Funding Opportunities for Infrastructure 

USDA Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development program to support new investments in infrastructure for food aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution to increase capacity and create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain. Fact Sheet | Federal Register | FAQsApplication Deadline: Ongoing

Electric Infrastructure Loan & Loan Guarantee Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers loans and loan guarantees to finance the construction of electric distribution, transmission, and generation facilities, including system improvements and replacement required to furnish and improve electric service in rural areas, as well as demand side management, energy conservation programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems. Check with a General Field Representative to determine whether the proposed service area qualifies. Application Deadline: Open

Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA Rural Development provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Application Deadline: Open

Photo of processing facility from Gullahs FarmersRural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants and Guaranteed Loans
U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA Rural Development provides funding for agriculture producers and rural small businesses to purchase, install and construct renewable energy systems or complete energy efficiency improvements. Contact your local State Energy Coordinator for assistance. Federal Register. Funding includes $250 million provided by the Inflation Reduction ActApplication Deadlines: Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance 1/31/2023, Grants 3/31/2023 and Loan Guarantees are accepted year-round

The Meat and Poultry Expansion Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides grants to help eligible processors expand their capacity and to encourage competition and sustainable growth to help improve supply chain resiliency. Application Deadline: Stay tuned, Prepare Now!

Funding Opportunities Supporting Domestic Agricultural Markets, including Local and Regional Food Systems

USDA FNS Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative
U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) designed this program to improve the quality of school meals by strengthening access to nutritious food products. Application Deadline: 2/1/2023 

Rural Business Development Grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development program designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses that have fewer than 50 new workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue. Uses include project planning/feasibility study, business incubators, land acquisition, leadership and entrepreneur training. Federal Register. Contact your state to learn about local application timelines, concept paper requirements, etc. Application Deadline: 2/28/2023

Agriculture Innovation Center (AIC) Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA
 Rural Development offer this program to establish and operate Agriculture Innovation Centers that provide technical and business development assistance to Agricultural Producers seeking to engage in developing and marketing of Value-Added Agricultural Products. Federal RegisterApplication Deadline: 3/6/2023

TEFAP Reach and Resiliency 2023 Round 2
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service offers this program to reach into remote, rural, Tribal, and/or low-income areas that are underserved by current program operations by providing TEFAP state agencies with another opportunity to work with currently participating organizations and/or new partner organizations, to reach underserved populations. Applications Due: 3/6/2023

USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development supports zero-interest loans and grants for current and former eligible Rural Utilities Service borrowers who then use the funds to help local businesses finance projects that create/retain jobs or support community facility projects. Stakeholder AnnouncementFederal RegisterApplication Deadline: To your RD State Office by 3/31/23 and 6/30/23

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development loans and grants support Microenterprise Development Organization to establish revolving loan funds. Application Deadline: To your RD State Office by 3/31/23 and 6/30/23

Intermediary Relending Program

U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides funds to local lenders or “intermediaries” that re-lend to businesses to improve economic conditions and create new opportunities in rural communities. Stakeholder AnnouncementApplication Deadline: To your RD State Office by 3/31/23 and 6/30/23

RBDG - Technical Assistance for Rural Transportation Systems
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development program to provide rural communities with training and technical assistance to improve passenger transportation services and facilities. Contact your nearest USDA office for more information. Application Deadline: 4/19/2023