USDA seeks applications for grants assisting rural communities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for technical assistance and training grants in the Community Facilities program.

Community Facilities programs help underserved rural communities develop essential community services, which in turn helps attract investments, create and retain jobs and businesses and retain residents, the USDA said.

“Too often, rural community organizations lack the technical expertise they need to access federal dollars,” Secretary Sonny Perdue said. “These technical assistance and training grants will help rural organizations overcome hurdles that prevent them from fully utilizing the Community Facilities Program. Increased access to federal funding will help build essential community facilities, and will allow rural areas to thrive.”

The grants are being provided through the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program. Congress authorized this new program in the 2014 Farm Bill to help rural communities develop their applications for Community Facilities loans and grants.

Public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply for this funding. The maximum grant is $150,000.

Applicants in Nevada can contact Community Facilities Program Director Cheryl Couch at 775-887-1222 Ext. 113 or by email at Cheryl.couch@nv.usda.gov