Improvements Will Make It Easier to Apply for, Receive and Use Funding

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development invited public input on a plan to make it easier for more people in rural areas to access grant funding that will strengthen their local economies, communities and quality of life.

Through the Better Grants Better Service initiative, USDA Rural Development is gathering and
analyzing input from customers, agency staff and other stakeholders to streamline its more than
30 grant programs into a superior customer experience.

These programs provide people in rural and Tribal communities access to better housing,
infrastructure and business opportunities.

The improvements will help lessen the burden on communities that may lack time, resources and
staffing to submit successful applications. This initiative underscores USDA’s commitment to being transparent and inclusive in the design and delivery of its programs. The initiative’s goal is to:

• Make it easier for people to apply for, receive and use grant funds.
• Make customer service more efficient and consistent.
• Enhance the overall experience for Rural Development grant applicants and recipients.

Customers and stakeholders can learn more information about the Better Grants Better Service
initiative in a short video available in English or Spanish.

The first two areas of focus will be equipment-only and technical assistance grants. To submit
ideas for ways in which the agency can improve these grants, email
SM.RD.BetterGrants@usda.gov by May 31, 2024.

To learn more, read full Stakeholder Announcement.