Rural Communities Opportunity Grant

Grant Opens: Sept. 14, 2026
Closes: October 30, 2026

The Rural Communities Opportunity Grant (RCOG) empowers rural communities to take responsibility for economic development planning, projects, and activities, and to manage their unique opportunities. The grant addresses the economic development needs of rural communities, which include:

  • Business recruitment, development, and expansion
  • Workforce training and development
  • Infrastructure, industrial building development, and capital facilities improvements for business development

Resources

Rural Communities Opportunity Grant Information and Instructions (PDF)

Rural Communities Opportunity Grant One-pager (PDF)

County Economic Opportunity Advisory Board Guide & Training

Intent-to-Apply Information and Instructions (PDF)

Eligibility

Eligible rural communities are encouraged to apply for the Rural Communities Opportunity Grant (RCOG).

Eligible rural communities include:

  • Counties of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth class
  • Cities, towns, and metro townships located within those counties
  • Municipalities with a population of 10,000 or less in counties of the second class
  • Associations of Governments

Competitive Application

The RCOG is competitive and requires a funding match based on the community’s population. Applications are scored based on their quality, proposed budget, economic development projects and activities descriptions, and the purposes, goals, and measurable outcomes related to improving the community’s overall economy. Applicants are required to justify the economic development need for the grant and the amount of funding requested. Matching funds will also be required.
Apply Here
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