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Rural Readiness Grant Program

5 stacks of coins with plant buds atop them gradually increasing in size to represent grants and growth

Rural Readiness Grant Program

Rural Readiness Grant Program

The Readiness Grant Program provides rural communities (via tax-exempt organizations) with up to $50,000 to support collaborative planning and capacity initiatives. These competitive, reimbursement grants support and invest in underserved areas and populations by providing reimbursement grant funding for capacity building activities, development readiness initiatives, partnership and plan formation, and cross sector collaboration. Contact the Office of Rural Prosperity with any questions at LEO-ORP@michigan.gov.

Learn more about the Rural Readiness Program

Rural Readiness Grants in Action Video

Rural Readiness Grants in Action

Watch how Western U.P. leaders are preparing for the next big storm. After a 1,000-year flood, Keweenaw-area partners used rural grant funding to build emergency systems, update plans, and put vital safeguards in place — all to protect their communities when disaster strikes again.

Rural Readiness Grant Program Round 4

Watch Rural Readiness Grant Program: Round 4 Overview with Henry Wolf for an overview of the program, eligibility requirements, and what to know before submitting a Letter of Intent. This is a helpful resource for communities and organizations considering applying to the program.

RRGP Round 4 Key Dates

Proposal release: Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Letter of Intent due: Monday, June 30, 2025, at 3pm EDT

Invitation to apply issued / Applications made available: Week of Aug. 11, 2025. All applicants will receive guidance as to the status of their Letter of Intent regardless of invitation status.

Full applications due: Monday, Sept. 15, 3 p.m. EDT

Award Announcement: Week of Nov. 17, 2025

RRGP Round 4 Documents

Round 4 Guidelines
Round 4 Letter of Intent
Round 4 Frequently Asked Questions

Rural Readiness Grant Program Round 3 (announced September 23, 2024)

Watch Everything you need to know about Applying for the Rural Readiness Grant Program (recording) for an overview of the grant, how to apply, and answers to your questions.

RRGP Round 3 Key Dates

Proposal release: September 3, 2024

Letter of Intent due: Monday, October 7, 2024, 3 p.m. EST

Invitation to apply issued / Applications made available: Week of November 11, 2024

Full applications due: Monday, December 9, 2024, 3 p.m. EST

RRGP Round 3 Documents

Round 3 Guidelines
Round 3 Letter of Intent
Round 3 Eligibility Definitions
Round 3 Frequently Asked Questions

Rural Readiness Grant Program Round 2 (announced July 24, 2023)

RRGP Round 2 Key Dates

Proposal release: July 24, 2023

Letter of Intent due: Thursday, August 31, 2023, 3 p.m. EST

Invitation to apply issued / Applications made available: Week of September 25, 2023

Full applications due: Thursday, November 2, 2023, 3 p.m. EST

RRGP Round 2 Documents

Round 2 Guidelines
Round 2 Letter of Intent
Round 2 Eligibility Definitions
Round 2 Frequently Asked Questions

Rural Readiness Grant Program Round 1 (announced April 4, 2023)

RRGP Round 1 Key Dates

Proposal release: Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Webinar: Friday, April 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. EST

Letter of Intent due: Thursday, May 25, 2023, 3 p.m. EST

Invitation to apply issued / Applications made available: Week of June 12, 2023

Full applications due: Thursday, August 3, 2023, 3 p.m. EST

RRGP Round 1 Documents

Round 1 Rural Readiness Grant Guidelines
Round 1 Letter of Intent
Round 1 Eligibility Map
Round 1 Frequently Asked Questions