Financing Resources for Cooperative Development

USDA Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Loan and Grant Program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. The entities considered eligible to apply for assistance under the ReConnect Program include: Corporations, Limited Liability Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships, Cooperatives or mutual organizations, states or local governments, a territory or possession of the United States; and Tribal entities, see website and regulations for further details.

USDA Rural Development Multifamily Housing Loan Guarantee program works with qualified private-sector lenders to provide financing to qualified borrowers to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in eligible rural areas and towns. Private lenders may apply for a loan guarantee on loans made to eligible borrowers who are building or preserving affordable rural rental housing. Eligible lenders are automatically eligible if approved and active in one of the following programs: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae; HUD; Federal Home Loan Bank members; State or local housing finance agencies. If you would like to find a rural rental property to apply as a tenant search here

Shared Capital Cooperative provides $5000 to $550,000 loans to worker-owned cooperatives (particularly those in low-income communities) for start-ups, expansions, relocations, equipment, leasehold improvements, inventory, and working capital. Applicants must become a member of Shared Capital Cooperative.