USDA Rural Development

Summary of 

Major Programs

Together, America Prospers

USDA Rural Development 

at a Glance

Rural America’s Partner in Prosperity

USDA Rural Development is the lead Federal agency 

helping rural communities grow and prosper. We 

increase economic development and improve the 

quality of life in rural places and small towns.

We provide loans, grants and technical assistance 

to build critical infrastructure like broadband, water 

systems, and hospitals. Our programs expand 

access to e-connectivity, electric, and transportation 

infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, 

education, housing, and other community essentials.

We stand ready to be your partner in prosperity for rural 

America. Contact us today to learn more and connect 

with the local USDA Rural Development team that 

serves your area:

www.rd.usda.gov

1 (800) 670-6553

@usdaRD

Contact the USDA Rural Development 

Office in your community to learn more

WE HAVE MORE THAN 

40 PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT 

RURAL AMERICA.

Telecommunications Programs

Electric Programs

Community Facilities Programs

Water and Environmental Programs

Business and Cooperative Programs

Single-Family Housing Programs

Multi-Family Housing Programs

3
4
Rural Housing and Community Facilities Programs

Program Objective Applicant Uses Population Loan/

Grant

Terms/Conditions

Single-Family 

Housing Direct 

Loans (including 

Self-Help Loans)

Safe, well-built, 

affordable homes 

for very-low- and 

low-income rural 

Americans.

Families and 

individuals. 

Buy, build, improve, 

repair or rehabilitate 

a rural home as the 

applicant’s permanent 

residence.

Rural areas with 

populations up to 

20,000 (in special 

circumstances, 

communities up to 

35,000 may be eligible).

Direct loan. Up to 100% of market 

value or cost. Loan term 

of 33/38 years. Applicant 

may be eligible for payment 

assistance (subsidy) on 

the loan.

Single-Family 

Housing Loan 

Guarantees

To help low- to 

moderate-income 

applicants/households 

buy their homes by 

guaranteeing loans 

made by private 

lenders.

Families and 

individuals.

Purchase new or 

existing homes and 

refinance existing 

Rural Development 

guaranteed or direct 

loans.

Rural areas with 

populations up to 

20,000 (in special 

circumstances, 

communities up to 

35,000 may be eligible).

Loan 

guarantee.

30-year fixed. The interest 

rate is negotiated between 

lender and borrower. Loans 

up to 100% of market 

value, plus the amount of 

the up-front guarantee fee 

being financed.

Single-Family 

Housing Repair 

Loans and 

Grants

To help very-lowincome applicants 

remove health and 

safety hazards or 

repair their homes.

Families and 

individuals who 

currently own their 

home.

Repair/replace roof, 

winterize, purchase or 

repair heating system, 

structural repair, water/

sewage connect fees, 

etc.

Rural areas with 

populations up to 

20,000 (in special 

circumstances, 

communities up to 

35,000 may be eligible).

Direct loan 

and grant.

Loans up to $20,000 for up 

to 20 years at 1%. Grants 

available to very-low-income 

applicants ages 62 years 

or older unable to pay a 

1% loan.

Self-Help 

Housing 

Technical 

Assistance 

Grants

Helps lower income 

families build their 

own homes.

Nonprofits and 

public bodies.

Technical assistance 

to train small groups 

of families how to build 

each others’ homes.

Rural areas with 

populations up to 

20,000 (in special 

circumstances, 

communities up to 

35,000 may be eligible).

Grant. Grant agreement.

Rural Rental 

Housing Direct 

Loans

Safe, well-built, 

affordable rental 

housing for very-lowincome individuals 

and families.

Individuals, trusts, 

associations, limited 

partnerships, for-profit 

and nonprofit entities, 

Federally-recognized 

Indian Tribes, 

public bodies.

Rental housing; 

new construction 

or substantial 

rehabilitation.

Rural areas with 

populations up to 

20,000 (in special 

circumstances, 

communities up to 

35,000 may be eligible).

