Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act

This bill keeps a USDA grant program going through 2029 that helps people start and grow rural co-ops. These grants go to nonprofit centers that offer outreach, training, and hands-on help so new and existing cooperatives can launch, expand, and stay strong .

It also updates who gets priority and how results are reported. Applications that promise to serve socially vulnerable, underserved, or distressed communities move to the front of the line. USDA may also give extra points to centers that bring a 25% private match. The bill defines “cooperative development” to include outreach, education, training, and technical help. And it requires yearly reports to Congress, including data and analysis on how co-ops affect the economy .

Key points

• Who’s affected: Rural communities, people starting or growing co-ops, and the nonprofit centers that support them.
• What changes: Program is renewed through 2029; priority for projects serving vulnerable and underserved communities; possible extra points for a 25% match; clearer definition of “cooperative development”; stronger annual reporting with data analysis .
• When: Reauthorized for 2025 through 2029.