Funding Opportunities
Rural Infrastructure
Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP)
USDA Rural Development program intends 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
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. Webinar for Lenders and Webinar for Businesses and Producers. Application Deadline: September 15, 2021, or until funds are expended.
FCC 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
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements (REAP)
USDA Rural Development provides funds to support agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Application Deadline: Open
FY 2020 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
The Economic Development Administration is providing resources to economically distressed communities and regions to help finance construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects. Application Deadline: Ongoing
Quick Links to COVID-19 Resources Related to Rural Infrastructure:
- COVID-19 Rural Telehealth Factsheet
- Federal Communications Commission COVID-19 Telehealth Program
- Department of Transportation Coronavirus COVID-19 Response
- National Institute of Standards and Technology COVID-19 Resources
Economic Development
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
Delta Health Care Service Grant Program
USDA Rural Development grant funds for the development of health care services, health education programs, health care job training programs, or the development and expansion of public health-related facilities in the Delta Region. Application Deadline: August 24, 2020
Centers of Community Prosperity
USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement offers funding to leverage partnering entities to assist persistent poverty communities with socially disadvantaged and/or veteran farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers to improve, restore and maintain natural resources and growth in their communities focusing on fostering hope, opportunity, asset building and wealth creation. Application Deadline: August 24, 2020
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers
USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement offers grants to support socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers through education, training, farming demonstrations, and conferences on farming and agri-business, and by increasing access to USDA’s programs and services. Application Deadline: August 26, 2020
Youth Engagement, Education, and Employment
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is accepting proposals from non-profit, state, and local government youth and veteran serving organizations with the interest and capacity to work cooperatively with the USFWS to develop introductory educational experiences in natural resource careers to young people and veterans in underserved communities that traditionally have low participation in outdoor recreation activities through hands-on experience and mentoring. Application Deadline: September 15, 2020
Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants
The Environmental Protection Agency offers workforce grants and encourages applicants to develop their brownfield cleanup curricula to be based on local labor market assessments and employers’ hiring needs while delivering comprehensive training that results in graduates securing multiple certifications to enter the workforce. Application Deadline: September 22, 2020
