This funding record is inactive. Please see the program website or contact the program sponsor to determine if this program is currently accepting applications or will open again in the future.

Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant

Link

https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/socially-disadvantaged-groups-grant

Additional Links

Fact Sheet
Notice of Funding Opportunity (Grants.gov)

Deadline

Application Deadline: Jun 3, 2024

Sponsor

USDA Rural Development (USDA RD)

Purpose

Awards grant funding to provide technical assistance to socially disadvantaged groups in rural areas. Aims to improve the social and economic situation of groups who have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice. Assistance is provided through local cooperatives and Cooperative Development Centers.

Examples of technical assistance offered through the program include:

  • Feasibility studies
  • Business plans
  • Strategic planning
  • Leadership training

Amount of Funding

Award ceiling: $175,000
Project period: 1 year
Estimated number of awards: 20
Estimated total program funding: $3,000,000

Who Can Apply

Applications may be submitted by individual cooperatives, groups of cooperatives, and cooperative development centers that serve socially disadvantaged groups. Additionally, a majority of the board of directors or governing board of a cooperative must be comprised of individuals who are members of socially disadvantaged groups.

Eligible applicants do not need to be located in a rural area; however, groups being served by the program must be located in an eligible area defined as:

  • Any area not in a city or town that has a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants, according to the latest U.S. decennial census
  • Any urbanized area that is contiguous and adjacent to a city or town that has a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants
  • Any area that has been determined to be “rural in character” by the Under Secretary for Rural Development

Geographic Coverage

Nationwide

What This Program Funds

Capacity Building • Starting a Business

Application Process

Application instructions, requirements, and other information can be found in the Federal Register.

Application checklist
Application template
Applicant frequently asked questions

Contact

For program questions:
Contact the appropriate USDA Rural Development state office

Topics This Program Addresses

Community Planning and Coalition Building • Economic Development