USDA Opens 2026 Rural Grants: Apply Online for Job Boosts
Published Date: 5/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA is opening up grants to help small businesses in rural areas grow and create jobs in 2026. Starting next year, you’ll only find these grant opportunities online, not in the Federal Register, so keep an eye on their website. If you’re a rural business or group ready to boost your community, now’s the time to apply and grab some funding!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Rural Business Grants Open FY2026
If you run a small business or a community group in a rural area, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for Rural Business Development Grants for Fiscal Year 2026. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is dated May 15, 2026, is available on grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Number RDBCP-RBDG-2026 and Assistance Listing Number 10.351, and program guidance and application forms are on the USDA Rural Development website.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-07842 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection; Comments Request; Rural Development Loan Servicing
The USDA wants to update the paperwork for rural loan programs that help small businesses borrow money. If you’re involved in these loans, you might see some changes to the forms and info they ask for. They’re asking for your thoughts by June 22, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too much work.
2026-07332 — Notice of Rescission of Funding Opportunity for the Rural Energy for America Program
The USDA just canceled the current funding opportunity for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) starting right now. If you already applied but don’t have a signed agreement, you’ll need to apply again once new rules and funding details are announced. This pause means no new money is available until the updated program is ready, so keep an eye out for the fresh application window!
2026-06623 — Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Delta Health Care Services Grant (DHCS) for Fiscal Year 2026
The USDA is offering grants through the Delta Health Care Services program to help improve health care in rural Delta communities. Starting this year, all future funding opportunities will be posted only on the USDA website and grants.gov, not in the Federal Register. If you’re part of a rural health care project, now’s the time to apply and get ready for this new way to find funding!
2026-04581 — OneRD Annual Notice of Guarantee Fee Rates, Periodic Retention Fee Rates, Loan Guarantee Percentage and Fee for Issuance of the Loan Note Guarantee Prior to Construction Completion for Fiscal Year 2026
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2026-04034 — Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection: OMB No. 0570-0067
The USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service is updating the paperwork for the Rural Energy for America program and wants your feedback by May 1, 2026. This change affects farmers and small rural businesses applying for energy grants or loans, aiming to make the process clearer and less time-consuming. No big cost changes yet, but your input could help shape a smoother, smarter form-filling experience!
2025-22567 — OneRD Guaranteed Loan Regulation
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