Rural Cooperative Development Grants
🏛 National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for nonprofit institutions that want to establish and operate rural cooperative development centers. Applicants must be nonprofits (including higher education institutions) with no net earnings going to private shareholders or individuals. Organizations must provide technical assistance to help rural cooperatives and mutually owned businesses start, expand, or improve. Geographic focus is rural areas nationwide, and applicants must meet specific requirements in 7 CFR 4284.520(a) and avoid disqualifying factors in 7 CFR 4284.520(b).
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The purpose of the RCDG program, under assistance listing number 10.771, is to enable nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development (Center). The primary objective of the program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations that in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement
- Project narrative and work plan
- Budget and budget narrative
- Nonprofit status documentation (501(c)(3) determination letter)
- Cost-sharing commitment letters
- Organizational capacity documents (board list, staff qualifications)
- Letters of support from rural communities or cooperative partners
Program contact
- 👤 Adam Hoque Grantor
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 407-747-9786
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.771 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,055,082
-
$1,000,000
-
$700,000
-
$615,624
-
$600,000
-
$582,502
-
$553,685
-
$536,440
-
$493,965
-
$357,778
Top States by Funding
- IA 4 awards $2.6M
- CA 11 awards $2.3M
- MT 7 awards $1.8M
- MN 8 awards $1.8M
- VA 4 awards $1.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.771). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $9,174,933 | |
| 2025 | $2,424,339 | |
| 2026 est. | $2,400,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for Rural Cooperative Development Grants?
Only nonprofit institutions can apply, including accredited higher education institutions. Your organization must have no net earnings that inure to private shareholders or individuals.
What geographic areas are eligible?
The program focuses on rural areas nationwide. Your center must serve rural communities.
What activities can the grant fund?
Grants support establishing and operating centers that provide technical assistance to rural cooperatives and mutually owned businesses for starting, expanding, or improving operations.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $200,000 to $1,000,000, depending on project scope and need.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes, this program requires cost sharing. You must contribute matching funds to supplement the federal award.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly describe your rural geographic service area and demonstrate knowledge of local cooperative needs and opportunities.
- Show strong board governance and nonprofit status documentation upfront to avoid eligibility delays.
- Detail the technical assistance services you'll provide (business planning, financial training, organizational development, etc.).
- Highlight previous experience with rural development, cooperatives, or nonprofit capacity building if you have it.
- Develop a realistic budget with clear cost-sharing commitments showing local investment in the center.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when nonprofits don't verify full compliance with 7 CFR 4284.520 before submitting. Weak cost-sharing plans or unclear matching fund sources weaken competitiveness significantly. Vague descriptions of technical assistance services or target rural communities reduce impact scores.
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