Direct loan. Up to 100% of total 

development cost 

(nonprofits); 97% (for-profits); 

95% (for-profits with 

Low-Income Housing Tax 

Credits). 30-year term with 

up to 50-year amortization. 

Rural Rental 

Housing Loan 

Guarantees

Guarantees on 

loans to build or 

preserve affordable 

housing for very-low 

to moderate-income 

tenants.

For-profit and 

nonprofit lenders.

Build or rehabilitate 

affordable rental 

housing.

Rural areas with 

populations up to 

20,000 (in special 

circumstances, 

communities up to 

35,000 may be eligible).

Loan 

guarantee.

At least a 25-year term with 

fixed interest rate. Loan 

guarantees on up to 90% 

of the principal.

Housing 

Preservation 

Grants

Repair and 

rehabilitate housing 

owned or occupied 

by very-low- and lowincome 

rural families.

Public bodies 

and nonprofit 

organizations.

To operate a program 

that finances repair and 

rehabilitation activities 

for single-family and 

small rental properties.

Rural areas with 

populations up to 

20,000 (in special 

circumstances, 

communities up to 

35,000 may be eligible).

Grant. Grant agreement.

Farm Labor 

Housing Loans 

and Grants

Safe, well-built 

affordable rental 

housing for 

farmworkers.

Individuals, public 

and private nonprofit 

organizations.

Rental housing; 

new construction 

or substantial 

rehabilitation.

Not applicable. Direct loan 

and grant.

Up to 102% of total 

development cost. Up to 

33 years to repay at 1% 

interest.

Community 

Facilities Loans 

and Grants

Improve, develop, 

or finance essential 

community facilities 

for rural communities.

Facilities must

primarily serve rural

residents.

Public bodies, 

nonprofits, and 

Federally-recognized 

Indian Tribes.

Construct, enlarge, 

or otherwise improve 

essential community 

facilities such as public 

safety, fire and rescue, 

telecommunications, 

schools, libraries, 

hospitals and other 

healthcare facilities, 

etc. This may include 

furnishings, fixtures, 

and other required 

equipment.

City, town, or

unincorporated area of

not more than 20,000

for direct loans. For

loan guarantees, not

more than 50,000.

Loan guarantee funds

are prioritized in favor

of towns with

populations of 20,000

or less for fiscal year 

2020.

Direct 

loan, loan 

guarantee, 

or grant.

Up to 100% of market value. 

Term is for the useful life of 

the facility or equipment, 

based on State statute, or 

40 years. Maximum grant 

75% of project cost. Grant 

eligibility based on income, 

population, and need.

Rural 

Community 

Development 

Initiative

To facilitate housing, 

community facilities, 

and community 

and economic 

development projects.

Private nonprofit or 

public organizations, 

philanthropic 

foundations, lowincome communities.

Technical assistance 

grants of $50,000 to 

$300,000 to develop 

the capacity and ability 

of awardees to carry 

out needed projects.

City, town, or 

unincorporated area of 

not more than 50,000 

in population.

Grant. Matching funds 

required for grant.

For direct loans and grants, apply to Rural Development. For loan guarantees, apply to participating intermediaries such as approved banks, mortgage companies, etc.

USDA Rural Development Summary of Major Programs 

5
6
Rural Business and Cooperative Programs

Program Objective Applicant Uses Population Loan/Grant Terms/Conditions

Business and 

Industry Loan 

Guarantees

Create jobs/stimulate 

rural economies by 

providing financial 

backing for rural 

businesses.

Lenders/

businesses. 

Real estate, buildings, 

equipment, supplies, 

working capital, and 

some debt refinancing.

All areas except 

cities with populations 

exceeding 50,000 

and their contiguous 

urbanized areas.

Loan 

guarantee.

Lender and borrower 

negotiate terms. Up to 30 

years for real estate, 15 

years for machinery and 

equipment, and 7 years for 

working capital.

Rural Business 

Development 

Grants

Help small and 

emerging private 

businesses and/or 

nonprofits in rural 

communities startup 

or expand.

