USDA Accepting Applications for Rural Community Development Initiative Grants
Applications are being accepted for the traditional Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program and the RCDI Rural Jobs Accelerator (RJA).
More information can be found in the Federal Register. Applications are due May 9, 2012. In Minnesota, applications must be submitted to Terry Louwagie in our state office (375 Jackson St., Suite 410, St. Paul, MN, 55101).
USDA Rural Development plans to award up to $8.6 million through the RCDI program. Applications are sought for projects that:
Provide technical assistance to improve the capacity of local organizations to complete successful housing, economic development and community facilities projects;
Help recipients complete pre-development requirements - such as architectural and engineering plans;
Help development organizations improve their board operations, management and knowledge of financial and information technology systems;
Provide homeownership education or training for entrepreneurs.
Part of the RCDI funds to be awarded may be used for projects associated with the Rural Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, which was announced on March 8, 2012.
Applications for Jobs Accelerator projects must be submitted to both USDA and the EDA. More information can be found at Grants.gov.
