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.

Apply online at grants.gov

Before you apply:

• Request a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number if your organization does not already have one. It should not take more than a few business days to get your number. However, you should plan on requesting it at least a month before the application deadline because you’ll need that number for the next pre-application step (see below).

• Register your organization with the System for Award Management (SAM) if you are not already registered. The registration is free, but you need to complete several steps. It’s a good idea to start the registration process at least a month before any application deadline. Before you start the registration process, RD suggests reading through the HELP materials available on the SAM website. Then, you’ll need to create an account. After you create your account by setting up a user ID and password, you can register your organization. Remember, you’ll need your DUNS number to complete your registration. Also, make a note of your CAGE (Commercial And Government Entity) code and expiration date because you’ll need those for your application.

Contact your nearest Rural Development office if you need assitance.

• Program Fact Sheet

• Federal Register

• Application Checklist 

• Application Template

• FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

• USDA OPPE