Socially-Disadvantaged Group Grant (SDGG)

The primary objective of the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant program is to provide technical assistance to socially-disadvantaged groups through cooperatives and Cooperative Development Centers. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a Notice published in the Federal Register and an announcement posted on Grants.gov.

Cooperatives and Cooperative Development Centers are eligible.

Grants must be used to provide technical assistance to socially disadvantaged groups in rural areas. Examples of technical assistance are:

• Feasibility studies

• Business plans

• Strategic planning

• Leadership training

Note that the cooperative or center can be located in any area, but the groups assisted must be located in an eligible rural area.

• Program Fact Sheet

• Federal Register

• Application Checklist 

• Application Template

• FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

• USDA OPPE