USDA Ditches DEI Scoring in Rural Development Funds
Published Date: 3/25/2025
Notice
Summary
The USDA Rural Development is updating 14 funding programs to remove diversity and equity scoring rules, following a new Executive Order. If you’ve already applied, don’t worry—you don’t need to apply again. Plus, they fixed a mistake by adding a missing funding source for rural energy projects, so more money is available soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
DEI Scoring Removed from 14 RD Grants
USDA Rural Development amended 14 funding program opportunities to remove references to prior Administration key priorities and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)-related scoring criteria to comply with the Executive Order issued January 20, 2025. The notice says previous Administration key priorities and discretionary points will not be considered during application scoring.
Rural Energy Notice Adds Missing Funding Source
The Rural Energy for America funding notice was corrected to include an omitted funding source for that program. The correction adds the missing funding source to the notice for rural energy projects.
No Reapplication Required for Applicants
If you already applied to these USDA Rural Development funding opportunities, you do not need to apply again; previously submitted applications remain valid under the amendment. This applies to the amended set of 14 programs covered by the notice.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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