Michigan Rural Development Fund Grants

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development 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 

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.

• The maximum limit on grant fund requests is $100,000. The total allotment for funding is approximately $1.74 million.

• Applicants must provide a minimum 30% match.

• This grant is a cost reimbursement program. Grantees are responsible for costs until proper reports/invoices/receipts are received and reviewed. Grantees are required to show proof of payment.

• Grantees will be eligible for reimbursement up to three (3) times, at specified dates, during the 18-month grant cycle, with the final reimbursement provided at the completion of the project.

• Each grantee will be required to submit written reports and appropriate financial documentation to MDARD for payment. Grantees may also be required to report on the outcomes and impact of their grant for a period of time (up to three years) after the grant period ends.

• All Grantees must be registered and in good standing with the LARA Corporations Division, register here Corporations Division - Login Page

Submit your proposal via email to mda-grants@michigan.gov. Confirmation emails are manually sent, so you will not receive an instant confirmation. If you do not receive a confirmation of receipt from within 48 hours, please call 517-284-5734.

• 2023 Rural Development Grant Application

• 2023 Rural Development Fund Grant Guidelines

• Rural Development Fund Fact Sheet

• Rural Development Fund Grants Informational Brochure

• Interactive Dashboard: MDARD Rural Development Grant Program