USDA Funding to Support Museums in Rural, Disaster-Declared Areas

The Institute of Museum and Library Services wishes to share information regarding a funding opportunity through the United States Department of Agriculture to support the needs of organizations—including museums—in rural communities impacted by Presidentially-declared disasters. A contact from the USDA has shared the following resources listed below, along with their contact information.

USDA Rural Development webpage:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/
This is the main webpage which has the links provided below and is a good place to check for updates and get a broad view of what the USDA can do.

USDA Community Facilities Program (See requirements to start an application):
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program

USDA Community Facilities – $150 million in Disaster Grants:
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2019/09/10/usda-provide-150-million-help-rural-communities-affected-natural
This has links to USDA State Offices, the list of Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas, the announcement in the Federal Register and other helpful links.
Recently Listed Disaster Areas for the Mid-Atlantic
Pennsylvania:
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4408
New York
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4348
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4397
New Jersey
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4368
Maryland
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4376
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4374

Rural Development Fact Sheets (They have also been translated):
https://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/fact-sheets
https://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/translated-fact-sheets
This has printable one or two-page summaries of Rural Development programs. You can speak to your local RD office or call us for assistance on any program you have interest in.

List of State Offices and Area Offices:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices
Most links to the individual states have staff directories to find the closest office.

Alton Kimura, Senior Loan Specialist
New Email Address: alton.kimura@usda.gov
Community Facilities Programs – National Office
Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Telephone: (202) 720-1390 Fax: (202) 690-0471