Rural Impact Fund Grant Program (RIF)

The Rural Impact Grant Fund (RIF) provides funding for publicly owned infrastructure needs. Funding from this program can be used by Rural Communities to assist with the location or expansion of businesses. Usage of the funds must be directly related to the construction, renovation or expansion of industry.

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Drainage systems
• Water and sewer systems
• Roads, bridges and rail spurs
• Building (rehabilitation/expansion)

Program Facts

Job creation is the goal of the Rural Impact Fund Grant Program. Industries that are eligible under this program and which must create ten new full-time jobs include:

• Manufacturers
• Warehouses and distribution centers
• Research and development facilities
• Telecommunications and data processing facilities
• National or regional headquarters

A Rural Community is defined as a municipality with a population of 10,000 or less or a county with a population of 30,000 or less according to the most recent federal decennial census at the time the application is submitted. The Rural Community must apply on behalf of a new or expanded industry based on the public infrastructure needs of the project. The Rural Impact Fund Grant Program provides for a maximum grant amount of $150,000per project.