The mission is to enhance the quality of life for all rural Americans by providing leadership in building competitive businesses and cooperatives that can prosper in the global trading marketplace. Applicant eligibility includes incorporated organizations that operate educational or medical facilities in rural areas, and consortiums or partnerships of organizations that provide rural educational or health care service. Proposals are reviewed by one panel for technical content and a second panel for workable, manageable objectives. Staff review emphasis is on partnerships with other agencies, utility cooperatives and service to demonstratedly rural populations.
Staff also review for compliance with the rules and regulations.
Guaranteed loans are made and serviced by lenders such as banks, savings and loans, mortgage companies which are part of banks holding companies, banks of the Farm Credit System, or insurance companies regulated by the national Association of Insurance Commissioners. RHS cn also make direct loans to applicants who are unable to obtain commerical credit. Loan funds may be used to construct, enlarge or improve community facilities for health care, putlic safety and public services. This includes costs to acquire land needed to develop the facility, pay necessary professional fees and purchase equipment for its operation. Public services facilities include adult and child care centers, city halls, courthouses, airports, garages, off-street parking facilities, sidewalks, street improvement, college classrooms and dormitories, libraries, museums, schools, fairgrounds, and animal shelters.