Grants for Rural Communities

Getting grants for rural community projects requires persistence, dedication, and frequently requires local partnership alliances. Most of the available funding is through federal and state programs like 'Block Grants'. Project coordinators should talk to the funding source representatives in advance of drafting a proposal to get an idea of current funding priorities. If there is a local or regional branch of the funding agency, be sure to discuss your project with someone. Agencies don't like surprises.

The environment in which people live and work is just as important as wildlife habitat. Projects like fuels management and source water protection, stream cleanups, and rural health programs help both the landscape and the people who live there. Stewardship of natural resources is often a way of life for people living in rural areas. It is all connected, and is actually an ecosystem in itself.

In rural communities you will also find a core group of volunteers that are involved with every good project that benefits their community. Involving these volunteers may be critical to project success. Working with volunteers is an art. These people are not paid for their time, effort, and energy. Most projects could never afford to pay for all the hours that volunteers willingly donate. Treasure your volunteers. Appreciate your volunteers.

Much of the funding for rural community projects will be through government. However, some foundations do maintain a focus in assisting rural communities, particularly in the areas of health and economic development. Check the foundations page for additional funding possibilities.

TIP: Volunteers are the lifeblood of conservation projects. Appreciate them and say THANK YOU!

Sampling of Funding Sources:

WK Kellogg Foundation

W.K. Kellogg Foundation has a focus on rural populations in such matters as economic development, education, health, and leadership. Several new programs are about to start.
 

Grants.Gov

Grants.gov is your source to FIND and APPLY for federal government grants. There are over 1,000 grant programs offered by all federal grant making agencies. An excellent resource for conservation projects from a variety of federal agencies. Quality of the information varies however as each agency posts it's own grant information. Some posters are more experienced than others so don't be surprised if some information deadends. There's always a way to find out more information direct from any particular agency.
 

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

This was the forerunner of Grants.Gov, but it contains much valuable information that amy not be on the newer site. Be sure to read up on grant writing and types of assistance since it will make the federal grant process much more understandable.
 

US Fire Agency Grants

Financial assistance available from the U.S. Fire Administration and other Federal agencies for fire departments and other first responders.
 

NAL Funding Resources

The National Agricultural Library has a good list of funding resources for rural community projects.
 

EPA Grants

A major list of EPA programs, many of which are for rural areas.
 

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

NTIA's Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications (OTIA) assists state and local governments, educational and health care entities, libraries, public service agencies, and other groups in effectively using telecommunications and information technologies to better provide public services and advance other national goals.
 

Building Better Rural Places

Comprehensive online publication covering federal programs for sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation and community development. Last updated in 2005, it still contains valuable information.
 

EZ Rural Empowerment Zone

Building communites together. Resources to help your community identify and resolve issues, including funding information. Really an excellent site.
 

Federal Funding for Rural Areas

Part of the National Agriculture Library, you can get a complete list of funding sources by department. The program codes will help you locate the most current information in the Federal Domestic Grants Catalog.
 

Federal Funding Guide for EZ/ECs

A guide book developed for Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities that may be helpful to other communities, too, even though the book is from an earlier administration. Note: clicking on the [url] will start to download the file. Be sure to save and scan it before opening.
 

Community Development Technical Assistance Handbook

Community Development Technical Assistance Handbook is a .doc file so download it and scan before opening it. Provides information and guidance concerning the community development technical assistance process and the delivery of these services to Rural Development clients. This may be a more recent version of the Federal Funding Guide for EZ/EC.
 

Tribes in Enterprize Zones

This page addresses tribal issues in relationship to the Community Empowerment Initiative but is also valuable to all tribes across the nation.
 

Guide to USDA Programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives

Comprehensive online publication covering federal programs for tribal work, inlcuding sections on environment and natural resources. This is an older publication but the grants information will still be helpful.
 

TRANSPORTATION TOOLBOX FOR RURAL AREAS

The Transportation Toolbox for Rural Areas and Small Communities was designed to assist public and private stakeholders in planning, developing, and improving rural areas and small communities, especially through transportation and related projects.
 

Rural Information Center

Part of the National Library system, look for grants under 'Funding Resources'. Also, be sure to take a look at the rural publications sections, too.
 

USDA Rural Development

USDA has extensive funding programs for rural communities including those on housing, economic development, telecommunication, tele-medicine, utilities, rural cooperatives and more. Explore the site thoroughly.
 

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