RDFC Grant (Rural Development Finance Corporation Grant)

RDFC Grant Program

Funder: Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) in partnership with the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC)

Status: Active, recurring annual program

Geographic Scope: CCEC service territory in North Dakota. Communities must have 10,000 or fewer residents or be rural people through regional/statewide cooperatives.

Award Amount: CCEC awards up to $2,000 in grants for community-owned or community-based projects. (Note: A 2024 announcement referenced CCEC teaming up to offer $3,000 in grants total)

Background: The Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) is a North Dakota nonprofit development organization directed by rural electric and broadband cooperatives operating in North Dakota, the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC), and the Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND). RDFC exists to help rural places thrive through low-interest revolving loan programs and grants supporting emerging and expanding businesses, cooperative ventures, and community development projects. CCEC is a member of RDFC and allocates funds to support local nonprofit and community-based projects stemming from the cooperative principle of "concern for community."

Eligible Project Categories

1. Community-Owned Businesses - Locally owned and community-centered businesses (e.g., restaurants, grocery stores, small businesses, lodging)
2. Community Facilities - Organizations integral to community safety, well-being, and quality of life (e.g., ambulance services, fire and rescue, community centers, healthcare facilities)
3. Workforce Development - Organizations with training to meet current and future business/industry needs (e.g., training programs, development opportunities, continuing education programs)
4. Community-Based Projects - Projects that benefit rural areas and lead to community betterment (e.g., youth organization projects, school projects, community development projects)

Past Grant Recipients

• Hunter Fire Department
• Arthur Rural Fire Protection District
• Valley City Barnes County Rescue Squad
• Wimbledon Fire Protection District
• North Country Trail
• Sheyenne River Water Trail

Contact

CCEC:
• Phone: 701-356-4400 or 800-248-3292
• Address: 4100 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104 (or 3312 42nd St. S., Suite 200, Fargo, ND 58104 for mail)

RDFC: