The Rural Communities Opportunity Grant (RCOG) is a funding initiative designed to support eligible rural communities in Utah. This grant, administered by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, aims to empower these communities to take charge of their economic development planning and projects. The RCOG addresses various economic development needs, including business recruitment, workforce training, and infrastructure improvements. The grant is competitive and requires matching funds from the awardees, ensuring that communities are invested in their development efforts.

The primary purpose of the RCOG is to facilitate economic growth in rural areas by providing financial resources for projects that enhance local economies. Eligible projects may include initiatives focused on business development and expansion, workforce training programs, and improvements to infrastructure and industrial facilities. By supporting these areas, the grant seeks to foster sustainable economic development tailored to the unique needs of rural communities.

Funding for the RCOG is capped at $600,000 for municipalities, cities, towns, metro townships, and counties. However, rural counties may receive additional funding beyond the $200,000 allocated under the Rural County Grant, with a maximum limit of $800,000 in state funds per fiscal year. This structure allows for significant investment in rural economic development while ensuring that funds are distributed equitably among eligible applicants.

Eligible applicants for the RCOG include counties classified as third, fourth, fifth, and sixth class, as well as cities, towns, and metro townships within those counties. Additionally, municipalities with populations of 10,000 or less in second-class counties and associations of governments are also eligible to apply. This broad eligibility framework aims to include a diverse range of rural communities in the funding opportunity.

The application process for the RCOG requires potential applicants to submit a proposal that outlines their project and its alignment with the grant's objectives. Specific submission requirements and application questions are detailed in the grant guidelines, which can be accessed through the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity website. Applicants are encouraged to provide comprehensive information to demonstrate the potential impact of their proposed projects.

Evaluation criteria for the RCOG will focus on the project's alignment with the grant's purpose, the feasibility of the proposed activities, and the potential for economic impact within the community. The competitive nature of the grant means that proposals will be assessed rigorously to ensure that funding is awarded to projects with the highest potential for success.

The deadline for submitting applications for the RCOG is October 30, 2024. Interested applicants should be aware of this timeline and prepare their proposals accordingly. For further information, applicants can contact the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity via email or phone, as provided in the grant details. This grant represents a valuable opportunity for rural communities in Utah to secure funding for projects that can significantly enhance their economic development efforts.