We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.
This grant program is designed to provide affordable funding options for the development of essential community facilities in rural areas. The program broadly aims to support facilities that deliver crucial services to local communities and contribute towards their orderly development, strictly within rural contexts where commercial or private business undertakings are not considered. Eligible areas for this program are rural communities, including cities, villages, townships, and towns on Federally Recognized Tribal Lands, with a population cap of 20,000 residents according to the latest U.S. Census Data.
The funds can be utilized to purchase, construct, or improve various essential community facilities, buy equipment, and cover related expenses. The program highlights a wide range of facility types that qualify for funding, including healthcare facilities, public safety services, educational services, community support services, public facilities, utility services, and local food systems.
The grant approval process considers the population size and median household income of the community, providing a graduated scale of grant assistance. Smaller communities with the lowest median household income may receive a higher proportion of grant funds, with specific eligibility criteria outlined based on community population and median household income levels. The grant assistance percentage varies, with a maximum of 75 percent for the smallest and lowest income areas and tiers down to a maximum of 15 percent for other eligible scenarios. This structure ensures that the most financially needy rural areas can access a greater level of support for developing essential community facilities.