This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. 

Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and / or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment and pay related project expenses. Both grants and low interest direct loans are available. Examples of essential community facilities include: 

• Health care facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities 
• Public facilities such as town halls, courthouses, airport hangars or street improvements 
• Community support services such as child care centers, community centers, fairgrounds or transitional housing 
• Public safety services such as fire departments, police stations, prisons, police vehicles, fire trucks, public works vehicles or equipment 
• Educational services such as museums, libraries or private schools 
• Utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment 
• Local food systems such as community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, food banks, food hubs or greenhouses 

More information can be found on the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant fact sheet.  Eligibility Who may apply for this program? Eligible borrowers include: 

• Public bodies 
• Community-based non-profit corporations 
• Federally Recognized Tribes 

What is an eligible area? 

Rural areas including cities, villages, townships and towns including Federally Recognized Tribal Lands with no more than 20,000 residents according to the latest U.S. Census Data are eligible for this program. Additional eligibility requirements can be found on the grant website.   How to Apply  Please follow instructions in the “To Apply” section of the program website. Contact Rural Development Georgia Community Programs Division: (706) 546-2171  

USDA Rural Development State Office: 

Sharon Roach, Acting State Director 
Stephens Federal Building 
355 E. Hancock Avenue, Stop 300 
Athens, GA 30601-2768 
Voice: (706) 546-2162 
Fax: (855) 452-0956