Nebraska Ag Connection - Grants Available for Rural Community Economic Development

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Grants Available for Rural Community Economic Development
Nebraska Ag Connection - 05/26/2016

USDA Rural Development is seeking applications for $4 million available nationwide through the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program. RCDI grants support rural community economic development. RCDI helps community-based development organizations, federally recognized Indian tribes and other groups promote economic development in low-income, rural communities.

Recently, the RCDI grant program funded a three year project for three Nebraska regional partners to build capacity in a three county area of Central Nebraska. More than 600 Nebraskans registered for one or more trainings/workshops offered as a result of the funding from the RCDI grant program. This effort encouraged entrepreneurship by hosting events such as community tours, presentations, vision building and an opportunity for networking.

RCDI grants are not provided directly to businesses or individuals. Instead, awards are provided to public or non-profit intermediaries that are locally-based and skilled in business development and job creation.

The intermediary will be required to provide matching funds in an amount at least equal to the RCDI grant, which doubles the impact of the grants. The respective minimum and maximum grant amount per intermediary is $50,000 and $250,000. Grant funds must be utilized within three years from date of the award.

RCDI grants can be used to provide training or technical assistance. Training may focus on homeownership education and minority business entrepreneurship. Technical assistance may be used to conduct strategic community planning or accessing alternative funding sources. Intermediary organizations must provide matching funds at least equal to the RCDI grant.

Applications must be submitted by July 22.

Since 2009, USDA has awarded $39 million to support 206 rural economic development projects financed through the RCDI program.

In Nebraska contact Mary Sneckenberg at (402) 437-5567 or mary.sneckenberg@ne.usda.gov with questions on the RCDI program.

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