Rural Business Development Grants
Fiscal Year 2026
Notice of Funding Opportunity
Funding Opportunity Number: RDBCP-RBDG-2026
Publication Date: May 13, 2026
Application Due Date: June 15, 2026 for SECD applications
June 30, 2026 for regular applications
Victoria Collin
Acting Administrator
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
PROGRAM SOLICITATION INFORMATION
Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Business Development Grant
Funding Opportunity Number: RDBCP-RBDG-2026
Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Assistance Listing Number: 10.351
Dates: Complete applications may be submitted in paper or electronic format and must be received by 4:30 p.m. local time on June 15, 2026 for SECD applications; June 30, 2026 for regular applications, in the USDA RD State Office for the State where the project is located. A list of the USDA RD State Offices can be found at: www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices.
Executive Summary: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites the submission of applications for grants under the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program for fiscal year (FY) Funding for FY 2026 is approximately $27.7 million. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for funding. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
TIPS FOR APPLICANTS
- To do business with the Federal Government and to submit your application electronically using Grants.gov, you must -
o Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);
o Be registered in SAM.gov (System for Award Management), the Government's primary registrant database;
o Provide your UEI number and TIN on your application; and
o Maintain an active SAM registration with current information throughout the application review period and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.
- Register and submit applications early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE APPLICATION DEADLINE.
- Thoroughly read this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and follow all the instructions.
- Thoroughly review the guidelines and policies as outlined in this notice to ensure the application is received and eligible for consideration, and to understand allowable and unallowable costs.
- Apply for the correct grant program
o Assistance Listing number “10.351” and Funding Opportunity Number “RDBCP-RBDG-2026”
- Make sure you have the most recent copy of Adobe Reader installed on your computer and that it is compatible with Grants.gov software. Grants.gov supports Adobe Reader version 9.0.0 and higher.
- Limit Application File Name Characters (50 or less).
- When uploading attachments, click the “Add Attachments” button (do NOT use the “paperclip” icon in Adobe Reader).
Acceptable file types include .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .xls, .xlsx, .txt, .ppt, and .pptx. If you would like to submit
another file type, please contact the program office first for approval.
- Do not password-protect your documents and make sure all tracked-changes are “accepted”.
- Avoid Special Characters in File Names ($, %, &, *, Spanish "ñ", etc.).
- Input the correct UEI number on the SF-424 cover page.
- Review the Grants.gov Applicant User and Registration Guides:
o http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html
o https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Program Description ..............................................................................................................5
1.1 RD Key Priorities................................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Purpose of the Program .................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Statutory and Regulatory Authority.................................................................................................. 5
1.4 Definitions ......................................................................................................................................... 5
1.5 Application of Awards ....................................................................................................................... 5
2.0 Federal Award Information ....................................................................................................6
3.0 Eligibility Information ............................................................................................................6
3.1 Eligible Applicants ............................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Cost Sharing or Matching .................................................................................................................. 7
3.3 Other ................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.4 Address to Request Application Package.......................................................................................... 7
3.5 Content and Form of Application Submission .................................................................................. 7
3.6 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management ......................................................... 8
3.7 Submission Dates and Times............................................................................................................. 8
3.8 Intergovernmental Review ............................................................................................................... 8
3.9 Funding Restrictions.......................................................................................................................... 9
3.10 Other Submission Requirements ...................................................................................................... 9
4.0 Application Review Information .............................................................................................9
4.1 Criteria............................................................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Review Selection Processes ............................................................................................................ 10
5.0 Federal Award Administration Information .......................................................................... 11
5.1 Federal Award Notices .................................................................................................................... 11
5.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements ......................................................................... 11
5.3 Reporting......................................................................................................................................... 12
6.0 Federal Award Agency Contacts ........................................................................................... 13
7.0 Other Information................................................................................................................ 13
7.1 Paperwork Reduction Act ............................................................................................................... 13
7.2 National Environmental Policy Act ................................................................................................. 13
7.3 Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act .................................................................. 13
7.4 Civil Rights Act ................................................................................................................................. 14
7.5 Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations .............................................................................. 14
7.6 nondiscrimination Statement ......................................................................................................... 14
1.0 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
1.1 RBCS Key Priorities
Rural Business Cooperative Service Key Priorities: The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance the following RBCS Priorities:
- Domestic Manufacturing and industrial capacity
- Domestic Energy Production and energy security
- New and expanded markets for American Farmers and rural producers
- Program integrity, including the prevention and reduction of fraud, waste, and abuse
1.2 Purpose of the Program
The purpose of the RBDG Program is to promote economic development and job creation projects through the awarding of grant funds to eligible entities. Applications will compete in two separate categories, business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, for use in funding various business and community projects that serve rural areas.
