Rural Development Fund Grants

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) provides grant opportunities to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities. Funding focuses on four project types: Infrastructure Development (e.g., roadways, renewable energy, wastewater, broadband), Rural Capacity Building (e.g., museums, tourism), Business Development (expansion, job creation), and Talent Development and Training (workforce programs, housing, childcare). Qualifying land-based industries include Food and Agriculture, Forestry, Mining, Oil and Gas Production, and Tourism.

Eligible applicants include individuals, organizations, businesses, local units of government, federally recognized tribes, and educational institutions. Applicants must be located in an eligible county (population of 70,000 or less) or a micropolitan statistical area to be considered. Preference is given to projects in Marquette County.

Applications must be submitted online via the MiAgGrants site. The 2026 Grant Cycle Request opened on October 15, 2025, with proposals due by December 3, 2025.