Note: This program 

combines the former 

Rural Business 

Enterprise Grant 

and Rural Business 

Opportunity Grant 

programs and was 

created through the 

2014 Farm Bill.

Public bodies, 

government 

entities, nonprofit 

entities, and 

Federallyrecognized Indian 

Tribes.

Acquire or develop 

land, buildings, plants, 

and equipment; build or 

improve access roads, 

parking areas, utility 

extensions, and water 

and waste disposal 

facilities; provide 

technical assistance; 

establish revolving loan 

funds; and support 

rural distance learning 

programs that provide 

educational or job 

training.

All areas rural in 

character except 

cities with populations 

exceeding 50,000 

and their contiguous 

urbanized areas.

Grant. Grants are awarded on a 

competitive basis.

Intermediary 

Relending 

Program Loans

Establish revolving 

funds for business 

facilities and 

community 

development 

projects.

Public bodies, 

nonprofit 

corporations, 

Federallyrecognized 

Indian Tribes, and 

cooperatives.

Community development 

projects, establish or 

expand businesses, 

create or save rural jobs.

Rural areas and 

incorporated places 

with populations of 

fewer than 50,000.

Direct loan. The intermediary makes 

loans to businesses 

from its revolving loan 

fund on terms consistent 

with security offered. 

Intermediary pays 1% for 

30 years.

Rural 

Microentrepreneur 

Assistance 

Program

Establish revolving 

funds to target 

assistance to small 

rural enterprises.

Microenterprise 

Development 

Organizations 

(MDOs).

Loans, technical, 

and capacitybuilding assistance to 

businesses with 10 or 

fewer employees, and 

sole proprietorships.

All areas except 

cities with populations 

exceeding 50,000 

and their contiguous 

urbanized areas.

Loans, grants. Rural microenterprises 

apply directly to the 

intermediary.

Rural Economic 

Development 

Loans and Grants

Finance economic 

development and 

job creation in 

rural areas.

Rural Utilities 

Service-financed 

electric and 

telephone utilities. 

Business startups or 

expansion projects that 

create rural jobs.

Rural areas with 

populations of 

50,000 or less, with 

priority to places 

with populations of 

2,500 or less.

Direct loan 

or grant to 

establish 

revolving loan 

fund.

Intermediary makes loans 

to for-profit or nonprofit 

businesses and public 

bodies. Loans are 0% for 

10 years.

Rural Cooperative 

Development 

Grants

Establish/

operate centers 

for cooperative 

development.

Nonprofits and 

institutions of 

higher education. 

Establish centers to 

provide technical 

assistance, training, 

applied research, and 

data collection and 

interpretation for the 

purpose of cooperative 

development.

All areas except 

cities with populations 

exceeding 50,000 

and their contiguous 

urbanized areas. 

Grant. Minimum 25% fund match 

(5% for 1994 Institutions). 

Grants awarded 

competitively.

SociallyDisadvantaged 

Groups Grants

Funds to eligible 

co-ops, co-op 

associations, or 

co-op development 

centers for technical 

assistance to 

small, sociallydisadvantaged 

groups in rural areas. 

Note: This program 

was formerly known 

as the Small, SociallyDisadvantaged 

Producer Grants 

Program.

Cooperatives 

and co-op 

development 

centers that 

serve sociallydisadvantaged 

groups where 

a majority of 

the board of 

directors or 

governing board 

is comprised of 

individuals who 

are members 

of sociallydisadvantaged 

groups.

Technical assistance. All areas except 

cities with populations 

exceeding 50,000 

and their contiguous 

urbanized areas.

Grant. Grants are awarded on a 

competitive basis. There is 

no matching requirement.

7
Program Objective Applicant Uses Population Loan/Grant Terms/Conditions

Value-Added 

Producer Grants

Help independent 

agricultural 

producers enter 

into activities that 

add value to their 

products.

Independent 

producers, farmer 

and rancher 

cooperatives, 

producer groups, 

majority-controlled, 

producer-based 

business ventures.

Feasibility studies, 

business plans; working 

capital.

