Grant and loan program for rural communities

This government agency provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas of the United States. Eligible applicants include public bodies, community-based non-profit corporations, and Federally Recognized Tribes serving rural communities with populations of 20,000 or fewer. Funding can be used for the purchase, construction, or improvement of facilities such as healthcare centers, public safety buildings, educational institutions, and local food systems. Awards are available as low-interest loans, grants, or a combination, with grant amounts determined by community size and income. Applications are accepted year-round, and the process requires significant documentation and compliance with federal regulations.

• Applicants must be public bodies, community-based non-profit corporations, or Federally Recognized Tribes.
• Projects must be located in rural areas (including cities, villages, townships, and towns) with no more than 20,000 residents.
• Applicants must have legal authority to borrow money, obtain security, repay loans, construct, operate, and maintain the proposed facilities.
• Applicants must be unable to finance the project from their own resources and/or through commercial credit at reasonable rates and terms.
• Facilities must serve the rural area where they are/will be located.
• Project must demonstrate substantial community support.
• Environmental review must be completed/acceptable.

• Contact a program official in your state to review requirements.
• Complete application forms and provide required materials.
• Obtain a Unique Entity ID number.
• Register with the System for Award Management (SAM).
• Complete environmental review documentation.

• Low interest direct loans, grants, or a combination of both.
• Loan repayment terms up to 40 years, fixed interest rates.
• Grant assistance up to 75% of eligible project costs, depending on community size and income.