The Rural Development Fund (RDF) is a competitive grant program offered by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This funding opportunity is part of the broader Community One Stop for Growth initiative, which streamlines the application and review process for community and economic development funding throughout the state. The FY2026 round of the RDF is designed to support infrastructure improvements and community planning projects specifically in rural and small towns across Massachusetts.

Eligible applicants for the RDF include municipalities and other public entities located in towns with a population density of fewer than 500 persons per square mile and/or total populations under 7,000, as determined by the 2020 U.S. Census. A Rural and Small Town Designation List is provided by the state, and towns do not need to apply separately for this designation. This program is designed to support projects that often struggle to compete for funding against larger urban municipalities and to meet the unique needs of smaller communities.

The RDF funds a range of project types under four main development categories: Planning & Zoning, Site Preparation, Building, and Infrastructure. These categories align with other Massachusetts programs such as the Community Planning Grant Program, Site Readiness Program, Underutilized Properties Program, HousingWorks Infrastructure Program, and MassWorks Infrastructure Program. Each category has tailored application templates that guide applicants through the proposal requirements.

To apply, eligible towns and public entities must use the Community One Stop for Growth online portal at www.mass.gov/onestop. The application deadline for the FY2026 cycle is Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Applicants are encouraged to review the FY2026 Program Guidelines and corresponding Full Application Sample Templates to prepare their proposals effectively.

The EOED and associated program partners evaluate applications based on alignment with rural development priorities, project feasibility, and the strategic impact on housing, infrastructure, and economic or community development. The Rural Policy Advisory Commission plays a key advisory role in shaping program priorities. While specific award amounts are not disclosed, the program is designed to address strategic gaps in infrastructure and planning capacity in small and rural towns.

For more detailed information, applicants should consult the program guidelines and visit the One Stop portal, where they can also access technical assistance and support throughout the application process.