On September 26th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded $4.2 million in FY2025 to Cooperative Development Centers through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program. While the status of RCDG implementation in FY2025 was uncertain, the cooperative community’s advocacy ultimately led to the release of funding ahead of the September 30th expiration date for the program’s funds. 

Authorized through the Farm Bill, the RCDG program provides grants to Co-op Development Centers established through nonprofits or institutions of higher education to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping individuals and businesses start, expand or improve rural cooperatives.

While the program has historically been administered by the Rural Business Cooperative Service within USDA’s Rural Development Mission Area, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) was responsible for the RCDG application process, including uptake, review and awarding for FY2025. 

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NIFA seeks comments on all Request for Applications (RFA) so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity and with a focus on customer service. Applicants may submit written comments to policy@usda.gov using the subject line “Response to the RCDG RFA.”

Continued investment in federal programs to support cooperative development would not be possible without the tireless advocacy of the cooperative business ecosystem. We extend our gratitude to cooperators who continue to support this work in partnership with NCBA CLUSA.

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Continued investment in federal programs to support cooperative development would not be possible without the tireless advocacy of the cooperative business ecosystem.