All areas. Grant. Grants are awarded on a 

competitive basis. Funds 

may not be used to build 

facilities or purchase 

equipment. Funds must be 

matched on a dollar-fordollar basis.

Rural Energy for 

America Program 

(REAP) Loan 

Guarantees and 

Grants

Provide assistance 

for energy efficiency 

improvements 

or to purchase 

a renewable 

energy system for 

operations.

Rural small 

businesses 

and agricultural 

producers.

Energy efficiency 

improvements, 

renewable energy 

system installations.

Cities, towns, or 

unincorporated 

areas with 

populations of 

fewer than 50,000. 

(Population limits 

do not apply 

to agricultural 

producers.)

Loan guarantee 

and/or grant.

Grants of up to 25% of 

eligible project costs 

not to exceed $250,000 

for energy efficiency 

projects and $500,000 for 

renewable energy. Loan 

guarantees of up to 75% of 

eligible project costs not to 

exceed $25 million.

REAP Audit/

Development 

Grants

Grants for entities 

to pass through to 

small businesses 

or agricultural 

producers for 75% 

of the cost of an 

energy audit or 

renewable energy 

development 

assistance.

State, Tribal, or 

local government 

institutions of 

higher education; 

rural electric 

cooperatives; 

public power 

entities.

Up to $100,000 grant 

awarded to conduct 

energy audits and/

or provide technical 

assistance to rural 

small businesses and 

agricultural producers 

for renewable energy 

development assistance.

Businesses 

receiving grant 

assistance must 

be located in 

cities, towns, or 

unincorporated 

areas with 

populations of fewer 

than 50,000.

There are no 

restrictions for 

agricultural 

producers.

Grant. $100,000 to entities and 

up to 75% of the cost of 

energy audit for renewable 

energy development 

assistance.

Biorefinery, 

Renewable 

Chemical, and 

Biobased Product 

Manufacturing 

Assistance 

Program Loan 

Guarantees

To develop 

and construct 

commercial-scale 

biorefineries or 

retrofit facilities using 

eligible technology 

for the development 

of advanced 

biofuels, renewable 

chemicals and/or 

biobased product 

manufacturing.

Individuals, 

Federallyrecognized Indian 

Tribes, State or 

local governments, 

corporations, farm 

cooperatives, 

associations 

of agricultural 

producers, national 

laboratories, 

higher learning 

institutions, rural 

electric co-ops, 

public power 

entities, and/or 

consortiums of any 

of the entities.

Loan guarantees to 

develop and construct 

commercial-scale 

biorefineries or 

retrofit facilities to use 

eligible technology 

for the development 

of advanced biofuels, 

renewable chemicals, 

and/or biobased 

product manufacturing.

No restrictions. Loan 

guarantee.

80% (maximum) guarantee 

on loans less than $150 

million; 70% (maximum) 

guarantee on loans of $150 

million but less than $200 

million; 60% (maximum) 

guarantee on loans of $200 

million up to $250 million. 

Advanced Biofuel 

Payment Program

Payments to 

producers to 

support and 

ensure expanding 

production of 

advanced biofuels.

Eligible producers 

of advanced 

biofuels.

Payments to producers 

of advanced biofuels 

(non-commercial-based).

No restrictions. Payments. As funds are available. 

Complete applications 

submitted to National 

Office for review. Payments 

determined by National 

Office.

For direct loans and grants, apply to Rural Development. For loan guarantees, apply to participating intermediaries such as eligible banks, etc. For revolving funds (Intermediary Relending Program, Rural Economic 

Development Loans and Grants, Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program), intermediaries apply to Rural Development, others to the intermediaries.

Rural Business and Cooperative Programs (Continued)

8
9
Rural Utilities Programs

Program Objective Applicant Uses Population Loan/Grant Terms/Conditions

Water and Waste 

Disposal Loans and 

Grants

Provide 

infrastructure for 

rural areas.

Public entities, 

Federally-recognized 

Indian Tribes, 

and nonprofit 

corporations.

Build, repair, and 

improve public 

water systems and 

waste collection and 

treatment systems.

Rural areas and 

towns with 

populations up 

to 10,000.

Direct loan and 

grant.

Repayment period is a 

maximum of 40 years. 

Grant funds may be 

available.

Water and Waste 

Disposal Loan 

Guarantees

Provide 

infrastructure for 

rural areas.

Public entities, 

Federally-recognized 

Indian Tribes, 

and nonprofit 

corporations.

Build, repair, and 

improve water supply 

and distribution 

systems and waste 

collection and 

treatment systems. 

Rural areas 

and towns with 

populations up 

to 50,000. Funds 

are prioritized in 

favor of towns with 

populations of 

10,000 or less for 

fiscal year 2020.

Loan guarantee. Eligible lenders obtain 

up to a 90% guarantee 

on loans they make 

and service.

Solid Waste 

Management Grants

Technical 

assistance and 

training to assist 

with management 

of water and 

wastewater systems.

Public bodies, 

private nonprofit 

organizations, 

Federally-recognized 

Indian Tribes, and 

academic institutions.

Technical 

assistance and 

training to improve 

landfill conditions 

and protect against 

threats to nearby 

water resources.

Rural areas and 

towns with 

populations up 

to 10,000.

Grant. Application periods 

are announced in 

the Federal Register. 

Complete applications 

submitted to National 

Office for review.

Technical Assistance/ 

Training/Circuit Rider

Provide technical 

assistance and 

training.

Public, private, 

and nonprofit 

organizations.

Technical 

assistance and 

training to assist 

with management 

of water and waste 

water projects.

Rural areas and 

towns with 

populations up 

to 10,000.

Grant. As funds are available. 

Complete applications 

submitted to National 

Office for review.

ReConnect Program Expand broadband 

service to rural 

areas without 

sufficient broadband 

access.

Nonprofits, for-profit 

corporations, LLCs, 

co-ops, States, 

territories, local 

governments, 

Federally-recognized 

Indian Tribes.

Construct, 

improve, acquire 

broadband and 

terrestrial satellite 

broadband facilities 

and equipment; 

pre-application 

expenses.

Rural areas with 

populations up to 

20,000; urbanized 

areas with 

populations up 

to 50,000.

Direct loans, 

grants, and 

loan/grant 

combinations.

Loan interest rate 

2%; loan/grant interest 

for loan portion is 

current Treasury 

rate at the time of 

fund disbursement.

Rural Broadband 

Direct Loans and 

Loan Guarantee

Deployment of 

broadband service 

to eligible rural 

communities. 

Note: The 2014 

Farm Bill revised 

program provisions. 

An interim rule was 

published in Fiscal 

Year 2015.

Entities seeking to 

provide broadband 

services in rural 

areas.

Funds to construct, 

improve, and 

acquire facilities 

and equipment to 

provide broadband 

service in eligible 

rural communities.

Refer to the rule for 

specific definitions 

and population limits.

Minimum and 

maximum loan 

amounts published 

annually in the 

Federal Register.

Refer to the rule 

for loan terms and 

conditions.

10
Program Objective Applicant Uses Population Loan/Grant Terms/Conditions

Electric and 

Telecommunications 

Loans

Help rural 

communities obtain 

affordable, highquality electric and 

telecommunications 

services.

Nonprofit and 

cooperative 

associations, public 

bodies, and other 

utilities. 

Generation, 

transmission facilities 

and distribution 

of electric power, 

including alternative, 

renewable, 

conservation, and 

energy efficiency 

programs. Enhance 

911 emergency 

services, digital 

switching equipment, 

and fiber optic cable, 

along with traditional 

main system 

telecommunications 

service.

Electric: areas 

served by an 

existing rural electric 

borrower, or rural 

areas other than 

a city or town of 

more than 20,000. 

Telecommunications: 

areas with 

populations fewer 

than 5,000.

Direct loan or loan 

guarantee.

