Rural Cooperative Development Grant
ID: 353391Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Rural Business-Cooperative Service (USDA-RBCS)

Award Range

$0 - $200K

Eligible Applicants

Private Institutions of Higher Education

Funding Category

Business and Commerce

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/353391

Additional Information

https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program
Timeline
    Description

    The Rural Business-Cooperative Service of the USDA is offering the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) to support the economic development of rural areas through the establishment and enhancement of cooperatives and other business entities. This grant program aims to provide competitive funding to Rural Cooperative Development Centers, which will deliver technical assistance to eligible applicants, primarily private institutions of higher education, to improve their operational capabilities. With an estimated total program funding of $5.8 million and an award ceiling of $200,000, the program anticipates making approximately 29 awards. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by June 3, 2024, and can find additional information on the program's website or contact Lisa Sharp at (202) 720-1400 or via email at Lisa.Sharp@usda.gov for further inquiries.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Lisa.Sharp@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    FY24_RCDG_Applicant_In_Kind Match_Verification_Template.docx
    FY24_RCDG_ApplicantCash_MatchVerification_Template.docx
    FY24_RCDG_Application_Checklist.docx
    The USDA Rural Development Cooperative Grants application checklist outlines the requirements for prospective applicants for the FY 2024 grants. Key updates include the transition from DUNS to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for federal assistance applicants. The checklist requires various forms such as the SF-424 for federal assistance and SF-424A for budget information, alongside sections for the executive summary, eligibility, and a detailed proposal narrative. Applicants must outline project goals, evaluation measures, and justify financial commitments while adhering to page limits for each section. The scoring criteria emphasize administrative capabilities, technical assistance, past performance, and a commitment to key priorities, including climate change, racial justice, and improved market opportunities. Additional appendices include verification documents and letters of support. This document serves as a comprehensive guide for entities seeking federal grant assistance, promoting accountability and adherence to USDA priorities, particularly in rural development initiatives aimed at enhancing equity and resilience within communities.
    FY24_RCDG_Application_Template.docx
    The Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program for fiscal year 2024 facilitates funding for eligible applicants like nonprofit corporations and higher education institutions to enhance rural economic conditions through cooperative development. This application template serves as a guide rather than a mandatory document. Applicants must adhere to requirements set forth in 7 CFR Part 4284 and submit necessary Federal forms and support documentation. The proposal narrative is limited to 40 pages, with sections for executive summaries, eligibility discussions, project goals, and performance evaluation measures. Key elements include a matching fund requirement of 25% of total project costs, with strict eligibility criteria based on services to rural areas. The structure also emphasizes project outcomes, including job creation and sustainability of cooperatives. Scoring criteria assess various aspects, such as administrative capabilities, past performance, economic development, and local support. Furthermore, applicants are prompted to demonstrate future funding strategies and community engagement. This structured approach ensures comprehensive evaluations based on predefined metrics to allocate federal funding effectively for rural cooperative development initiatives, thereby promoting economic vitality in underserved areas.
    FY24_RCDG_Third-Party_CashMatch_Verification_Template.docx
    FY24_RCDG_Third-Party_CashMatch_Verification_Template.pdf
    The USDA's Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program requires verification of third-party cash matching funds for its 2024 application. The document outlines the process by which an authorized representative of a third-party organization confirms details regarding the cash contributions, including the legal name of the entity, total cash amount, fund availability dates, and source of the funds. The governing body, such as a Board of Directors or Tribal Council, must either formally resolve or confirm the contribution amount or note that no resolution is needed. It is stipulated that the contribution must be allocated for eligible grant expenditures and cannot directly benefit the contributors. This verification process is crucial for ensuring compliance with grant requirements and maintaining appropriate fund management within the RCDG initiative, underscoring the USDA’s commitment to equitable resource allocation in rural development.
    FY24_RCDG_Third-party_In-KindMatchVerification_Template.docx
    FY24.pdf
    The USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program requires verification of third-party in-kind contributions for the FY 2024 application. This document outlines the process for confirming in-kind donations from a third-party organization to support project activities. It includes a section for detailing the nature, use, timing, and value of these contributions, emphasizing their necessity for eligible Center expenditures without any restrictions placed by the contributor. Additionally, the governing body of the third-party organization must formally resolve or confirm a cash matching contribution, although this resolution is not universally required. The authorized representative's identification and signature finalize this verification. This documentation is critical for compliance with grant requirements and ensures the appropriate allocation of resources throughout the grant period.
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