This listing may be outdated. Verify details at the official source before applying.

ActiveRural Utilities Service · 2026

Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program

Quick Facts

Agency: Rural Utilities Service
Funding: $500,000 - $2,000,000
Deadline: Check Source
Status: Active
Eligibility: Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and other entities with experience in economic development.

About This Grant

Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program is sponsored by Rural Utilities Service. Supports job accelerator partnerships to create high-wage jobs and accelerate new business formation in distressed rural and energy communities.

View Original RFP

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Official Opportunity Details

Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.

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Eligibility Requirements

Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and other entities with experience in economic development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program?

According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and other entities with experience in economic development. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.

How much funding does Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program offer?

The current listing shows $500,000 - $2,000,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.

Who funds Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program?

Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program is funded by Rural Utilities Service. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.

How do I apply for Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program?

Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.

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Rural Utilities Service

Grants.govActive

Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is soliciting Letters of Interest (LOI) for loan Applications, announcing the Application process for those loans, and providing deadlines for Applications from eligible entities under the Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program. These loan funds will be made to qualified PART Applicants to finance power generation Projects for Renewable Energy Resource (RER) systems or Energy Storage Systems (ESS) that support RER Projects. The PART Program is making approximately $410 million in appropriated budget authority (BA) funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). RUS will process and evaluate complete LOI on a rolling basis in the order they are received. The PART Program is to be carried out by the RUS pursuant to Section 22001 of the IRA. Section 22001 of the IRA amends Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 by adding new subsection (h). Section 22001 of the IRA provides RUS with appropriated funds “for the cost of loans under Section 317 of the RE Act.” Additionally, Section 22001 of the IRA provides that PART funds may be utilized to finance Projects that store electricity generated from eligible energy sources listed under Section 317 of the RE Act. These Project Loans or System Loans will be forgiven up to forty percent (40%), provided the Awardee and the Project otherwise meet the terms and conditions of the loan forgiveness. Approximately $410 million in budget authority is being made available under this Notice. The Administrator reserves the right to increase this funding level should additional funds become available or reduce funding in the event an insufficient number of high-quality projects are submitted for consideration. Cost Sharing or Matching: (a) Project Loans. Awards will finance up to 75% of the total capitalized costs of a Project. Awardees will be required to provide at least 25% of the Project’s total capitalized cost in the form of cash or equity investments, which may not be derived from debt instruments. However, the Agency may utilize its authority under Section 306F of the RE Act and finance up to 100% of the costs of the Projects benefiting SUTA areas. (b) System Loans. PART System Loans may cover up to 100% of the total costs of the Project. Funding Opportunity Number: RUS-PART-2026. Assistance Listing: 10.757. Funding Instrument: O. Category: EN. Award Amount: $1M – $100M per award.

$1M – $100M per awardDeadline: Oct 9, 2026

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