Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2017
The Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) is a discretionary grant program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), administered through USDA Rural Development (Utilities Programs), designed to strengthen rural communities by funding intermediary organizations that can deliver hands-on financial and technical assistance to local recipients. Rather than paying directly for construction or a single local project, RCDI focuses on building the capacity of rural organizations and local governments so they are better able to plan, finance, manage, and successfully carry out projects that improve housing, community facilities, and community or economic development outcomes.
Funding is awarded to qualified intermediary organizations, which may be private, nonprofit, public, or tribal entities, as long as they are proposing to operate a structured financial and technical assistance program. These intermediaries then support “recipients” (often smaller community-based organizations, local governments, or other eligible local partners) by helping them develop the skills, systems, and readiness needed to undertake community development projects. In practice, this can include training, planning support, organizational development, project development guidance, financial management assistance, or other forms of technical support that directly increase a recipient organization’s ability to execute community-serving initiatives.
A key requirement of this opportunity is the match: the intermediary must provide matching funds in an amount at least equal to the RCDI grant award. This means the program is effectively a 1:1 match at minimum, and applicants must be prepared to document and commit eligible matching resources as part of the application and award administration. The grant size is relatively modest but meaningful for capacity-building work, with a minimum award of $50,000 and a maximum (award ceiling) of $250,000 per intermediary.
Eligible applicants are broad and include many types of government, education, nonprofit, and private-sector entities. Examples listed for eligibility include state, county, and city/township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; 501(c)(3) nonprofits (excluding institutions of higher education); private institutions of higher education; for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The underlying intent is to enable capable intermediaries to serve as multipliers: by improving local capacity and organizational strength, the assistance can translate into better-prepared projects and stronger long-term community outcomes across multiple rural places.
Administrative details from the notice identify the program as CFDA 10.446, with a funding opportunity number of USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2017. The posting indicates an expected 25 awards, with the opportunity originally created on May 26, 2017 and an original closing date of July 25, 2017. Overall, RCDI is best understood as an investment in rural “community development infrastructure,” funding intermediaries to deliver targeted support that helps rural organizations successfully move from ideas to viable, community-benefiting projects in housing, facilities, and local economic development.Apply for USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2017
- The Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs in the agriculture, community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.446.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 26, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 25, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Grant FAQs
What is the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI)?
The Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) is a discretionary grant program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is administered through USDA Rural Development (Utilities Programs) and is designed to strengthen rural communities by funding intermediary organizations that provide hands-on financial and technical assistance to local recipients.
What is the main purpose of RCDI funding?
RCDI focuses on building the capacity of rural organizations and local governments so they can better plan, finance, manage, and successfully carry out projects. The intended outcomes include improvements related to housing, community facilities, and community or economic development.
Does RCDI pay for construction or a single local project?
No. RCDI is described as a capacity-building program rather than a direct construction or single-project funding source. The funding supports intermediary-led programs that strengthen local organizations so they can successfully develop and execute community development projects.
Who receives RCDI grant funds directly?
RCDI awards funding to qualified intermediary organizations (not directly to the smaller local organizations needing support). The intermediaries then deliver financial and technical assistance to local recipients.
What is an "intermediary organization" in the RCDI program?
An intermediary is an eligible organization that proposes to operate a structured financial and technical assistance program. The intermediary uses the RCDI award (and required match) to provide hands-on support that increases the capacity of local recipient organizations.
Who are considered "recipients" under RCDI?
Recipients are the local organizations supported by the intermediary. The notice describes these recipients as often being smaller community-based organizations, local governments, or other eligible local partners that need assistance to become ready to undertake community development projects.
What kinds of assistance can intermediaries provide with RCDI support?
The opportunity describes assistance that can include training, planning support, organizational development, project development guidance, financial management assistance, and other forms of technical support that directly increase a recipient organization's ability to execute community-serving initiatives.
What types of outcomes or project areas does RCDI aim to improve?
