USDA Offers Loans and Grants to Rural Communities
USDA Rural Development makes low interest loans (4.5% to 4.75%, based on income level) and grants in areas of up to 20,000 population through the Community Facility Direct Loans and Grants program. Priority is given to applicants in rural communities with populations of 5,000 or less. Applicants with low median household incomes receive a higher percentage of the grants.
For grant funding, the fire department must serve areas where the median household income of the population is either below the poverty line or below 90 percent of the state non-metropolitan median household income (whichever is higher). Grants are authorized on a graduated scale. A grant may be used in combination with other financial assistance, such as a direct or guaranteed loan, applicant contribution, or loans and grants from other sources. Grant assistance may be available for up to 75 percent of project costs.
For additional information, contact your local USDA Rural Development office or:
USDA Rural Development
Community Programs Division
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202-720-1490
Fax: 202-690-0471
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