WASHINGTON- Senator Chuck Grassley today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Rural Development has awarded two grants totaling $522,950 to Iowa through the Rural Community Development Initiative Grant Program.
“The funds will help these organizations create more sustainable communities and scenic sites by providing them training and assistance,” Grassley said.
The Rural Community Development Initiative Grant Program provides technical assistance and training funds to qualified intermediary organizations to develop their capacity to undertake housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas.
The grant funds from the Office of Rural Development will be distributed as shown below.
v Iowa Department of Economic Development in Des Moines will receive a $261,475 grant to help provide training to 35 non-profit groups and one city on “green” sustainable community principles. Technical assistance will be provided on community development issues, green building and energy efficiency topics.
v Iowa League of Resource Conservation and Development in Oakland will receive a $261,475 grant to help provide training to recipients to help beneficiaries along nine Iowa scenic by-ways. Technical assistance will be provided on micro-enterprise and entrepreneurship, grant writing, organizational development, websites and marketing, renewable energy and interpretative information.