The Rural Development Fund grants are available for projects addressing expansion and sustainability of land-based industries; worker training related to land-based industries; and energy, transportation, communications, water and wastewater infrastructure to benefit rural communities and micropolitan statistical areas (defined by the U.S. Department of Management and Budget as an area/county with at least one urban cluster of at least 10,000 but fewer than 50,000 population).

Land-based industries include food and agriculture; forestry; mining, oil and gas production; and tourism. Eligible counties include those with a population no greater than 60,000 residents or micropolitian statistical areas. For a complete list of eligible counties, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.

The proposals will be evaluated through a competitive process. There is no maximum limit on the project grant fund request; however, the total allotment of funding for the current year is approximately $1.5 million. All proposals require at least a 30% cash match. Applicants for grant funds will be asked to describe how the project potentially impacts and produces measurable outcomes for rural communities.

Those interested in applying for the grant program should visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants to view the application and program overview.

Any additional communications concerning this Request for Proposal should be sent to mda-grants@michigan.gov. Proposals must be received at the email above no later than 3 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, February 2, 2017.  Proposals received after 3 p.m. will not be considered.

The Rural Development Fund grants are funded by the Nonferrous Metallic Minerals Extraction Severance Tax. The Rural Development Fund was created under PA 411 of 2012. Revenue from the severance tax is in accordance with PA 410 of 2012.