Best Grants for Rural Development in Oklahoma

Oklahoma public libraries, library systems, and qualifying volunteer literacy organizations can seek funding to upgrade technology infrastructure and expand digital access, with awards up to US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen library and information resources, Oklahoma Department of Libraries provides Oklahoma rural and urban communities with support to boost digital literacy and technology-enabled services that aid learning and community engagement.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Commerce is a trusted government agency that partners with businesses and communities for strategic and sustainable growth and success, moving Oklahoma forward to becoming a top ten state. As a result of SB 1447 (2024 Oklahoma Legislative Session), Commerce has recently restructured to focus on two key areas of focus: Community Outreach & Revitalization Enterprise (CORE) and Economic Development, Growth & Expansion (EDGE).

Our job is to bring jobs, investment, and economic prosperity to the state of Oklahoma. Through dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government leaders, we are building a business environment that supports business growth and shared community prosperity.

CDBG Community Revitalization

The primary National Objective of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is the “development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, particularly for persons of low and moderate incomes.” The CDBG National Objective “benefit to low and moderate-income-persons” is considered a funding PRIORITY under the State’s CDBG Program and is treated as such under the State’s individual CDBG set-asides. 

The Community Revitalization Program addresses quality of life needs in rural Oklahoma communities, helping these communities thrive, grow, and spark a sense of pride in citizens. An Applicant may submit a project proposal for any eligible activity listed under Section 105(a) of the Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, other than water or wastewater projects.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Here at the Department of Commerce, our job is to bring employment, investment, and economic prosperity to the state of Oklahoma. Through dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government leaders, we are building a business environment that supports business growth and shared community prosperity.

Community Development Block Grant Programs

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program enables rural Oklahoma communities to finance a variety of public infrastructure and economic improvements and helps promote job growth as a result of these improvements. CDBG funds are provided by the federal government (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and managed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to help ensure Oklahoma’s most critical needs are addressed.

CDBG Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP)

The CDBG REAP Program was developed in partnership with the Substate Planning Districts (SSPD) to make a greater impact on each district by matching CDBG funds dollar for dollar on each project in their respective area.

Units of general local government in Oklahoma seeking to plan rural development and public infrastructure improvements can use this program to fund comprehensive capital improvement planning. Oklahoma Department of Commerce supports an inventory of government-owned assets, development of a five-year strategic capital plan, and GIS mapping, which can strengthen long-term rural economic and job growth efforts.

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 Oklahoma units of local government seeking to finance public infrastructure for new or expanding industries can access up to US $1,000,000 through the Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Infrastructure Financing program. With a mission to grow jobs and investment, Oklahoma Department of Commerce provides rural development projects with year-round application opportunities and technical assistance.

Oklahoma rural development and homelessness service nonprofits can access funding through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to provide emergency housing, supportive services, eviction prevention, and housing assistance. ESG grants support low- to moderate-income individuals and families in rural Oklahoma, with first-time or unaudited nonprofits required to apply with a qualified sponsor organization.

Nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural microentrepreneurs in Oklahoma can access loans and grants for revolving loan funds and technical assistance. With a mission to strengthen rural development, USDA provides eligible Microenterprise Development Organizations with up to US $500,000 to finance working capital, equipment, real estate improvements, and related business needs.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma can use this funding to support small and emerging rural businesses through training, technical assistance, infrastructure, and economic development projects. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites eligible applicants to propose projects such as business incubators, revolving loan funds, transportation, and technology-based economic development; awards range from US $10,000 - US $500,000.