Rural Development Grants Coming in October

October brings a strong month for rural nonprofits and local governments. The funders below are looking for projects that strengthen communities, protect natural resources, build workforce capacity, and create economic opportunity in rural places. If you work in any of these areas, the month ahead has something worth your attention.

Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund: Grant for Farmers, Students, and Agricultural Organizations

This fund supports projects focused on soil health and regenerative agriculture practices, including no-till farming, cover crops, and water conservation. Farmers, students, FFA chapters, 4-H groups, and agricultural organizations in Nebraska and surrounding states are eligible. Grants fund innovative on-farm projects, educational activities, and youth-led research initiatives. Deadline: October 1. Apply here

Laura Jane Musser Fund: Grant for Rural Community Nonprofits and Local Governments

The Musser Fund supports collaborative, participatory projects in rural communities focused on civic improvement: economic development, arts and humanities, public space improvements, and education. Both nonprofits and local governments can apply for planning or implementation funding. Projects must demonstrate broad community involvement, matching support, and measurable outcomes within 18 months. Up to $25,000 available. Deadline: October 1. Apply here

South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Grant for Watershed and Nonpoint Source Pollution Projects

This program funds projects that identify and address nonpoint source pollution problems in South Dakota under the Clean Water Act Section 319(h) program. Projects can fall into three categories: watershed, ground water, and information and education. Awards support the most effective and highest priority projects as determined by SD DANR. Deadline: October 1. Apply here

University System of New Hampshire GO-NORTH HUB: Grant for Rural Healthcare Workforce Youth Programs

This grant supports programs that engage youth and young adults in career exploration and workforce development related to healthcare, behavioral health, public health, allied health, and community health. Projects should expose participants to healthcare careers, build skills, create mentorship opportunities, and connect participants to education and employment pathways. Priority is given to programs serving rural communities in New Hampshire. Up to $50,000 available. Deadline: October 2. Apply here

Colorado State Forest Service: Grant for Wildfire Risk Reduction and Forest Health Projects

The Colorado State Forest Service funds projects that reduce wildfire risk to property, infrastructure, and water supplies while promoting forest health through scientifically based forestry practices. Eligible projects include fuels and forest health work as well as capacity-building efforts that help communities develop and implement future mitigation projects. Projects may be located on private, state, county, or municipal forestlands. Up to $7,040,000 available. Deadline: October 8. Apply here

Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships: Grant for Rural Community-University Research Partnerships

The Leahy Institute funds research projects, engagement initiatives, student internships, service-learning experiences, and business plan development through partnerships between Vermont community organizations and the University of Vermont. Projects must address rural challenges in priority focus areas such as regenerative agriculture, community schools, transit and housing, resilient energy, and access to healthcare. Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, government entities, and UVM faculty and staff are eligible. Up to $250,000 available. Deadline: October 13. Apply here

If there's a funder relationship in rural development you're trying to strengthen this quarter, let us know. Funding Findr can keep an eye on what they're funding and flag the right moment to reach out.

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