WASHINGTON- Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Rural Development has awarded a $251,706 competitive matching grant to the Iowa League of RC&D’s in Ankeny through the Rural Community Development Initiative.
“These funds will help the Iowa League of Research, Conservation and Development Councils promote economic growth in low-income rural areas,” Grassley said.
The Iowa League of RC&D’s will use the money to help build the capacity of five local RC&D’s to serve as leaders for building regional food systems including producers, consumers, communities and food-related businesses.
According to the USDA, the Rural Community Development Initiative provides technical assistance and training to qualified intermediary organizations to develop their capacity to undertake housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Recipients are required to obtain matching funds, increasing the value of the grants.
Each year, thousands of local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants and loans from the federal government. The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual’s ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity.