Funding Opportunities

Rural Infrastructure

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program
USDA Rural Development is making grants available to help rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Application Deadline: July 13, 2020, via Grants.gov

Business and Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program
USDA is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA B&I CARES Act Program provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Application Deadline: September 15, 2021, or until funds are expended

Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements (Rural Energy for America Program)
The REAP program will provide funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Application Deadline: Open

Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
The Federal Communications Commission is providing funding to bring high-speed, fixed broadband service to rural homes and small businesses that lack access. Application Deadline: October 22, 2020

Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
USDA Rural Development is making funding available to build, expand and improve essential community facilities, which includes qualified equipment. Guidebook. Application Deadline: Ongoing

Quick Links to COVID-19 Resources Related to Rural Infrastructure:

Economic Development

Capacity Building Developmental & Capacity Building Grant
This U.S. Department of Labor grant is intended to develop and conduct training and educational programs for small businesses on occupational safety. Application Deadline: July 20, 2020

Mobility on Demand Projects
Community Transportation Association of America is providing competitive grants to weave together inclusive transportation planning, development and implementation with grassroots-driven mobility on demand solutions. Application Deadline: July 31, 2020

Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant Program
USDA Rural Development is making $3 million in grants available to help socially disadvantaged groups develop business and strategic plans in rural areas. Application Deadline: August 10, 2020

Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP)
This USDA Rural Development program is intended to increase significantly the sale and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel by expanding the infrastructure for renewable fuels derived from U.S. agricultural products. Application Deadline: August 13, 2020

Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program
USDA Rural Development is making grants available to help start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses in rural America. Application Deadline: August 3, 2020  

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Education and Workforce Development
This USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture program is making grants available to support professional development for agricultural literacy, training for research and extension undergraduate students, fellowships for predoctoral candidates, fellowships for postdoctoral scholars, and training for the agricultural workforce. Application Deadline: September 25, 2020

FY 2020 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
The Economic Development Administration is providing economically distressed communities and regions with comprehensive and flexible resources to address a wide variety of economic needs, including construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance and revolving loan fund projects. Application Deadline: Ongoing

Quick Links to COVID-19 Resources to Support Rural Economic Development: