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Eligible: Agriculture, Nonprofits, Utilities

Apply by Jun 30, 2025

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Active

$0 - $300,000

Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant

From US Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Rural Business Cooperative Service

The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant programs provide funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The ultimate recipients repay the lending utility directly. The utility then is responsible for repayment to USDA.

  • Overview

    • Type

      Grant, Loan

    • Title

      Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant

    • Source

      US Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Rural Business Cooperative Service

    • Federal or State

      Federal

    • Number of Awards

      40

    • Award Range

      $0 - $300,000

    • Cost Share

      Yes

    • Status

      Active

  • Eligibility

    • Audience

      Agriculture, Nonprofits, Utilities

    • Sector

      Agriculture, Energy Infrastructure, Environmental Justice, Forestry & Land Management, Renewable Energy, Resilience, Rural

    • Activity

      Capacity Building, Financial Assistance, Other, Project Finance

    • Eligibility

      To receive funding (which will be forwarded to selected eligible projects), an entity must be: A former Rural Utilities Service borrower who borrowed, repaid or pre-paid an insured, direct or guaranteed loan. Nonprofit utilities that are eligible to receive assistance from the Rural Development Electric or Telecommunication Programs. Current Rural Development Electric or Telecommunication Programs borrowers.

    • Location

      National

  • Application Process

    • Application Link

      grants.gov

    • Requirements

      USDA provides grants to local utility organizations which use the funding to establish Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs). Loans are made from the revolving loan funds to projects that will create or retain rural jobs. When the revolving loan fund is terminated, the grant is repaid to USDA.

    • Disbursement Method

      Upfront Payment

  • Important Dates

    • Application Open Date

      Aug 26, 2024

    • Application Close Date

      Jun 30, 2025

    • Application Close Time

      4:30 PM PST

  • Resources & Contacts

    • Contact

      Cindy Mason, Business Loan and Grant Analyst: 202-690-1433

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