$2M in grants for Michigan rural communities

By Andi Anderson

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has announced a new competitive grant program aimed at promoting sustainability in land-based industries and improving infrastructure in rural communities.

“Our rural communities are a fundamental part of Michigan’s food and agriculture industry. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to providing the support and resources to help increase resiliency and success in those communities,” said Boring, director of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). “The Rural Development Grant prioritizes sustainability for land-based industries and provides the crucial infrastructure needed for our rural areas to grow and thrive for years to come.”

According to MDARD, the Rural Development Fund grants are designed to support projects that enhance the sustainability and growth of land-based industries.

These industries include agriculture, forestry, food production, mining, oil and gas production, and tourism.

The grants also cover worker training in these industries, as well as improvements to infrastructure like energy, transportation, housing, communications, and water and wastewater systems that benefit rural communities.

The grants are available to counties with populations no greater than 70,000 residents or those classified as micropolitan statistical areas.

A full list of eligible counties can be found on the MDARD website. This grant cycle offers $2 million in total funding, with individual grants capped at $100,000. Applicants must also provide at least 30 percent of the requested grant amount in cash matching funds.

To apply, applicants must outline how their project will positively impact rural communities and produce measurable outcomes in land-based industries.

Applications will be evaluated through a competitive process. Interested individuals should visit the MDARD website for detailed information and apply via the MiAgGrants system. All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. (EST) on December 5, 2024.

MDARD will host an informational webinar about the grant program on October 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. (EST). Additional questions can be directed to MDARD at mda-grants@michigan.gov.

Photo Credit: farm-land-istock-alenamozhjer