Release No. 0177.14 Contact: Weldon Freeman (202) 690-1384

USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Increase Economic Opportunity
and Improve the Quality of Life in Rural Areas

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today
announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants that will be awarded
to organizations to provide critical financial and technical assistance to
recipients to develop and strengthen their capacity to carry out housing,
community facilities and community and economic development projects.

"Many rural nonprofits often need capital and technical assistance to
carry out their missions," Vilsack said. "These grants will provide
both of these components through local and regional organizations that are
experts at delivering such services."

USDA is making nearly $6 million available to qualified organizations
under the Rural Community Development
Initiative (RCDI).

Recipients must be non-profit organizations, low-income rural communities,
or federally recognized tribes. Intermediary organizations are required to
provide matching funds at least equal to the RCDI grant. The grants do not go
directly to business recipients but rather through qualified intermediaries.

The deadline for submitting RCDI applications is November 12, 2014.
Applications must be submitted to the USDA Rural Development state office
where the applicant's headquarters are located. More information about the
program and how to apply is available on page 47427 of the August 13, 2014 Federal
Register.

Here is an example of how the RCDI program is helping rural communities.
The Western Maine Community Action Program (WMCAP) has received several RCDI
grants in recent years to help low-and very-low-income seniors maintain their
independence and remain in their homes through the Keeping Seniors Home
Program. Started in 2004, this program has served nearly 3,000 low-income
senior homeowners in Maine. WMCAP is also working on a regional job creation
plan to train energy auditors, private contractors, and other community
partners to provide additional support services to Maine's elderly rural
citizens.

President Obama's historic investments in rural America have made our
rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in
housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered
rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy,
small towns and rural communities.

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the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400
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