Application Window for 2024 Rural Cooperative Development Grants and Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grants Now Open

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently accepting applications for two key cooperative programs, the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG)and the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG). The two programs provide a total of $8.8 million in funding to support the development of rural cooperatives through technical assistance. For RCDG and SDGG, eligible applicants must SUBMIT AN APPLICATION BY 11:59 EDT ON JUNE 3, 2024. 

Save the Date: Upcoming NCBA CLUSA and USDA Webinars on RCDG and SDGG - "How to Strengthen your USDA Grant Application"

In partnership with USDA Rural Development staff, NCBA CLUSA will host two webinars, one for RCDG and one for SDGG, outlining ways in which applicants can strengthen their USDA grant application for each respective program prior to the June 3 deadline. These two upcoming webinars are a great opportunity to gain application insights directly from experts at USDA.  

Rural Cooperative Development Grants (RCDG) Webinar:Monday, May 13 from 1-2:30pm ET

Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) Webinar: Thursday, May 16 from 3:30-5pm ET

Keep an eye out for NCBA CLUSA updates with additional details and links to register for these upcoming webinars.

Authorized through the Farm Bill, the RCDG program provides grants up to $200,000 to Co-op Development Centers established through nonprofits or institutions of higher education. Centers act as a catalyst to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping individuals and businesses start, expand, or improve rural cooperatives. A development center can be located in any area, but the individuals and businesses assisted must be located in an eligible rural area.

The current Farm Bill reauthorization deadline is set for September 30 of this year. The Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act(H.R. 6661), introduced by Representatives Yadira Caraveo (D-CO-08) and David Valadao (R-CA-22), would build on the successes of the RCDG program by reauthorizing the program and making key improvements to maximize federal dollars while increasing capacity for rural technical assistance providers. 

NCBA CLUSA encourages your organization to support the Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act (H.R. 6661) by filling out this endorsement form.  

The SDGG program awards grants up to $175,000 to Cooperatives and Co-op Development Centers, providing technical assistance to socially disadvantaged groups in rural areas through activities such as conducting feasibility studies, developing business plans, providing leadership and operational improvement training, and facilitating strategic planning. 

For more information on uses and applicant eligibility visit the federal register notice for RCDGand SDGG. Interested applicants can access the application via grants.gov for both RCDGand SDGG. Any additional questions can be answered by contacting your nearest Rural Development office.

If you are interested in learning more about NCBA CLUSA's Advocacy work, please email [email protected].   

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