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Funding

Funding Opportunities for Infrastructure

Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides loan guarantees to eligible lenders to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Projects include fire and rescue stations, town halls, health care clinics and hospitals. Application deadline: Open

Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development finances the construction of electric distribution facilities and improvements to electric service in rural areas. Application deadline: Open

Multifamily Housing Loan Guarantee Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development works with qualified private-sector lenders to provide financing to qualified borrowers to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in eligible rural areas and towns. Application deadline: Open

Multifamily Housing Rental Assistance Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides payments directly to the owners of USDA financed rural rental or farm labor housing on behalf of eligible tenants who cannot afford to pay their full rent. Application deadline: Open

On-Farm Labor Housing Loans U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Rural Development provides low-interest loans to eligible borrowers to develop or rehabilitate rental housing for very-low- to moderate-income farm laborers. Application deadline: Open until funds are depleted

Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes; or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards to their homes. Application deadline: Open

Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD provides grants to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned rental or owner-occupied housing populations. Eligible applicants include city, township, county or state governments, and Federally Recognized Tribes. Application deadline: 8/14/2025

Funding Opportunities Supporting
Community and Economic Development

Rural Community Development Initiative Grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development awards grants to help non-profit housing and community development organizations, low-income rural communities and federally recognized tribes support housing, community facilities and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Application deadline: 8/7/2025 (Electronic); 8/12/2025 (Paper)

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage and solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Application deadline: Open

Water & Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Rural Development helps private lenders provide affordable financing to qualified borrowers to improve access to clean, reliable water and waste disposal systems in rural areas. Application Deadline: Open

Water and Waste Disposal Pre-development Planning Grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers grants to help eligible low-income, rural communities plan and develop applications for the Water and Waste Disposal loan/grant and loan guarantee programs. Application Deadline: Open

Partners for Fish and Wildlife
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
The U.S. DOI Fish and Wildlife Service provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land. Project work may include restoring forest, prairie, wetland and stream habitat for wildlife. Application deadline: 9/30/2025 subject to fund availability

Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program
A federally funded initiative that offers comprehensive technical assistance to rural hospitals to address financial and operational challenges and maintain essential health services for their communities. Application Deadline: 9/30/2025

Subscribe to Innovation Matters to stay current on open funding opportunities!

Funding Opportunities for Tribal Communities

USDA Rural Development’s Tribal Relations web page offers a calendar of events, funding opportunities, news releases, success stories, and more!

Grants for Rural and Native Alaskan Villages
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers this program to help remote Alaskan villages provide safe, reliable drinking water and waste-disposal systems for households and businesses. Application deadline: Open

Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development helps get safe, reliable drinking water and waste-disposal services to low-income communities that face significant health risks. Application deadline: Open

Community Innovation Grants and Program-Related Investments
The Bush Foundation offers Community Innovation grants to fund efforts to develop and test ideas to solve problems and create opportunities, then spread the best ideas across communities. Applicable for applicants sharing geography with or supporting MN, ND, or SD. Application deadline: Open

Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP) Grant
Department of the Interior
The Bureau of Indian Affairs offers technical assistance funding to identify, evaluate or assess energy or mineral resources and related projects. EMDP supports Tribal efforts to advance Tribal self-governance through developing energy and mineral resources. Application deadline: 8/13/2025

Tribal Energy Financing U.S. Department of Energy The U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office supports Tribal investment in developing, constructing or acquiring an eligible energy development project by providing direct loans or partial loan guarantees. Application deadline: 8/31/2028

Resources

Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Guide — USDA RD developed this guide as a resource for rural communities seeking disaster resiliency and recovery assistance.

Physical Therapy Telehealth Research Study for Veterans - This research study evaluates the effect of a structured physical therapy program for Veterans experiencing physical difficulties in their day-to-day life. The program is designed to improve strength, mobility, and engagement with exercise using technology.

Quest for Rural Experience Scholarships —Students training to become Nurse Practitioners (NPs) or Physician Assistants/Associates (PAs) may apply to receive $3,000 scholarships to support clinical rotations at Rural Health Clinics. The funding is provided by the National Association of Rural Health Clinics' Research and Education Foundation to assist with various expenses incurred during rotations.

Find Your Local Service Center — USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Click on your state and county to find your local service center and agency offices.

USDA Rural Development Success Story

Minnkota Power Cooperative’s $60 Million Infrastructure Upgrade for a Stronger Future

Minnkota Power Cooperative's Walle Substation lit up at night. Photo by Minnkota.

Minnkota Power Cooperative stands out as an example of rural energy resilience following President Trump's declaration of a National Energy Emergency, emphasizing the need to protect the nation's electric system and accelerate investments in essential infrastructure. Read more 

8/3-8/8 | In Person – The Great American Farmers Market 2025: USDA announced the Great American Farmers Market event to be held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. from August 3-8, 2025. Admission is free and open to all!

8/13 | Virtual –The 2025 Health Resources & Services Administration's (HRSA) Healthy Grants Workshop will help you successfully manage your HRSA award. Each session includes two topics, such as grants administration, grants budgeting, allowable costs, and more. Register here.    

8/5 | Virtual – This National Rural Health Resource Center webinar will provide detailed information about the Rural Hospital Stabilization Program (RHSP), which helps rural hospitals improve their financial stability by enhancing or expanding health care services that meet community needs and keep care close to home. Click here to learn more and register.

9/18 | Virtual - The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service webinar will provide college students with information about the agency’s internship and career opportunities, provide guidance on navigating the federal application process, and help answer questions. Register here.

​Contacts/Subscription

USDA Rural Development Innovation Center

View the previous edition of Innovation Matters

Email: rd.innovation@usda.gov | Webpage: usda.gov/rdinnovation

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