Stronger Together

Federal funding and planning strategies designed to promote

sustainable economic development in rural America

Presented by:

U.S. Department of Agriculture: Rural Development 

U.S. Department of Commerce: Economic Development Administration
2

Joint Planning Resource Guide

Strategic economic development revitalizes communities. Approached holistically, it attracts investments, builds wealth, and promotes sustainability. 

As a foundational first step, planning is crucial to successful economic development. It encourages us to leverage resources, build partnerships, 

advance the principles of equity, and strengthen systems to address global threats like climate change. By sequencing – or “stacking” – funding 

opportunities, you can effectively meet your community’s economic development goals. There is a wide range of federal resources available to help you 

identify complementary programs, but it can be daunting to know where to begin. Together, the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development 

Administration (EDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) are pleased to offer this joint planning resource guide, 

designed to help you eliminate barriers and encourage collaboration among your stakeholders. 

The guide is separated into four key focus areas:

• Planning and Technical Assistance 

• Infrastructure and Broadband Expansion 

• Entrepreneurship and Business Assistance

• Workforce Development and Livability

Additional program information is available at USDA RD (https://www.rd.usda.gov) and EDA (https://www.eda.gov). Use this guide as a 

launch point to begin discussions with USDA RD and EDA specialists. We stand ready to be your collaborative partner in prosperity, because 

Together, America Prospers.
3

Complementary Programs by Investment Focus Area* *Visible links to each program below are available in Appendix A, beginning on page 28. 

Program EDA USDA RD

Planning and 

Technical Assistance

• Planning Program

• Local Technical Assistance

• Economic Adjustment Assistance

• Research and National Technical 

Assistance

• Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC)

• Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training (CF-TAT) Grant

• Rural Cooperative Development Initiative (RCDI) Grant

• Solid Waste Management Grants 

• Rural Cooperative Development Grants

Infrastructure and 

Broadband Expansion

• Economic Adjustment Assistance

• Public Works

• Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program

• Community Facilities (CF) Direct Loans, Grants, Loan Guarantees

• Electric Infrastructure Loans and Grants

• Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants

• Telecom Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees

• Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grants

• Broadband ReConnect Program

• Community Connect Program

• Business and Industry Loan Guarantees

Entrepreneurship and 

Business Assistance

• Economic Adjustment Assistance

• Public Works

• Build to Scale

• Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program

• Rural Energy for America Guaranteed Loans and Grants Program (REAP)

• Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)

• Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance

• Value Added Producer Grants 

• Business and Industry Loan Guarantees

• Intermediary Relending Program

• The Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Program

Workforce Development 

and Livability

• Economic Adjustment Assistance

• Public Works

• STEM Talent Challenge

• Rural Cooperative Development Initiative (RCDI) Grants

• Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)

• Intermediary Relending Program

• The Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Program

• Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)

• Multifamily Housing Loan Guarantees

• Delta Health Care Services Grant below the Multifamily Housing Loan Guarantee

For information on other EDA programs and funding opportunities, including EDA’s $3 billion American Rescue Plan Act programs, visit www.eda.gov.

For information on other USDA RD programs and funding opportunities, including our Pandemic Resources, please visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/.
4

A note about USDA rural area eligibility criteria:

By law, the definition of “eligible rural area” differs for each USDA Rural Development program, and the statutory rural area eligibility criteria can be 

complex. Additionally, statues can include exceptions for specific communities based on regional circumstances. Please use Rural Development’s 

Eligibility Tool (available at this link: https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov) to help determine if your project is in an eligible rural area and you are otherwise 

eligible to apply. 

 Investment Focus: Planning and Technical Assistance

EDA Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Planning 

Program

Two components: 

1. Partnership Planning

supports regional planning 

through Comprehensive 

Economic Development 

Strategies (CEDS)

2. Short-term Planning

encourages high-quality 

jobs and motivates private 

investment.

https://go.usa.gov/xeR6Z

• Grants Partnership Planning:

• EDA-designated Economic 

Development District 

Organizations (EDDs)

• Federally-recognized Tribes

Short-Term Planning: 

• EDA-designated Economic 

Development District 

Organizations (EDDs)

• Federally-recognized Tribes 

• State and local governments

• Institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit organizations

Applications are accepted 

on an ongoing basis. 

EDA strongly suggests 

reaching out to your state 

Economic Development 

Representative before 

submitting (see contacts).

You will find your EDA 

state representative 

at this link: 

www.eda.gov/contact

EDA Local 

Technical 

Assistance

Supports EDA-designated 

University Center and 

regionally-focused projects that 

help communities analyze the 

feasibility of potential economic 

development projects.

https://go.usa.gov/xeR68

• Grants • EDA-designated Economic 

Development District 

Organizations (EDDs)

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• State and local governments 

• Institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit organizations

Applications are accepted 

on an ongoing basis. 

EDA strongly suggests 

reaching out to your state 

Economic Development 

Representative before 

submitting (see contacts).

You will find your EDA 

state representative 

at this link: 

www.eda.gov/contact
5 Investment Focus: Planning and Technical Assistance

EDA Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

EDA 

Economic 

Adjustment 

Assistance

Supports a range of economic 

development activities 

including: 

• market and 

environmental studies

• planning

• construction

• revolving loan funds capital

• natural disaster recovery

https://go.usa.gov/xeR6X

• Grants • EDA-designated Economic 

Development District 

Organizations (EDDs)

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• State and local governments 

• Institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit organizations

Applications are accepted 

on an ongoing basis. 

EDA strongly suggests 

reaching out to your state 

Economic Development 

Representative before 

submitting (see contacts).

