Rural Area Grants
Grant program are available to fund various activities and projects to improve rural areas across the United States. Funds from these grants are used to finance projects such as constructing and building physical infrastructures, improving Internet communications, and renovating community facilities. Grants are also used to support and develop educational, health and leadership training programs throughout these areas. Some of these grants do not cover the total project costs; recipients must cover the outstanding expenses with outside funding.
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Appalachian Area Development Grants
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The Appalachian Regional Commission, ARC, sponsors grants to help the economic development of remote areas along the Appalachian Mountains. Funds from ARC Grants are used to construct water and sewer facilities as well as finance equipment purchases and building renovations. Grants are also used to develop and support teacher and administration and other educational training programs as well as healthcare services in small hospitals and rural health clinics. Funds are awarded to state and local agencies, nonprofit organizations and local governing boards. Grants normally cover 50 percent of project costs, but economically distressed counties are eligible for grants up to 80 percent of their project expenses.
Appalachian Regional Commission
1666 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20009-1068
202-884-7700
arc.gov
Community Connect Grants
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The Department of Agriculture, USDA, sponsors Community Connect Grants, which help rural areas bring Internet access to their residents. Grants are used to build Internet infrastructures and community centers that offer free web access for two years. Eligible applicants include state and local government agencies, private corporations, limited liability companies, incorporated organizations and tribal organizations. Communities with 20,000 residents or less are eligible to receive grant funds.
Long Chen
Broadband Division, Telecommunications Program
USDA Rural Development, Room 205-W
Mail Stop 0107
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20250-0107
202-720-4581
rurdev.usda.gov
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Community Facilities Grants
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The USDA also sponsors Community Facilities Grants to develop or improve community facilities in rural areas of less than 20,000 residents. Funds from the grants are used to construct, expand or renovate facilities used for public safety, health care, public and community services. Grants also cover equipment purchases needed for operating facilities. Municipalities, counties, nonprofit corporations and tribal government agencies are eligible to apply. Grants finance 75 percent of project costs. High priority for funding is given to low-populated, low-income communities.
Housing and Community Facilities Programs National Office
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 5014 South Building
14th Street and Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20250
202-720-9619
rurdev.usda.gov
fta.dot.gov
Formula Grants for Other Than Urbanized Areas
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The Federal Transit Administration, FTA, sponsors the Formula Grants for Other Than Urbanized Areas Program, which provides financial assistance for public transportation efforts in areas with up to 50,000 residents. Grants are used to acquire public transportation services, cover operating costs of facilities and equipment and capital projects. States receiving funds must use 15 percent to finance intercity bus service unless these needs have already been met. State, local and tribal government agencies as well as nonprofit organizations and public transportation operators can apply for these grants.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Transit Administration
East Building
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
1-866-377-8642
fta.dot.gov
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References
- Photo Credit rural landscape image by Tom Curtis from Fotolia.com