Interest rates 

established in 

accordance with 7 

CFR 1714. Contact the 

Rural Utilities Service 

at rd.usda.gov or 

1 (800) 670-6553.

Energy Efficiency 

and Conservation 

Loan Program

Finances energy 

efficiency and 

conservation 

projects for 

commercial, 

industrial, and 

residential 

consumers.

Existing electric loan 

borrowers (utilities) 

serving rural areas.

Improve energy 

efficiency for existing 

electric facilities; 

attract new business 

and create jobs; 

reduce fossil fuel 

use; improve 

energy efficiency 

measures for 

consumers; energy 

audits and more.

Rural areas 

and towns with 

populations up to 

20,000. Eligible 

communities can 

be combined into 

larger service areas.

Loans. Repayment period 

is 15 years unless 

geothermal

ground-loop source 

investments or 

technology have a 

longer lifespan.

Rural Energy 

Savings Program

Helps rural 

families and 

small businesses 

achieve cost 

savings through 

loans to qualified 

consumers to 

implement durable, 

cost-effective energy 

efficiency measures.

Current and former 

RUS borrowers or 

their subsidiaries, 

and entities that 

meet retail electric 

service needs in 

rural areas.

Implement energy 

efficiency measures 

to decrease energy 

use or costs for rural 

families and small 

business.

Contact RUS to 

determine whether 

a project is in an 

eligible rural area.

Loans. Up to 20 years at 

0% interest; up to

3% interest for 

relending to qualified 

end-users/consumers 

for up to 10 years; 

up to 4% of the loan 

total may be used for 

startup costs.

Distance Learning 

and Telemedicine

Develop and 

deploy advanced 

telecommunication 

services throughout 

rural America to 

improve education 

and healthcare.

Incorporated 

entities including 

municipalities, forprofit, and nonprofit 

corporations that 

operate rural 

schools, libraries, 

healthcare 

clinics, and other 

educational or 

healthcare facilities.

To provide enduser equipment 

and programming 

that delivers 

distance learning 

and telemedicine 

services to eligible 

areas.

Rural areas outside 

incorporated or 

unincorporated 

cities with 

populations up 

to 20,000.

Grant. Awards range from 

$50,000 to $500,000. 

A minimum of 15% 

in matching funds is 

required.

Community 

Connect Grants

Provide public 

access to 

broadband in 

otherwise unserved 

communities.

Public bodies, 

Federally-recognized 

Tribes, cooperatives, 

nonprofits, limited 

dividend or mutual 

associations, 

corporations, and 

other legally 

organized entities.

To build broadband 

infrastructure 

and establish a 

community center 

that offers free 

public access 

to broadband for 

2 years.

A single 

community outside 

incorporated or 

unincorporated 

areas with 

populations fewer 

than 20,000 and 

without broadband 

access. 

Grant. Minimum: $50,000; 

Maximum: $1 million. 

Amounts are published 

in Notices of Funding 

Availability and may 

vary.

Electric and Telecom programs: Contact the Rural Utilities Service Administrator; Water programs: Contact the Rural Development State Office. 

CFR refers to Code of Federal Regulations.

Rural Utilities Programs (Continued)

11
Rural Area Eligibility Criteria

By law, the definition of “eligible rural area” is different for each USDA Rural Development program. The statutory rural 

area eligibility criteria for most programs are complex. Additionally, the statute also may include exceptions that provide 

consideration for specific communities based on regional circumstances. The table on the opposite page offers a general 

overview of the basic rural area requirements for our major programs. 

• Use Our Eligibility Tool: Our online tool at https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov can help customers determine if they 

are in an eligible rural area and are otherwise qualified to apply.

• Ask an Expert: Before starting any application for assistance, we encourage customers to contact USDA Rural 

Development—and speak to a specialist—to learn more about rural area requirements and other eligibility criteria for 

the program. 

