Michigan Rural Development Fund Grants

The Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity provides grant opportunities to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities.  

• Individuals

• Organizations

• Businesses

• Local Units of Government (county, city, township, village, school district; any authority composed of counties, cities, townships, villages and school districts or combination of these entities)

• Federally Recognized Tribes

• Educational Institutions

• Regional planning agencies and economic or workforce development organizations 

Projects are eligible if they benefit an Eligible Rural Community or Micropolitan Statistical Areas: See the program guidelines for a full list of eligible areas.

• Category 1, Community and Business Development: up to $100,000, 18-month project period.

• Category 2, Regional Collaboration: up to $200,000, 24-month project period.

• No minimum request. Minimum 20% match of the grant amount requested (cash, in-kind, or both).

• Cost reimbursement, monthly at specified reimbursement periods; final request at project completion.

• Progress reports due every six months; outcome reporting up to three years after the grant period; records kept 7 years.

• Preference for projects located in or primarily benefiting Upper Peninsula communities.

1. Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the Office of Rural Prosperity's JotForm by November 2, 2026 at 5 p.m., using the LOI template; include the source of your proposed match.

2. Selected applicants are invited on December 2, 2026 to submit a full application in EGrAMS, due January 13, 2027 at 5 p.m., with a detailed budget, at least three letters of support and match documentation.

3. Evaluation meeting February 17, 2027; awards announced April 2027.

Each organization may submit only one LOI as Lead Applicant per round.

• 2027 Rural Development Fund Fact Sheet

• 2027 Rural Development Fund Grant Guidelines

• Informational webinar