Business opportunity projects must be in compliance with eligible uses as stated in 7 CFR 4280.417(a)(1) .
Business enterprise projects must be in compliance with eligible uses as stated in 7 CFR 4280.417(a)(2).
1.3 Statutory and Regulatory Authority
The RBDG Program is authorized under Section 310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 1932(c), and implemented by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E.
Assistance provided under the RBDG Program will be made to eligible entities and will be used for funding various business opportunity projects and business enterprise projects, as applicable, that serve Rural Areas. All applicants must indicate if the application is for enterprise or opportunity type funds.
1.4 Definitions
The definitions appliable to this notice are published at 7 CFR part 4280.403.
1.5 Application of Awards
Awards under the RBDG Program will be made on a competitive basis using specific selection criteria contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E. The Agency will review, evaluate, and score applications received in response to this notice based on the provisions found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, and as indicated in this notice. The Agency advises all interested parties that the applicant bears the full burden of preparing and submitting an application in response to this notice.
2.0 FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
Type of Awards: Grants
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2026
Available Funds: Funding is anticipated to be approximately $27.70 million. RBCS may, at its discretion, increase the total level of funding available in this funding round (or in any category in this funding round) from any available source provided the awards meet the requirements of the statute which made the funding available to the Agency.
Minimum Award Amount: The RBDG program does not have a minimum award amount.
Maximum Award Amount: The RBDG program does not have a maximum award amount.
Applicants should note that in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.435(i), applications requesting smaller grant
requests will receive more priority points.
Anticipated Award Date: Set-Aside awards, if applicable: July 31, 2026. Regular awards: August 31,
2026.
Performance Period: The period of time in which the grantee must initiate and complete the project is June 1, 2026, through September 30, 2028. However, as indicated in 7 CFR 4280.421, to be considered for funding, the project must reasonably be expected to be completed within one full year after it has begun.
Renewal or Supplemental Awards: None.
Type of Assistance Instrument: Financial Assistance Agreement
3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
3.1 Eligible Applicants
Grants may be made to a Public Body/Government Entity, an Indian Tribe, or a Nonprofit entity primarily serving rural areas. In accordance with 7 CFR 4280.416(d), applicants that are not delinquent on any Federal debt or not otherwise disqualified from participation in these Programs are eligible to apply. In accordance with 2 CFR Parts 180 and 417, the applicant and its principals must not be debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in USDA programs. The applicant must not be delinquent on any federal debt, nor have any outstanding judgment obtained by the U.S. in a Federal court. Upon receipt of application, prior to award, and prior to disbursement of federal funds, the agency will screen the applicant and its principals through the Do Not Pay System, as required by 31 U.S.C. § 3354, to verify eligibility with respect to debarment, suspension, and any unresolved federal debts. Applicants are responsible for resolving any issues identified in the Do Not Pay System; if such issues are not resolved by the deadlines specified in this notice, the agency may proceed to award funds to other eligible applicants. Applicants are responsible for compliance with all applicable regulations, including 2 CFR Parts 180 and 417.
3.2 Cost Sharing or Matching
There are no cost sharing or matching requirements associated with this grant. Matching funds are not required for eligibility purposes; however, additional priority points may be awarded for leveraging per 7 CFR 4280.435(a).
3.3 Other
Grant funds may be used for projects identified in 7 CFR 4280.417(a) as either a business opportunity type grant or a business enterprise type grant.
3.4 Address to Request Application Package
This funding announcement will also be announced on www.Grants.gov. Applications must be submitted to the USDA RD State Office for the State where the project is located. For projects involving multiple states, the application must be filed in the RD State Office where the Applicant is located.
Applicants are encouraged to contact their respective RD State Office for an email contact to submit an electronic application prior to the submission deadline date. A list of the USDA RD State Office contacts can be found at: www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices.
3.5 Content and Form of Application Submission
(a) The applicant documentation and forms needed for a complete application are located in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, a copy of which will be provided to any interested applicant making a request to a USDA RD State Office for the State where the project is located. A list of the USDA RD State Offices can be found at: www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices.
(b) The Agency requires information to make an eligibility determination, processing and scoring through applications that must include the items identified in 7 CFR 4280.427.
(1) Please note that no assistance or funding can be provided to hemp producers or processors unless they have a valid license issued from an approved State, Tribal or Federal plan as per Section 10113 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115–334. Verification of valid hemp licenses will occur at the time of award; and
(2) Any additional information the Agency may request to assist in making a grant award determination.
Each selection priority criterion outlined in 7 CFR 4280.435 must be addressed in the application.
Failure to address any of the criterion will result in a zero-point score for that criterion and will impact the overall score of the application.
(c) The application must be submitted in one package. The single package should be well organized and include a table of contents, if appropriate. There are no specific limitations on number of pages, font size and type face, margins, paper size, and the sequence or assembly requirements other than those described in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E.
(d) An original copy of the application must be filed with the RD State Office for the State where the project is located. For projects involving multiple states, the application must be filed in the RD State
Office where the Applicant is located.
(e) The component pieces of this application require original signatures on the application. Digital signatures are considered an original signature.
(f) RBDG grants must conform with the environmental policies and procedures of 7 CFR part 1b.
3.6 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management
(a) At the time of application, each applicant must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting its application in accordance with 2 CFR part 25. In order to register in SAM, entities will be required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.
(b) Each applicant must maintain an active SAM registration, with current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.
(c) Each applicant must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance and Representations and Certifications in SAM as well as other Core Data as required.
(d) Each applicant must provide a valid UEI in its application, unless determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110.
(e) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has complied with all SAM requirements including providing the UEI. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Agency is ready to make an award, the Agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.
3.7 Submission Dates and Times
(a) Application Deadline Date. Applications (paper or electronic format) must be submitted to the appropriate RD State Office no later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on June 15, 2026 for SECD applications; June 30, 2026 for regular applications. If completed applications are not received by the deadline date,b the application will neither be reviewed nor considered for funding under any circumstances.
The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after the application deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek clarifying information on materials contained in the submitted application.
3.8 Intergovernmental Review
Executive Order (EO) 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” applies to this program. This EO requires that Federal agencies provide opportunities for consultation on proposed assistance with State and local governments. Many states have established a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to facilitate this consultation. For a list of States that maintain a SPOC, please see the USDA website: usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/intergovernmental-review. If your State has a SPOC, you may submit a copy of the application directly for review. Any comments obtained through the SPOC must be provided to your State Office for consideration as part of your application. If your state has not established a SPOC, you may submit your application directly to the Agency. Applications from Federally recognized Indian Tribes are not subject to this requirement.
3.9 Funding Restrictions
(a) Indirect costs will be permitted in accordance with applicable law and in accordance with 2 CFR part 200. Pre-Federal award costs will only be permitted with prior written approval by the Agency.
(b) In accordance with 7 CFR 4280.421, a project must reasonably be expected to be completed within one (1) full year after it has begun.
3.10 Other Submission Requirements
Applicants are encouraged to utilize an RBDG application template available from each state office to create a complete application. Application template usage is not required.
4.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
4.1 Criteria
(a) The Agency will review each application for assistance in accordance with the priorities established in 7 CFR 4280.435. The Agency will assign each application a priority rating and will select applications for funding based on the priority ratings and the total funds available to the program.
(b) The Agency will use the criteria in 7 CFR 4280.435 and this notice to score applications for purposes identified under 7 CFR 4280.417(a)(1) and (2).
(1) Leveraging. In addition to the requirements provided in 7 CFR 4280.435(a), and to the extent that an applicant contributes leveraged funds to a project, the application must contain a firm commitment in writing of other funding for the project or points will not be awarded to the application for leveraging.
(2) Discretionary points. Either the State Director or Administrator may assign up to 50 discretionary points to an application. Assignment of discretionary points must include a written justification. Permissible justifications are geographic distribution of funds, special Secretary of Agriculture initiatives such as Priority Communities, or a state's strategic goals. Discretionary points may only be assigned to initial grants. However, in the case where two projects have the same score, the
State Director may add one point to the project that best fits the State's strategic plan regardless of whether the project is an initial or subsequent grant.
(c) The following are examples of RBCS initiatives as found in Secretary of Agriculture Initiatives and state’s strategic goals that can support obtaining discretionary points:
- Domestic Manufacturing and industrial capacity
- Domestic Energy Production and energy security
- New and expanded markets for American Farmers and rural producers
- Program integrity, including the prevention and reduction of fraud, waste, and abuse
The Agency will assign each application a priority rating based on the total score and will select applications for funding based on the priority ratings and the total funds available to the program for opportunity-type projects and enterprise-type projects.
