agriculture · USDA-NIFA

Rural Cooperative Development Grants

National Institute of Food and Agriculture · USDA-NIFA-OP-012058

14 days left

Award Range

$200K – $1.0M

Total Program Funding

$5.0M

Expected Awards

Deadline

July 24, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

Rural Cooperative Development Grants. National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The purpose of the RCDG program, under assistance listing number 10.771, is to enable nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development (Center). The primary objective of the program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit... $200,000-$1,000,000 per award; $5,000,000 total program funding; ~12 awards expected.

Who Should Apply

Other eligible entities

Who Should NOT Apply

Individuals and organizations outside the specified eligible types

Key Requirements (Plain English)

•Applications will only be accepted from nonprofit institutions
•Cost sharing/matching required
•Deadline: 2026-07-24

💡 GrantQuick Tip

Budget for cost-sharing match. Demonstrate institutional commitment and matching funds clearly in your proposal.

Competitiveness: High — limited number of awards

What This Grant Funds

The purpose of the RCDG program, under assistance listing number 10.771, is to enable nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development (Center). The primary objective of the program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations that in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas.

Attachments

PDF

FY2026 - Rural Cooperative Development Grants - NOFO

FY26-RCDG-NOFO-P.pdf

Who Can Apply

Applications will only be accepted from nonprofit institutions. A “nonprofit institution” is defined as any organization or institution, including an accredited institution of higher education, no part of the net earnings of which inures, or may lawfully inure, to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements in 7 CFR 4284.520(a). Applicants are ineligible for assistance through this program if one or more of the items defined in 7 CFR 4284.520(b) occurs.

Eligible Applicant Types

Other (see NOFO for details)

Funding Details

Minimum Award: $200K
Maximum Award: $1.0M
Total Program Funding: $5.0M
Expected Number of Awards: 12
Cost Sharing Required?: Yes
Funding Instrument: grant

Key Dates

Posted: July 7, 2026

Application Deadline: July 24, 2026 (14 days remaining)

Agency Contact

NIFA Support Email grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays

grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov

View on Grants.gov