Best Grants for Rural Development in Maryland

Rob-See-Co is an independent seed company with regional expertise, providing customers access to leading genetics and traits through the Rob-See-Co and Innotech® seed brands. Rob-See-Co also sells Masters Choice specialty silage and forage products, as well as Streamline Ag seed-driven crop inputs. Rob-See-Co works alongside its customers, building strong relationships and helping them plant the right seed for their long-term success, while keeping the process friendly, straightforward, and simple. 

Rob-See-Co Library Grant

In recognition of National Library Day, Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. is proud to announce the continuation of its Rural Library Grant program.

Originally launched in 2023 to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary and honor Agnes Robinson’s dedication to the rural library in Waterloo, NE, the program continues to hold special meaning. Agnes, great-grandmother of Jim Robinson, CEO of Rob-See-Co, was a passionate advocate for rural libraries. Today, the program extends support to libraries across rural communities within the company’s footprint. 

The focus areas for grant distributions from the Rob-See-Co Rural Library Grant program will assist local libraries with expanding book collections, core educational programs for adults or children, and computer or software upgrades. Examples of this would be new books, expansion of school visits or field trips, digitizing research materials, support for funding traveling exhibits and speakers.

Rob-See-Co will award ten grants to selected rural libraries across CO, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX and WI. Funds may be used for core educational, preservation and interpretive purposes, including collection development, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, programming, and publications. 

Rural public entities in Maryland, including towns, nonprofits, higher education institutions, tribes, and eligible cooperatives, can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants; awards range from US $10,000 - US $500,000 for technical assistance and projects aiding small rural businesses. Funding can support training, planning, facilities, incubators, transportation, and broader rural economic development.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Maryland can use this program to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities and related equipment. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites eligible communities under 20,000 residents to seek support for health, public safety, education, community services, and local food system projects.

Nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural microentrepreneurs in Maryland can access loans and grants to run revolving microloan funds and provide training and technical assistance. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) support includes up to US $500,000 for working capital, refinancing, equipment, and real estate improvements in eligible rural areas.