4.2 Review Selection Processes
The RD State Offices will review applications to determine if they are eligible for assistance based on requirements contained in 7 CFR 4280.416 and 7 CFR 4280.417. Funding of projects is subject to the availability of funds and Applicant’s satisfactory submission of the items required by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E and this notice, in addition to any conditions specifically outlined in any issued USDA RD Letter of Conditions if available funds are to be awarded. The agency reserves the right to offer the applicant less than the amount of grant funding requested.
The Agency will score each application based on the information contained in the application and its supporting information. All applications submitted for funding must be in one package and contain sufficient information to permit the Agency to complete a thorough priority rating. Agency employees may not consider any information that is not provided by the applicant in writing for scoring purposes.
Applications will not be considered for funding if they do not provide sufficient information to determine eligibility or are missing required elements.
Applications for set-aside funds, if available, will compete at the National Office in their respective categories. Applications for regular RBDG projects will compete at the state level in their respective category, business opportunity grants or business enterprise grants, for funding made available through RD State allocated funds. Eligible applications will be reviewed, prioritized by score, and funded by ranking each project in highest to lowest score order until available funds are exhausted. If funds are exhausted at the state level, each State’s highest scoring unfunded business enterprise project will have the opportunity to compete for funding through a final national competition.
The Agency will notify eligible applicants in writing if RBDG funds are not available. The applicant is permitted to respond in writing that they wish their application to be reconsidered in the next FY. The applicant may provide additional updated information to the Agency prior to the next FY’s application deadline for their project.
The Agency will notify eligible applicants in writing if set-aside funds are not available. Applications that are eligible for set-aside funds but are unfunded due to the unavailability of funds will be allowed to compete for available FY 2026 regular RBDG funds in the State where the project is located. For projects involving multiple states, the application will be returned to the RD State Office where the Applicant is located and will compete for funds in that State. The Agency will notify eligible applicants in writing if their application will not be funded in FY 2026 due to insufficient funds in the set-aside and regular RBDG programs.
5.0 FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
5.1 Federal Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive notification for funding from the USDA RD State Office. Applicants must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations before the grant award can be approved and funded. If an application is withdrawn by the applicant, it can be resubmitted later and will be evaluated as a new application in the period submitted.
5.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements
(1) Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this Program can be found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, and in the Grants and Agreements regulations of the Department of Agriculture codified in 2 CFR parts 25, 170, 180, 200, 400, 415, 417, 418, 421 , and successor regulations to these parts.
(2) All successful applicants will be notified by letter which will include a Letter of Conditions and a Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions. This letter is not an authorization to begin performance, but it is a notification that grant funds may be awarded subject to the applicant meeting certain specified conditions. The grant will be considered officially awarded when all conditions in the Letter of Conditions have been met and the Agency obligates the funding for the project. If the applicant wishes to consider beginning their project performance prior to the grant being officially closed, all pre-award costs must be approved in writing and in advance by the Agency.
(3) All recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive compensation (see 2 CFR part 170). The applicant will be required to have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Public Law 109 - 282 - Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 - Content Details - (govinfo.gov)) reporting requirements (see 2 CFR 170.200(b)).
(4) The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected for these programs:
(i) Form RD 4280-2, “Rural Business-Cooperative Service Financial Assistance Agreement;”
(ii) Letter of Conditions with applicable Attachment;
(iii) Form RD 1940-1, “Request for Obligation of Funds;”
(iv) Form RD 1942-46, “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions;”
(v) SF LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,” if applicable;
(vi) RD 400-4 Assurances Agreement; and
(vii) Form SF 270, “Request for Advance or Reimbursement,” which is to be used by Grantees
when requesting grant funds from the Agency.
(b) Build America, Buy America. Awardees that are Non-Federal Entities, defined pursuant to 2 CFR 200.1 as any “State, local government, Indian Tribe, Institution of Higher Education (IHE), or nonprofit organization,” shall be governed by the requirements of Section 70914 of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Public Law 117-58), and its implementing regulations at 2 CFR part 184. Any requests for waiver of these requirements must be submitted pursuant to USDA’s guidance available online at https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistance-policy/USDABuyAmericaWaiver.