You will find your EDA 

state representative 

at this link: 

www.eda.gov/contact

EDA 

Research 

and 

National 

Technical 

Assistance 

(RNTA)

Funds national projects 

to support best practices 

among communities working 

to advance innovation, 

competitiveness and related 

economic development goals.

https://eda.gov/programs/rnta/

• Grants

• Cooperative 

Agreements

• Technical 

assistance

• EDA-designated Economic 

Development District 

Organizations (EDDs)

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• State and local governments 

• Institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit organizations

• Private individuals and 

for-profit organizations 

Applications are accepted 

on an ongoing basis 

through a two-step 

process:

1. Concept Proposal

2. Full Application

Contact the EDA 

RNTA program 

office by emailing 

RNTA@eda.gov
6 Investment Focus: Planning and Technical Assistance

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

USDA 

RD Rural 

Placemaking 

Innovation 

Challenge 

(RPIC) 

RPIC helps rural communities 

create plans to build broadband 

capacity and access, preserve 

cultural and historic structures, 

and support the development 

of transportation, housing, and 

recreational spaces. With RPIC, 

placemaking is defined as “a 

collaborative process among 

public, private, philanthropic 

and community partners to 

strategically improve the social, 

cultural, and economic structure 

of a community.” 

https://go.usa.gov/xenP6

• Cooperative 

Agreements

• Federally-recognized 

Tribes and Tribal 

organizations

• Institutions of higher 

education, including 

1862, 1890, and 1994 

Land-grant and Hispanicserving institutions, and 

Historically Black Colleges 

and Universities

• Nonprofit organizations 

with 501(c)(3) IRS status

• Public bodies or small, 

private entities that meet 

size standards established 

by the U.S. Small 

Business Administration 

Applications are 

accepted after funding 

is announced through 

a Notice of Funding 

Availability (NOFA) in 

the Federal Register. 

Please refer to 

www.grants.gov.

Email the USDA RD 

Innovation Center at 

RD.RPIC@usda.gov

Community 

Facilities

Technical 

Assistance 

and Training 

(CF-TAT) 

Grants

CF-TAT grants help awardees 

identify and plan for community 

facility needs in their area. Once 

needs have been identified, the 

grantee can then work to find 

additional public and private 

resources to meet those es 

needs. The maximum grant 

award is $150,000.

https://go.usa.gov/xenmJ

• Grants • Public entities

• Private, nonprofit 

organizations

• Federally-recognized 

Tribes

Eligible areas include rural 

cities, towns, villages, 

and townships, along 

with federally-recognized 

Tribal lands outside the 

boundaries of cities with 

populations of 20,000 

or more. 

Application guidelines 

are announced annually 

through a Notice of 

Funding Availability 

(NOFA) or Notice 

of Solicitation of 

Applications (NOSA) in 

the Federal Register. 

Please refer to 

www.grants.gov.

Applications are accepted 

through the USDA 

RD state office where 

your project is located. 

You will find a list of 

state office-based CF 

contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xeny2. 
7 Investment Focus: Planning and Technical Assistance

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Rural 

Community 

Development 

Initiative 

Grants (RCDI) 

RCDI grants support housing, 

community facilities, and 

community and economic 

development projects in 

rural areas through technical 

assistance and training. 

Fund uses include training 

subgrantees to conduct homeownership and minority business 

entrepreneur education, strategic 

plan development, accessing 

alternative funding sources, board 

training, and creating training 

tools such as videos, workbooks 

and reference guides. Grants 

range from $50,000 - $250,000. A 

match equal to the grant award is 

required, and must not come from 

in-kind contributions. 

https://go.usa.gov/xenV5

• Grants • Public bodies

• Nonprofit organizations

• Qualified private, 

for-profit organizations 

Application guidelines 

are announced annually 

through a Notice of 

Funding Availability 

(NOFA) or Notice 

of Solicitation of 

Applications (NOSA) in 

the Federal Register. 

Please refer to 

www.grants.gov/.

Applications are accepted 

through the USDA 

RD state office where 

your project is located. 

You will find a list of 

state office-based CF 

contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xeny2.

Solid Waste 

Management 

Grants

SWMGs reduce or eliminate 

the pollution of water resources 

by helping organizations that 

provide technical assistance or 

training improve the planning and 

management of solid waste sites.

https://go.usa.gov/xenVw

• Grants • Public bodies

• Nonprofit organizations

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• Academic institutions

Eligible areas include 

rural areas and towns 

with populations of 

10,000 or fewer. To 

check your eligibility, visit 

https://go.usa.gov/xMwaC.

The application period 

is open annually from 

October 1 – December 

31. Applications must 

be submitted using 

www.grants.gov/. 

Contact the national office 

Solid Waste Management 

Grant Program manager 

at Water-RD@usda.gov
8 Investment Focus: Planning and Technical Assistance

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Rural 

Cooperative 

Development 

Grants

RCDI grants improve economic 

conditions in rural areas by 

helping people start, expand 

or improve rural cooperatives 

and other mutually-owned 

businesses through Cooperative 

Development Centers. Examples 

of fund usage include undertaking 

feasibility studies, providing 

leadership and operational 

improvement training, and 

facilitating strategic planning. A 

center can be located anywhere, 

but the people and businesses 

being helped must be located in 

eligible rural areas.

https://go.usa.gov/xenpr

• Grants • Nonprofit corporations

• Institutions of 

higher education 

Public bodies, for-profit 

business and individuals 

are not eligible to apply.

These highlycompetitive grants are 

awarded through a 

national competition. 

Each fiscal year, 

applications are 

requested through 

a notice published 

in the Federal 

Register and an 

announcement posted 

on www.grants.gov.

Applications are accepted 

through the USDA RD 

state office where your 

project is located. You 

will find a list of RD state 

office contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2
9

 Investment Focus: Infrastructure and Broadband Expansion

EDA Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Economic 

Adjustment 

Assistance

Supports a range of economic 

development activities including: 

• market and 

environmental studies

• planning 

• construction 

• revolving loan funds capital

• natural disaster recovery

https://go.usa.gov/xende

• Grants • EDA-designated Economic 

Development District 

Organizations (EDDs)

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• State and local governments 

• Institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit organizations

Applications are 

accepted on an 

ongoing basis. 

EDA strongly 

suggests reaching 

out to your 

state Economic 

Development 

Representative 

before submitting 

(see contacts).

You will find your EDA state 

representative at this link: 

www.eda.gov/contact

Public Works Helps communities revitalize, 

expand, and upgrade their 

physical infrastructure.

https://go.usa.gov/xenvY

• Grants • EDA-designated Economic 

Development District 

Organizations (EDDs)

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• State and local governments 

• Institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit organizations

Applications are 

accepted on an 

ongoing basis. 

EDA strongly 

suggests reaching 

out to your 

state Economic 

Development 

Representative 

before submitting 

(see contacts).

You will find your EDA state 

representative at this link: 

www.eda.gov/contact
10 Investment Focus: Infrastructure and Broadband Expansion

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Rural Economic 

Development Loans 

(REDL) and Grants 

(REDG)

REDLGs offer zero-interest 

loans to qualified local 

utilities. In turn, the utilities 

pass the loans through to 

local businesses for use 

in projects that create and 

keep employment in rural 

areas. In the REDG program, 

local utilities use grants 

to establish revolving loan 

funds to support projects 

that create or save rural 

jobs. Intermediaries can use 

funds to lend for projects 

in rural areas or towns 

with populations of fewer 

than 50,000.

https://go.usa.gov/xenta

• Loans

• Grants

• Former Rural Utilities Service

borrowers who prepaid or

repaid an insured, direct or

guaranteed loan

• Nonprofit utilities eligible

to receive assistance from

Rural Development Electric or

Telecommunication Programs

Applications are 

accepted on an 

ongoing basis. 

Applications are accepted 

through the USDA RD 

state office where your 

project is located. You 

will find a list of RD state 

office contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2

Community 

Facilities (CF) Direct 

Loan and Grant 

Program and Loan 

Guarantees

CF funds can help offset 

the cost of constructing, 

expanding, or improving 

public service buildings. 

Examples include fire and 

first responder stations, 

health care clinics, hospitals, 

child care centers, assisted 

living and rehabilitation 

centers, schools, and 

libraries, among others. 

Financing also can cover the 

cost of land acquisition. A 

typical grant award ranges 

between 15 – 75 percent 

of eligible project costs. For 

loans, a project must be able 

to show cashflow and debt 

repayment ability.

https://go.usa.gov/xenzC

• Loans

• Grants

• Loan

Guarantees

• Combination

Loans and

Grants

• Public bodies

• Community-based nonprofit

corporations

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• Rural cities, towns, villages,

and townships, along with

federally- recognized Tribal

lands with no more than

20,000 residents according

to the latest U.S. Census

Data (link available here:

http://www.census.gov/)

• The CF Loan Guarantee

Program supports rural areas

with populations of 50,000

or fewer.

Applications are 

accepted on an 

ongoing basis. 

Applications are accepted 

through the USDA RD 

state office where your 

project is located. You 

will find a list of RD state 

office contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2

For Loan Guarantees, 

please also visit: https://

go.usa.gov/xentW
11 Investment Focus: Infrastructure and Broadband Expansion

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Electric Infrastructure 

Loans and Loan 

Guarantees

This program finances the 

construction of electric 

distribution, transmission, 

and generation facilities, 

including system upgrades 

necessary to provide and 

improve rural electric service. 

It also supports demandside management, energy 

conservation programs, and 

on- and off-grid renewable 

energy systems. 

https://go.usa.gov/xenuT

• Loans 

• Loan 

Guarantees

Electric distribution, generation, 

and transmission providers 

serving qualified rural areas, 

such as:

• State and local 

government entities

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• Nonprofits, including 

cooperatives and 

limited dividend or 

mutual associations

• For-profit businesses 

(must be a corporation or 

limited liability company)

Applications 

are accepted 

year-round 

through statebased Electric 

General Field 

Representatives. 

You will find a 

GFR map and 

list at this link: 

https://go.usa.

gov/xenuH. 

Contact the Electric 

GFR representing the 

state in which your 

project is located: 

https://go.usa.gov/xenuH.

Water and Waste 

Disposal Loan and 

Grant Program 

WEP loans and grants 

provide funding for clean, 

reliable drinking water 

systems, wastewater and 

solid waste treatment 

systems, and storm water 

drainage systems to homes 

and businesses in eligible 

rural areas with populations 

of 10,000 or fewer. 

https://go.usa.gov/xenJG

Information about grants for 

Rural and Native Alaskan 

Villages is available at this 

link: https://go.usa.gov/xenJH 

• Loans

• Grants

• Loan 

Guarantees

• Combination 

Loans and 

Grants

• Most state and local 

government entities

• Private, nonprofit 

organizations 

• Federally-recognized Tribes 

An eligibility map is available 

at this link:

https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.

gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do 

Applications 

are accepted 

on an ongoing 

basis through 

the USDA RD 

state or area 

office where 

your project is 

located.

You will find a list 

of RD state office 

contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2.

For Loan Guarantees, 

please also visit: 

https://go.usa.gov/xentW.
12 Investment Focus: Infrastructure and Broadband Expansion

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Telecommunications 

Infrastructure 

Loan and Loan 

Guarantees

This program provides 

funding for direct loans 

and loan guarantees to 

construct, maintain, improve, 

and expand telephone 

and broadband services in 

rural areas. 

https://go.usa.gov/xenSD

• Loans

• Loan 

Guarantees

Most entities that provide 

telecommunications in qualified 

rural area, such as:

• State and local governments

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• Nonprofits, including 

cooperatives and limited 

dividend or mutual 

associations. 

• For-profit businesses (must be 

a corporation or limited liability 

company). 

Eligible areas include rural areas 

and towns with populations of 

5,000 or fewer, areas without 

telecommunications facilities 

or where the applicant is the 

recognized telecommunications 

provider.

Applications are 

accepted yearround in the 

national office. 

Contact the 

Telecommunications 

General Field 

Representative (GFR) 

assigned to the 

state in which your 

project is located: 

https://go.usa.gov/xenSy

Distance Learning 

and Telemedicine 

Grants

DLT grants help rural 

communities connect to 

each other and the world, 

overcoming the negative 

effects of remoteness and 

low population density. 

Grant funds can be used to 

acquire facilities, interactive 

audio-visual equipment, 

computer hardware, network 

components and related 

infrastructure. Funds also 

can be used for technical 

assistance and training 

on eligible equipment. A 

minimum 15 percent match 

(not from another federal 

source) is required.

https://go.usa.gov/xenhm

• Grants Eligible applicants include most 

entities that provide education 

or health care through 

telecommunications, along with: 

• Most state and local 

government entities

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• Nonprofits 

• For-profit businesses

Grants are 

awarded through 

a national 

competition. 

Each fiscal year, 

applications 

are requested 

through a notice 

published in 

the Federal 

Register and on 

www.grants.gov. 

Contact the 

Telecommunications 

GFR assigned to the 

state in which your 

project is located: 

https://go.usa.gov/xenSy

Or, email: 

dltinfo@usda.gov
13 Investment Focus: Infrastructure and Broadband Expansion

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Broadband 

ReConnect Program 

ReConnect helps fund the 

construction, acquisition, 

or improvement of facilities 

and equipment necessary to 

provide high-speed, fixedterrestrial broadband service 

to eligible rural areas. 

https://www.usda.gov/

reconnect

• Loans

• Grants

• Combination 

Loans and 

Grants 

The types of funding and 

award amounts are determined 

by the most recent Funding 

Opportunity Announcement 

(FOA). For all funding 

categories, applicants must 

propose to build a network 

capable of providing service to 

all premises in the proposed 

funded service area at predefined speeds.

The ReConnect 

funding cycle 

varies, and 

the application 

window for 

the funding is 

posted in the 

Federal Register. 

Contact the 

Telecommunications 

GFR assigned to the 

state in which your 

project is located: 

https://go.usa.gov/xenSy

Community Connect 

Grants

This program helps rural 

communities extend 

broadband access where 

service is least likely to be 

commercially available. 

Community Connect grants 

are for rural areas that lack 

existing broadband speeds 

of at least 10 megabits per 

second (Mbps) downstream 

and 1 Mbps upstream. A 15 

percent match from nonfederal sources is required. 

https://go.usa.gov/xeQUR

• Grants • Nonprofit organizations

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• State and local governments

• Cooperatives

• For-profit corporations 

• Limited liability companies

Grants are 

awarded through 

a national 

competition. 

Applications 

are requested 

periodically 

through a notice 

published in 

the Federal 

Register and on 

www.grants.gov.

Contact the 

Telecommunications 

GFR assigned to the 

state in which your 

project is located: 

https://go.usa.gov/xenSy

Or, email: 

community.connect@ 

usda.gov
14 Investment Focus: Infrastructure and Broadband Expansion

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Business and 

Industry Loan 

Guarantees

This program provides 

loan guarantees to lenders 

to finance eligible rural 

businesses located in 

areas outside cities with 

populations greater than 

50,000. Examples of eligible 

uses include business 

conversion, expansion, 

repair and modernization; the 

purchase and development of 

land, buildings and associated 

infrastructure for commercial 

or industrial properties, and 

the purchase and installation 

of machinery and equipment, 

supplies and inventory.

https://go.usa.gov/xeQw3

• Loan 

Guarantees

• For- or nonprofit businesses

• Cooperatives

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• Public bodies

• Individuals engaged – 

or proposing to engage – in a 

business 

NOTE: A borrower’s 

headquarters can be based in a 

larger city as long as the project 

itself is located in an eligible 

rural area. Lenders can be 

located anywhere in the United 

States. 

Applicants 

work directly 

with approved 

lenders, and 

lender-generated 

applications are 

accepted in the 

state office where 

the rural business 

is located. 

Contact the state 

office where the 

project is located: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2.

You also can check 

eligible addresses 

for RD Business 

programs at this link: 

https://eligibility.sc.egov.

usda.gov/eligibility/

welcomeAction.

do?pageAction=ONERD
15

 Investment Focus: Entrepreneurship and Business Assistance

EDA Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Economic 

Adjustment 

Assistance

Supports a range of economic 

development activities including: 

• market and environmental studies

• planning 

• construction 

• revolving loan funds capital

• natural disaster recovery

https://go.usa.gov/xeQPG

• Grants • EDA-designated Economic 

Development District 

Organizations (EDDs)

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• State and local governments 

• Institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit organizations

Applications are 

accepted on an 

ongoing basis.

EDA strongly suggests 

reaching out to your 

state Economic 

Development 

Representative 

before submitting 

(see contacts).

You will find your EDA 

state representative at this 

link: www.eda.gov/contact

Public Works Helps communities revitalize, 

expand, and upgrade their 

physical infrastructure.

https://go.usa.gov/xeQER

• Grants • EDA-designated Economic 

Development District 

Organizations (EDDs)

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• State and local governments 

• Institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit organizations

Applications are 

accepted on an 

ongoing basis. 

EDA strongly suggests 

reaching out to your 

state Economic 

Development 

Representative 

before submitting 

(see contacts).

You will find your EDA 

state representative at this 

link: www.eda.gov/contact
16 Investment Focus: Entrepreneurship and Business Assistance

EDA Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Build to Scale Three components:

1. Venture Challenge: Builds 

regional economies by awarding 

grants to eligible intermediary 

organizations supporting 

scalable new business ventures.

2. Capital Challenge: Provides 

operational support to form, 

launch, or scale investment 

funds for startup organizations.

3. Industry Challenge: Supports 

organizations within a designated 

industry that commercialize 

technology; improve industry 

competitiveness, connectivity, 

and collaboration; and create 

jobs (offered periodically).

https://eda.gov/oie/buildtoscale/

• Grants • State and local governments

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• Entities supported by a 

state or political subdivision 

of a state AND are among 

the following:

– a nonprofit organization

– an institution of higher 

education

– a public-private partnership 

– a science or research park

– a federal laboratory

– a venture or economic 

development organizations

– a consortium of any of 

the above

This is an annual 

competition. 

Program deadlines 

are available 

at this link: 

www.eda.gov/oie

Information is available at 

this link: www.eda.gov/oie

Or, email EDA’s Office 

of Innovation and 

Entrepreneurship: 

oie@eda.gov
17 Investment Focus: Entrepreneurship and Business Assistance

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Rural 

Economic 

Development 

Loans (REDL) 

and Grants 

(REDG)

REDLGs offer zero-interest loans 

to qualified local utilities. In turn, 

the utilities pass the loans through 

to local businesses for use in 

projects that create and keep 

employment in rural areas. In 

the REDG program, local utilities 

use grants to establish revolving 

loan funds to support projects 

that create or save rural jobs. 

Intermediaries can use funds to 

lend for projects in rural areas or 

towns with populations of fewer 

than 50,000.

https://go.usa.gov/xenta

• Loans

• Grants

• Former Rural Utilities 

Service borrowers 

who prepaid or repaid 

an insured, direct or 

guaranteed loan

• Nonprofit utilities 

eligible to receive 

assistance from Rural 

Development Electric 

or Telecommunication 

Programs

Applications are 

accepted on an 

ongoing basis. 

Applications are accepted 

through the USDA RD 

state office where your 

project is located. You 

will find a list of RD state 

office contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2

Rural Energy 

for America 

Guaranteed 

Loan and 

Grant Program 

(REAP)

REAP provides guaranteed loans 

and grants to qualified agricultural 

producers and rural small 

businesses for renewable energy 

systems and energy efficiency 

improvement projects. Agricultural 

producers also can apply for new 

energy efficient equipment and 

new system loans for agricultural 

production and processing. 

https://go.usa.gov/xeQVd

• Grants

• Loan 

Guarantees

Grants: Agricultural 

producers with at least 

50 percent of their gross 

income coming from 

agricultural operations, 

and small businesses in 

eligible rural areas. 

Loan guarantees: Rural 

small businesses and 

Agricultural producers.

Applications are 

accepted yearround in the RD 

state office in which 

your business 

or agricultural 

operation is 

located. Please visit 

www.grants.gov to 

learn when funding 

is available.

You will find a list of RD state 

office contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2.

For Loan Guarantees, 

please also visit: 

https://go.usa.gov/xentW.

Rural 

Business 

Development 

Grant (RBDG)

RBDGs support the development 

and expansion of rural small and 

emerging private businesses 

with fewer than 50 employees 

and less than $1 million in gross 

revenues. Funds can be used 

to acquire and develop land; for 

easements and rights-of-way, and 

for the construction, conversion, 

or renovation of buildings, among 

other things.

https://go.usa.gov/xeQpU

• Grants Rural public entities 

including: 

• Towns and communities

• State agencies

• Nonprofit corporations

• Institutions of 

higher education

• Federally-recognized 

Tribes

• Rural cooperatives 

organized as private, 

nonprofit corporations

Grants are awarded 

through a national 

competition. 

Each fiscal year, 

applications are 

requested through 

a notice published 

in the Federal 

Register and 

on www.grants.gov.

Contact the state office 

where your project is located 

to learn about application 

timelines and local 

requirements.

You will find a list of RD state 

office contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2.
18 Investment Focus: Entrepreneurship and Business Assistance

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Biorefinery, 

Renewable 

Chemical, 

and Biobased 

Product 

Manufacturing 

Assistance 

Program

This program provides loan 

guarantees up to $250 million 

to assist in the development, 

construction and retrofitting of new 

and emerging renewable energy 

technologies, including advanced 

biofuels, renewable chemicals, 

and biobased products. 

Lenders must have legal authority, 

experience and expertise, and 

demonstrate they meet the FDIC 

definition of “well capitalized” 

upon application. 

https://go.usa.gov/xeQdE

• Loan 

Guarantees

• Individuals

• Public and private 

entities

• State and 

local governments

• Corporations

• Federally-recognized 

Tribes

• Farm cooperatives 

and organizations

• Associations of 

agricultural producers

• National laboratories

• Institutions of 

higher education 

• Public power entities

Applications are 

requested each 

fiscal year through 

a notice published 

in the Federal 

Register and 

on www.grants.gov.

Email: 

EnergyPrograms@usda.gov. 

Value-Added 

Producer 

Grant Program

The VAPG helps agricultural 

producers identify and start 

value-added activities related 

to processing and marketing 

new products. Program goals 

include generating new products, 

creating and expanding marketing 

opportunities, and increasing 

producer income.

Maximum awards: 

• Planning grants: $75,000

• Working Capital grants:

$250,000

https://go.usa.gov/xeQva

• Grants • Independent producers

• Agricultural producer 

groups

• Farmer and rancher 

cooperatives

• Majority-controlled, 

producer-based 

business ventures 

Grants are awarded 

through a national 

competition. 

Each fiscal year, 

applications are 

requested through 

a notice published 

in the Federal 

Register and 

on www.grants.gov.

Contact the state office 

where your project is located 

to learn about application 

timelines and local 

requirements.

You will find a list of RD state 

office contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2.
19 Investment Focus: Entrepreneurship and Business Assistance

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Business and 

Industry Loan 

Guarantees

This program provides loan 

guarantees to lenders to finance 

eligible rural businesses located 

in areas outside cities with 

populations greater than 50,000. 

Examples of eligible uses include 

business conversion, expansion, 

repair and modernization; the 

purchase and development of 

land, buildings and associated 

infrastructure for commercial 

or industrial properties, and 

the purchase and installation 

of machinery and equipment, 

supplies and inventory.

https://go.usa.gov/xeQw3

• Loan 

Guarantees

• For- or nonprofit 

businesses

• Cooperatives

• Federally-recognized 

Tribes

• Public bodies

• Individuals engaged – 

or proposing to engage 

– in a business 

NOTE: A borrower’s 

headquarters can be based 

in a larger city as long as the 

project itself is located in an 

eligible rural area. Lenders 

can be located anywhere in 

the United States. 

You can check eligible 

addresses for Business 

Programs at this link: 

https://eligibility.sc.egov.

usda.gov/eligibility/

welcomeAction.

do?pageAction=ONERD

Applicants work 

directly with approved 

lenders, and 

lender-generated 

applications are 

accepted in the state 

office where the rural 

business is located. 

Contact the state office 

where the project is located: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2.

You also can check eligible 

addresses for RD Business 

programs at this link: 

https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.

gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.

do?pageAction=ONERD
20 Investment Focus: Entrepreneurship and Business Assistance

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Intermediary 

Relending 

Program

The IRP provides low-interest loans 

to local lenders (intermediaries) 

that re-lend to businesses (ultimate 

recipients) to improve economic 

conditions and create jobs in rural 

communities. Ultimate recipients 

can be individuals, public or private 

organizations, or other legal 

entities. Eligible areas include 

rural areas outside cities with 

populations fewer than 50,000. A 

borrower’s headquarters can be 

based in a larger city as long as 

the project itself is in an eligible 

rural area. Lenders can be located 

anywhere in the United States. 

https://go.usa.gov/xeQfc

• Loans • Nonprofit organizations 

• Cooperatives 

• Federally-recognized 

Tribes

• Public agencies

Applications are 

accepted on an 

ongoing basis. 

Contact the state office 

where your project is located 

to learn about application 

timelines and local 

requirements.

You will find a list of RD state 

office contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2.

Rural 

Innovation 

Stronger 

Economy 

(RISE) Grants

RISE grants help build business 

incubators and provide training 

to create jobs. This program 

encourages a region to leverage 

existing community assets by 

establishing and operating 

job development and training 

innovation centers. RISE also 

supports new or improved 

broadband service for use by jobs 

accelerators. These competitivelyawarded grants range from 

$500,000 - $2 million. 

https://go.usa.gov/xeQfT

• Grants RISE grant applications 

are available to rural jobs 

accelerator partnerships 

with expertise in delivering 

economic and job training 

programs. Partner 

examples include:

• Nonprofit organizations

• State entities

• Tribal entities

• Institutions of higher 

education 

• Public bodies 

Grants are awarded 

through a national 

competition. 

Each fiscal year, 

applications are 

requested through 

a notice published 

in the Federal 

Register and 

on www.grants.gov.

Contact the state office 

where your project is located 

to learn about application 

timelines and local 

requirements.

You will find a list of RD state 

office contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2.
21

 Investment Focus: Workforce Development and Livability

EDA Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Economic 

Adjustment 

Assistance

Supports a range of economic 

development activities including: 

• market and environmental 

studies

• planning 

• construction 

• revolving loan funds capital

• natural disaster recovery

https://go.usa.gov/xeQGC

• Grants • EDA-designated Economic 

Development District 

Organizations (EDDs)

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• State and local governments 

• Institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit organizations

Applications are 

accepted on an 

ongoing basis. 

EDA strongly suggests 

reaching out to your state 

Economic Development 

Representative before 

submitting (see contacts).

You will find your EDA 

state representative at this 

link: www.eda.gov/contact

Public 

Works

Helps communities revitalize, 

expand, and upgrade their 

physical infrastructure.

https://go.usa.gov/xeQG8

• Grants • EDA-designated Economic 

Development District 

Organizations (EDDs)

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• State and local governments 

• Institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit organizations

Applications are 

accepted on an 

ongoing basis. 

EDA strongly suggests 

reaching out to your state 

Economic Development 

Representative before 

submitting (see contacts).

You will find your EDA 

state representative at this 

link: www.eda.gov/contact

STEM 

Talent 

Challenge

Funds projects that use workbased learning models to 

expand regional STEM-capable 

workforce capacity and build 

the workforce of tomorrow.

https://eda.gov/oie/stem/

• Grants • State and local governments

• Federally-recognized Tribes

• Entities supported by a state or 

political subdivision of a state 

AND are among the following: 

– a nonprofit organization

– an institution of higher education

– a public-private partnership 

– a science or research park

– a federal laboratory

– a venture or economic 

development organizations

– a consortium of any of the above

This is an annual 

competition. Program 

deadlines are 

available at this link: 

www.eda.gov/oie

Information is available at 

this link: www.eda.gov/oie

Or, email EDA’s Office 

of Innovation and 

Entrepreneurship: 

oie@eda.gov
22 Investment Focus: Workforce Development and Livability

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Rural Community 

Development 

Initiative Grants 

RCDIs improve housing, 

community facilities, and 

community and economic 

development projects in rural 

areas. Funds can be used to 

train sub-grantees to conduct 

homeownership and minority 

business entrepreneur education. 

RCDIs also help sub-grantees 

with strategic plan development, 

identifying funding sources, and 

creating training tools such as 

videos, workbooks and reference 

guides. Awards range from 

$50,000 - $250,000. A match 

equal to the grant award is 

required, and must not come 

from in-kind contributions.

https://go.usa.gov/xeQ7q

• Grants • Public bodies

• Nonprofit organizations

• Qualified private, 

for-profit organizations

Application 

guidelines are 

announced annually 

through a Notice of 

Funding Availability 

(NOFA) or Notice 

of Solicitation of 

Applications (NOSA) 

in the Federal 

Register and on 

www.grants.gov. 

Applications are accepted 

through the USDA 

RD state office where 

your project is located. 

You will find a list of 

state office-based CF 

contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2.

Rural Business 

Development 

Grants (RBDG)

RBDGs support targeted 

planning and technical assistance 

to develop and expand small 

and emerging rural businesses 

with fewer than 50 employees 

and less than $1 million in gross 

revenues. Funding uses include 

project planning, business 

counseling and training, market 

research, feasibility studies, 

professional and technical 

reports, and producer service 

improvements.

https://go.usa.gov/xenEQ

• Grants • Towns and communities

• State agencies

• Authorities

• Nonprofit organizations

• Institutions of higher 

education

• Federally-recognized 

Tribes

• Private, nonprofit 

rural cooperatives 

Application 

guidelines are 

announced annually 

through a Notice of 

Funding Availability 

(NOFA) or Notice 

of Solicitation 

of Applications 

(NOSA) in the 

Federal Register.

Please refer to 

www.grants.gov.

Applications are accepted 

through the USDA RD 

state office where your 

project is located. You 

will find a list of RD state 

office contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2. 
23 Investment Focus: Workforce Development and Livability

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Intermediary 

Relending 

Program

The IRP provides low-interest loans 

to local lenders (intermediaries) 

that re-lend to businesses (ultimate 

recipients) to improve economic 

conditions and create jobs in 

rural communities. Ultimate 

recipients can be individuals, 

public or private organizations, 

or other legal entities. Eligible 

areas include rural areas outside

cities with populations fewer than 

50,000. A borrower’s headquarters 

can be based in a larger city as 

long as the project itself is in 

an eligible rural area. Lenders 

can be located anywhere in the 

United States. 

https://go.usa.gov/xeQfc

• Loans • Nonprofit organizations 

• Cooperatives 

• Federally-recognized 

Tribes

• Public agencies

Applications are 

accepted on an 

ongoing basis. 

Contact the state office 

where your project is 

located to learn about 

application timelines and 

local requirements.

You will find a list 

of RD state office 

contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2.

Rural Innovation 

Stronger Economy 

Grants

RISE grants help build business 

incubators and provide training 

to create jobs. This program 

encourages a region to leverage 

existing community assets by 

establishing and operating 

job development and training 

innovation centers. RISE also 

supports new or improved 

broadband service for use 

by jobs accelerators. These 

competitively-awarded grants 

range from $500,000 - $2 million. 

https://go.usa.gov/xeQfT

• Grants RISE grant applications 

are available to rural jobs 

accelerator partnerships 

with expertise in delivering 

economic and job training 

programs. Partner 

examples include:

• Nonprofit organizations

• State entities

• Tribal entities

• Institutions of higher 

education 

• Public bodies 

Grants are awarded 

through a national 

competition. 

Each fiscal year, 

applications are 

requested through 

a notice published 

in the Federal 

Register and 

on www.grants.gov.

Contact the state office 

where your project is 

located to learn about 

application timelines and 

local requirements.

You will find a list 

of RD state office 

contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2.
24 Investment Focus: Workforce Development and Livability

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Rural 

Microentrepreneur 

Assistance 

Program

RMAPs offer loans and grants 

to eligible Microenterprise 

Development Organizations 

(MDOs) to help businesses 

start and grow using a Rural 

Microloan Revolving Fund. 

RMAPs also provide funding for 

training and technical assistance 

to microloan borrowers 

and microentrepreneurs.

https://go.usa.gov/xeQ7P

• Grants Examples of MDOs include:

• Nonprofits

• Federally-recognized 

Tribes 

• Institutions of 

higher education. 

Ultimate recipients

eligible to apply for a loan 

from an MDO include rural 

businesses with 10 or 

fewer full-time employees 

located in an eligible area. 

Eligible areas are rural 

areas outside cities or 

towns with populations 

fewer than 50,000. A 

borrower’s headquarters 

can be based in a larger 

city as long as the project 

service area is located in an 

eligible rural area. A lender 

can be located anywhere in 

the United States.

Grants are awarded 

through a national 

competition. 

Each fiscal year, 

applications are 

requested through 

a notice published 

in the Federal 

Register and 

on www.grants.gov.

Contact the state office 

where your project is 

located to learn about 

application timelines and 

local requirements.

You will find a list 

of RD state office 

contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2.

Multifamily 

Housing Loan 

Guarantees 

This program works with qualified 

private-sector lenders to finance 

qualified borrowers who develop 

affordable rental and workforce 

housing for low- and moderateincome individuals and families in 

eligible rural areas and towns with 

populations of 35,000 or fewer. 

https://go.usa.gov/xeQUt

• Loan 

Guarantees

• Most state and local 

government entities

• Nonprofit organizations

• For-profit organizations

• Limited liability 

corporations 

• Federally-recognized 

Tribes and Tribal lands

Applications are 

accepted on an 

annual basis. A 

Notice of Funding 

Availability 

(NOFA) is posted 

in the Federal 

Register and on 

www.grants.gov.

You will find a list of 

Multifamily Housing 

Contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xeQPC
25 Investment Focus: Workforce Development and Livability

USDA Rural Development Programs

Program Purpose Types of 

Assistance Eligible Recipients How to Apply Contact

Delta Health Care 

Services Grant

This program provides 

financial assistance to promote 

cooperation among health 

care professionals, institutions 

of higher education, research 

institutions, and other entities in 

the Delta Region. 

https://go.usa.gov/xzjWA

• Grants • Regional institutions of 

higher education

• Academic health and 

research institutes

• Economic development 

entities located in the 

Delta Region

Grants are awarded 

through a national 

competition. 

Each fiscal year, 

applications are 

requested through 

a notice published 

in the Federal 

Register and on 

www.grants.gov. 

Contact the state office 

where your project is 

located to learn about 

application timelines and 

local requirements. You 

will find a list of RD state 

office contacts at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xuxr2. 

*See Appendix A on Page 28 for visible links to all programs in this guide. 
26

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)

An agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) leads the federal economic development 

agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA invests in 

communities and supports regional collaboration to create jobs for U.S. workers, promotes American innovation, and accelerates long-term, 

sustainable economic growth.

• Visit these links for information about EDA’s $3 billion in American 

Rescue Plan programs: https://eda.gov/arpa/ and applicant 

resources: https://eda.gov/arpa/resources/

• Review EDA’s Investment Priorities at this link: 

https://eda.gov/about/investment-priorities/

• See more EDA Funding Opportunities at this link: 

https://eda.gov/funding-opportunities/

• Find the EDA Economic Development Representative or 

Regional Office for your area at this link: https://eda.gov/contact/

• Learn more about our Economic Development Integration (EDI) 

assistance and contacts at this link: https://eda.gov/integration/

• Check EDA’s Resource Directory to find your Economic 

Development District organization, University Center, Revolving Loan 

Fund and more, all at this link: https://eda.gov/resources/

• Learn how to create a Comprehensive Economic Development 

Strategy (CEDS) and find useful links to regional CEDS plans and 

best practices at this link: https://eda.gov/ceds/

• To receive the latest information and funding 

opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter at this link: 

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USEDA/subscriber/new

Stay connected with EDA 
27

About USDA Rural Development (www.rd.usda.gov)

USDA Rural Development is committed to improving the economy and quality of life in rural America. We offer loans, grants and loan guarantees that 

help create jobs, support economic development, and bolster essential services such as health care, first responder services and equipment, and water, electric 

and communications infrastructure. We promote rural economic development by backing loans to businesses through banks, credit unions and communitymanaged lending pools. We support technical assistance and training to help agricultural producers and cooperatives get started or improve the effectiveness of 

their operations, and we also help rural residents buy or rent safe, affordable housing and make repairs necessary for health and safety to their homes. 

• The Rural Development Summary of Programs is available at 

this link: https://go.usa.gov/xeQAq.

• Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) funding 

(available at this link: https://go.usa.gov/xeQAB) supports regional 

economic and community development planning

• USDA Rural Development Key Priorities (available at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xeQAN) offer information about how preference 

points are applied in specific programs 

• USDA Rural Development Resource Guides (available at this link: 

https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/publications/resource-guides) are 

available for your community development needs 

• OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative (available at this link: 

https://www.rd.usda.gov/onerdguarantee) offers consistency and 

ease in applying

• USDA Rural Development Resources and Response to the 

Coronavirus Pandemic: https://www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus

• USDA Rural Development Searchable Funding Opportunities:

https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/federal-funding-opportunities

• To stay current on USDA RD funding opportunities, events and other 

resources, subscribe to our newsletter, Innovation Matters, available at 

this link: https://tinyurl.com/ysn4zedv

• USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Regional 

Rural Development Centers (RRDC) (available at this link: 

https://nifa.usda.gov/regional-rural-development-centers)

Stay connected with USDA Rural Development 
28 Appendix A

Appendix A: How to Access USDA RD and EDA Programs and Resources

EDA American Rescue Plan Act programs:

https://eda.gov/arpa/

EDA Build to Scale: 

https://eda.gov/oie/buildtoscale/

EDA Contacts: 

https://eda.gov/contact/

EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance: 

https://go.usa.gov/xzpXe (PDF)

EDA Investment Priorities: 

https://eda.gov/about/investment-priorities/

EDA Planning Program:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpXS (PDF)

EDA Local Technical Assistance:

https://go.usa.gov/xzp5x (PDF)

EDA Public Works:

https://go.usa.gov/xzp5r (PDF)

EDA Research and National 

Technical Assistance (RNTA):

https://eda.gov/programs/rnta/

EDA STEM Talent Challenge: 

https://eda.gov/oie/stem/

Alphabetical links to USDA RD Programs and Resources:

Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased 

Product Manufacturing Assistance Program:

https://go.usa.gov/xzp5B

Broadband ReConnect Program:

https://www.usda.gov/reconnect

Business and Industry Loan Guarantees: 

https://go.usa.gov/xzp5N

Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan 

Program Local and Regional Food System 

Initiative: https://go.usa.gov/xzp5E

Community Connect:

https://go.usa.gov/xzp5V

Community Facilities (CF) homepage:

https://go.usa.gov/xzp5f

CF Direct Loan and Grant Program:

https://go.usa.gov/xzp5G

CF Direct Loan guidance book:

https://go.usa.gov/xzp5A (PDF)

CF Guaranteed Loan Program:

https://go.usa.gov/xzp5H

CF Technical Assistance and Training Grant 

(CF-TAT): https://go.usa.gov/xzp5e

CF Rural Community Development Initiative 

(RCDI) Grant Program:

https://go.usa.gov/xzp5z

Distance Learning and Telemedicine 

Grant Program

https://go.usa.gov/xzpNc

Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan 

Guarantee Program: https://go.usa.gov/xzpNg

Electric Programs Contacts: 

General Field Representative (GFR) 

https://go.usa.gov/xzpNZ, or email 

ElectricProgramCustomerService@rd.usda.gov

Electric Programs homepage: 

https://go.usa.gov/xzpNg

Federally-recognized Tribes:

https://www.bia.gov/bia/ois/tgs

Housing Preservation Grants:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRq

Intermediary Relending Program: 

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRc

Multifamily Housing Loan Guarantees:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRa

Multifamily Housing Program contacts:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRr

Rural Business and Cooperative Services 

homepage: https://go.usa.gov/xzpRY

Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG):

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRb

Rural Cooperative Development 

Grants (RCDG):

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRb

Alphabetical links to EDA Programs and Resources:
29 Appendix A

Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant 

Program (REDLG):

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRj

Rural Energy for America Guaranteed Loan and 

Grant Program:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRW

Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grants:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpR5

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program 

(RMAP):

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRn

Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC):

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRP

Rural Utilities Service homepage:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRm

Solid Waste Management Grants:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRV

Telecommunications Programs:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRw

Telecommunications contacts General Field 

Representatives (GFRs): 

https://go.usa.gov/xzpR7

Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and 

Loan Guarantees:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpR6

USDA RD Innovation Center homepage:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRt

USDA RD list of programs:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRz

USDA RD state office contacts:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpRJ

USDA RD Summary of Major Programs

https://go.usa.gov/xzpnq (PDF)

USDA RD website landing page:

https://www.rd.usda.gov/

Value-Added Producer Grants:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpnc

Water and Environmental Programs:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpnY

Water and Waste Disposal Loan and 

Grant Program:

https://go.usa.gov/xzpn4

Alphabetical links to USDA RD Programs and Resources (continued):
30

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, 

offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, 

national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family or parental status, 

income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity 

conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary. Those with disabilities who 

need alternative means of communication (for example, Braille, large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language, among others) can contact 

the responsible agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY), or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 

(800) 877-8339. Program information also can be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, available at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xzzfW, and at any USDA office. Or, write a letter addressed to USDA and provide all of the information requested in the form. 

Call (866) 632-9992 to request a copy of the complaint form. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) postal mail: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 (2) fax: (202) 690-7442, 

or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Issued April 2022

RD-22003