RCDI is intended to improve outcomes related to housing, community facilities, and community or economic development by strengthening the ability of local organizations and governments to plan and implement successful projects.
What is the required match for an RCDI award?
A key requirement is that the intermediary must provide matching funds in an amount at least equal to the RCDI grant award. This is effectively a minimum 1:1 match requirement, and applicants must be prepared to document and commit eligible matching resources as part of the application and award administration.
What is the minimum and maximum RCDI grant amount?
The minimum award is $50,000 and the maximum (award ceiling) is $250,000 per intermediary.
Who is eligible to apply as an intermediary for RCDI?
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of government, education, nonprofit, private-sector, and tribal entities, as long as the applicant is proposing a structured financial and technical assistance program.
Which government entities are listed as eligible applicants?
Examples listed include state governments, county governments, city/township governments, and special district governments.
Are school districts and higher education institutions eligible to apply?
Yes. The eligibility examples include independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher education.
Are tribal entities eligible to apply?
Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are listed among eligible applicant types.
Are housing authorities eligible to apply?
Yes. Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities are included as eligible applicant types.
Are nonprofits eligible to apply?
Yes. 501(c)(3) nonprofits are listed as eligible applicants, excluding institutions of higher education.
Are for-profit organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. The eligibility examples include for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses.
What does it mean that RCDI is an "investment in rural community development infrastructure"?
This phrase reflects that RCDI funds intermediaries to build long-term local capacity (skills, systems, readiness, and organizational strength). The goal is to help rural communities move from ideas to viable, community-benefiting projects more consistently and successfully over time.
How many awards were expected under this opportunity?
The notice indicates an expected 25 awards.
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The program is identified as CFDA 10.446.
What is the funding opportunity number for this notice?
The funding opportunity number provided is USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2017.
When was this opportunity posted and when did it originally close?
The posting indicates the opportunity was originally created on May 26, 2017, with an original closing date of July 25, 2017.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture, Community Development
Next opportunity: Volunteer Management and Support for NTS 50th Anniversary
Previous opportunity: Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2017
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2017
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2017) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Apply for USDA RD CFTAT 2017 Funding Number: USDA RD CFTAT 2017 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Rural Commmunity Developmemt Initiative (RCDI) Apply for USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2018 Funding Number: USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2018 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Apply for USDA RD CFTAT 2018 Funding Number: USDA RD CFTAT 2018 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Apply for USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2019 Funding Number: USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2019 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Apply for USDA RD CFTAT 2019 Funding Number: USDA RD CFTAT 2019 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Apply for USDA RD CFTAT 2020 Funding Number: USDA RD CFTAT 2020 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant - Disaster Relief Act 2019 Grant Funds Apply for USDA RD CFTAT 2020 DISASTER Funding Number: USDA RD CFTAT 2020 DISASTER Agency: Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Rural Community Development Initiative Apply for USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2020 Funding Number: USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2020 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Rural Community Development Initiative Apply for USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2022 Funding Number: USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2022 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Apply for USDA RD CFTAT 2022 Funding Number: USDA RD CFTAT 2022 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Apply for USDA RD CFTAT 2023 Funding Number: USDA RD CFTAT 2023 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Rural Community Development Initiative Apply for USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2023 Funding Number: USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2023 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant - Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2023 Grant Funds Apply for USDA RD CFTAT 2023 DISASTER Funding Number: USDA RD CFTAT 2023 DISASTER Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Puerto Rico Rural Partners Network Rural Community Development Initiative Apply for USDA RD HCFP PR RPN RCDI 2024 Funding Number: USDA RD HCFP PR RPN RCDI 2024 Agency: Rural Housing Service Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Apply for USDA RD CFTAT 2024 Funding Number: USDA RD CFTAT 2024 Agency: Rural Housing Service Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Apply for USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2024 Funding Number: USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2024 Agency: Rural Housing Service Category: Agriculture, Community Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "USDA RD HCFP RCDI 2017", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.