(c) Geospatial Information. Awardee, and any and all contracts entered into by the Awardee with respect to the Award, shall ensure that geospatial data required to be collected and provided to the agency, conforms with the requirements of USDA Department Regulation DR-3465-001 and the Geospatial Metadata Standards set forth in DM 3465-001, which can be obtained online at www.usda.gov/directives/dr-3465-001 and www.usda.gov/directives/dm-3465-001.
(d) Civil Rights Act. All awards of Federal financial assistance made under this NOFO are subject to applicable civil rights laws, which may include Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1973, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.
5.3 Reporting
(a) A Financial Status Report and a Project Performance Activity Report will be required of all grantees on a semi-annual basis until initial funds are expended and yearly thereafter, if applicable, based on the Federal FY. Grantees must continuously monitor performance to ensure that time schedules are being met, projected work by time periods is being accomplished, and other performance objectives are being achieved. Grantees must submit an original of each report to the Agency no later than 30 days after the end of the reporting period. The grantee will complete the project within the total time available to it in accordance with the Scope of Work and any necessary modifications thereof prepared by the grantee and approved by the Agency. A final Project Performance Report will be required with the final Financial Status Report. The final report may serve as the last periodic report. The final report must provide complete information regarding the jobs created and supported as a result of the RBDG grant, if applicable. The Project Performance Reports must include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for that period.
(2) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions, if any, which have affected or will affect attainment of overall project objectives, prevent meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of particular project work elements during established time periods. This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of the action taken or planned to resolve the situation.
(3) Objectives and timetable established for the next reporting period.
(4) Any special reporting requirements, such as jobs supported and created, businesses assisted, or economic development which results in improvements in median household incomes, and any other specific requirements, will be placed in the reporting section of the Letter of Conditions.
(5) Within 90 days after the conclusion of the project, the grantee will provide a final Project Evaluation Report. The last payment will be withheld until the final report is received and approved by the Agency. Even though the grantee may request reimbursement on a monthly basis, the last 3 months of reimbursements will be withheld until the final Project Evaluation, Project Performance, and Financial Status Reports are received and approved by the Agency.
(b) In addition to any reports required by 2 CFR part 200 and 2 CFR Chapter IV, the grantee must provide reports as required by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E. Awardees subject to the audit requirements of 2 CFR 200.501, shall provide a full and complete reporting package in accordance with 2 CFR 200.512(c), submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse the earlier of 30 calendar days after the auditee receives the auditor's report(s) or nine months after the end of the audit period. Awardees not subject to the audit requirements of 2 CFR 200.501, shall provide an independent audit report in accordance with Agency guidelines and the financial assistance agreement.
6.0 FEDERAL AWARD AGENCY CONTACTS
Applications must be submitted to the USDA RD State Office for the State where the project is located. For projects involving multiple states, the application must be filed in the RD State Office where the Applicant is located. Applicants are encouraged to contact their respective RD State Office for an email contact to submit an electronic application prior to the submission deadline date. A list of the USDA RD State Office contacts can be found at: www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices.
7.0 OTHER INFORMATION
7.1 Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the information collection requirements associated with the programs, as covered in this notice, have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0570-0070.
7.2 National Environmental Policy Act
All recipients under this notice are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 1b. RBCS will review each grant application to determine its compliance with 7 CFR part 1b. The applicant may be asked to provide additional information or documentation to assist RBCS with this determination.
7.3 Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must be registered in SAM and have a UEI number as stated in Section D.3 of this notice. All recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170.
7.4 Civil Rights Act
All grants made under this notice are subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR Part 15 Subpart A -- Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the Department of Agriculture - Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX, Executive Order 13166 (Limited English Proficiency), Executive Order 11246, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.
7.5 Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations
(a) Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at, and subject to the protections and requirements of, this part and any applicable constitutional and statutory requirements, including 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq. USDA will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate for or against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character, motives, or affiliation, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.
(b) A faith-based organization that participates in this program will retain its independence from the Government and may continue to carry out its mission consistent with religious freedom and conscience protections in Federal law. Religious accommodations may also be sought under many of these religious freedom and conscience protection laws.
(c) A faith-based organization may not use direct Federal financial assistance from USDA to support or engage in any explicitly religious activities except when consistent with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and any other applicable requirements. An organization receiving Federal financial assistance also may not, in providing services funded by USDA, or in their outreach activities related to such services, discriminate against a program beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the basis of religion, a religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to attend or participate in a religious practice.
7.6 Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-assistant-secretary-civil-rights/how-file-program-discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.
To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410,
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.