USDA Seeks Applications to Strengthen Rural Cooperatives and Improve Economic Conditions in Montana's Rural Areas

BOZEMAN – USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced June 11that the Department is accepting applications for grants to help start, expand, or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses in rural America.

USDA is making $5.8 million in grants available under the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program to help improve economic conditions in rural areas through cooperative development.

Nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for the available funds to provide technical and cooperative development assistance to individuals and rural businesses.

For FY 2021, the maximum award is $200,000. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis through a national competition.

Electronic applications must be submitted through grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (9:59 p.m. Mountain Time) on August 10, 2021.

Interested applicants in Montana are encouraged to contact the USDA Rural Development State Office in Bozeman well in advance of the application deadline to discuss their project and ask any questions about the RCDG program or the application process. Contact information can be found at https://www.rd.usda.gov/contactpage/montana-contacts.

Success stories showcasing how past grant recipients have used RCDG funds to improve Montana's rural communities may be accessed through the following links: 

Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC) 

Mission West Community Development Partners

Additional information on the required materials and how to apply for the RCDG program are available on page 31266 of the June 11, 2021, Federal Register.