Government Grants
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Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants
(1) a $740,000 loan to construct an addition to a hospital to house a Rural Health Clinic.
(2) a $450,000 loan to purchase equipment to be used in a business expansion.
(3) a $300,000 grant to establish a revolving loan fund to provide business loans to businesses in 10 counties.
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.
If no listing, get in touch with appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the catalog.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2007, 81 projects were funded. In fiscal year 2008, the level of activity was 92. At this time, the estimated funding level for fiscal year 2009, has not been reported.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Projects which promote rural economic development and job creation.
For fiscal year 2007, maximum amount of grant is $300,000; maximum amount of loan is $740,000.
Maximum term of loan is ten years at zero interest rate.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Electric and telephone utilities that have current loans with the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) or Rural Telephone Bank loans or guarantees outstanding and are not delinquent on any Federal debt or in bankruptcy proceedings.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Rural/General Public.
Credentials/Documentation
This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Application Form: OMB Standard Form 424.
This program except for feasibility studies is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." The RUS utility should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No.
A-102.
An environmental review is conducted by the agency for the projects.
An environmental assessment without scooping is occasionally required.
Application Procedures
Submit application as described in 7 CFR 4280.39, no State plan required.
Award Procedures
RBS selects projects to be funded. The funds pass through the RUS utility to rural economic development projects.
Deadlines
Applications may be filed on any working day during the month.
Authorization
Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, Title III, 7 U.S.C. 930-940c.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Open ended.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Renewal of same application for one year. Submit new or revised application as often as desired.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program requires supplemental funds in the amount of 20 percent of the RBS application amounts.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
None.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Reporting need established in 7 CFR 4280, Subpart A.
Audits
Financial audit of the RUS utility is required.
Records
Record retention requirements established in 7 CFR 4280, Subpart A.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-4230-0-3-271; 12-3108-0-1-452;
12-3105-0-1-452.
Obigations
(Loans) FY 07 $26,167,000; FY 08 $33,120,656; and FY 09 est $ot reported. (Grants) FY 07 $9,963,000: FY 08 $10,000,000; and FY 09 est not reported. (Note: Grants to establish Revolving Loan Fund Programs.)
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The maximum amount of loan is $740,000. The maximum amount of Grant is $300,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
7 CFR 4280, Subpart A and the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Consult your local telephone directory for RD District Office number. If no listing, get in touch with appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the catalog.
Headquarters Office
Director, Specialty Lenders Division, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1400.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
See 7 CFR 4280.42.
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Vietnam’s Enterprise Law has been amended last November and now provides a legal definition of social enterprise. The law also grants social enterprises a number of rights. British Council Vietnam has played a vital role in supporting this amendment.
