The Rural Development Fund Grants

The Rural Development Fund Grants, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, support the sustainability and expansion of land-based industries and infrastructure in rural communities throughout Michigan. The program focuses on fostering economic vitality in sectors such as food and agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas production, and tourism. Eligible projects also include infrastructure improvements such as broadband, energy systems, and wastewater facilities, as well as rural workforce development and local capacity building. For the 2026 cycle, eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, educational institutions, federally recognized tribes, organizations, and local units of government. Projects must take place in counties with populations of 70,000 or less or in designated micropolitan statistical areas, with preference given to initiatives located in Marquette County, the origin of the funding source. Applicants may submit only one proposal, though they may partner on multiple applications. All applicants are required to provide at least a 30% funding match, which cannot be fulfilled using in-kind contributions. Applications must be submitted online through the MiAgGrants platform. The application period opens on October 15, 2025, and proposals must be submitted by December 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. A webinar will be held on October 30, 2025, to assist interested applicants. The Joint Evaluation Committee will conduct reviews in January and February 2026, and award announcements will follow in April 2026. Funded projects will be reimbursed for eligible expenses incurred from October 15, 2025, through the end of the 18 to 24-month grant term. Reimbursements are issued up to three times throughout the grant period, contingent on the submission of required documentation. Grantees must submit written reports and maintain financial records. Indirect costs are not allowed, and telecommunications infrastructure in areas with sufficient broadband is ineligible. Scoring criteria include project focus and definition, potential economic and community impact, sustainability, match strength, regional benefit, and job creation potential. Additional points are awarded for Marquette County proposals. Communication regarding the RFP must be sent to mda-grants@michigan.gov, and accommodations for accessibility are available upon request.

Stronger match and Marquette County location increase scoring.