12
Rural Area Criteria

Program No Rural 

Restrictions

For “Rural 

Areas”

For Up to 

5,000 

people

For Up to 

10,000 

People

For Up to 

20,000 

People 

For Up to 

35,000 

People

For Up to 

50,000 

People

Farm Labor Housing Loans/Grants t

Value-Added Producer Grants t

Rural Energy for America Program Loan Guarantees/Grants1 t

Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product 

Manufacturing Assistance Program t

Repowering Assistance Program t

Advanced Biofuel Payment Program t

Rural Energy Savings Program2 t

Telecommunications Loans t

Water and Waste Disposal Loans/Grants t

Solid Waste Management Grants t

Technical Assistance and Training/Circuit Rider Grants t

Electric Loans t

Rural Broadband Access Loans/Loan Guarantees t

ReConnect Program t

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program t

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants t

Community Connect Grants t

Community Facilities Direct Loans/Grants t

Single-Family Housing Direct Loans 

(including Self-Help Loans) t t

Single-Family Housing Loan Guarantees3 t t

Single-Family Housing Repair Loans/Grants3 t t

Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants3 t t

Rural Rental Housing Direct Loans3 t t

Rural Rental Housing Loan Guarantees3 t t

Housing Preservation Grants3 t t

Rural Community Development Initiative t

Community Facilities Loan Guarantees t

Business and Industry Loan Guarantees t

Rural Business Development Grants t

Intermediary Relending Program t

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program t

Rural Economic Development Loans/Grants t

Rural Cooperative Development Grants t

Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grants t

Rural Energy for America Program Loan Guarantees/Grants4 t

Water and Waste Disposal Guaranteed Loans t

Legend:

 Housing/Community Facilities Programs

 Business/Cooperative Programs

 Utilities Programs

1 For agricultural producers.

2 Contact RUS for specifics.

3 Primarily for populations up to 20,000; in special circumstances 

communities up to 35,000 may be eligible.

4 For rural small businesses and REAP Audit/Development Grants.

13
Rural Development Program Purposes

Rural Housing and 

Community Facilities Programs

Land & 

Buildings

Machinery & 

Equipment

Working 

Capital Infrastructure

Technical 

Assistance/

Training

Single Family Housing Direct Loans 

(including Self-Help Loans) t

Single Family Housing Loan Guarantees t

Single Family Housing Repair Loans/Grants t

Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants t

Rural Rental Housing Direct Loans t t

Rural Rental Housing Loan Guarantees t t

Housing Preservation Grants t t t t t

Farm Labor Housing Loans/Grants t t

Community Facilities Direct Loans, Loan Guarantees, Grants* t t t t

Rural Community Development Initiative t

Rural Business and Cooperative Programs

Business and Industry Loan Guarantees t t t t

Rural Business Development Grants t t t t t

Intermediary Relending Program Loans t t t

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program t t t t t

Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants t t t t t

Rural Cooperative Development Grants t t

Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grants t

Value-Added Producer Grant t t t

Rural Energy for America Program Loan Guarantees/Grants t t t t

Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased 

Product Manufacturing Assistance Program Loan Guarantees

Repowering Assistance Program

Advanced Biofuel Payment Program

Rural Utilities Programs

Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loans, 

Loan Guarantees, Grants t t t

Solid Waste Management Grants t

Technical Assistance/Training/Circuit Rider t

ReConnect Program t t t t

Rural Broadband Direct Loans and Loan Guarantees t t

Electric and Telecommunications Direct 

Loans/Loan Guarantees t t t

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program t t t

Rural Energy Savings Program t t t

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loans/Grants t t

Community Connect Grants t t t t

*Initial operating expenses are eligible in conjunction with the financing of an eligible community facility project. However, grant funds may not be used to fund initial operating expenses.

14
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/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 by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information 

(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should 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. Additionally, program information 

may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination 

Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint 

and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the 

information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. 

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) 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.

Mention of a trade name or brand name does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by 

USDA over similar products not named.

RD-19005 

Slightly Revised April 2020
Rural Development contacts and funding notices are at rd.usda.gov. 

The Contact Us menu tab has office addresses and phone numbers, 

or use our toll-free number at 1 (800) 670-6553 to be connected.