, at 505.761.4952 or 505.761.4953 or jesse.bopp@nm.usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov