Rural Development Initiative (RDI) Turning rural priorities into progress
The Rural Development Initiative provides competitive grants to eligible county and municipal governments for implementation-ready projects that strengthen South Carolina’s rural communities. Grants support strategic investments that improve infrastructure, expand opportunity and position communities for long-term prosperity.
Applications are now open
Applications for the 2026 Rural Development Initiative will be accepted through 5 p.m. Oct. 30, 2026.
All applications and supporting materials must be submitted electronically to [email protected].
Strategic investment in rural communities
RDI is an annual competitive grant program supporting projects that are prepared to move from planning into implementation.
Funded projects should address an identified community need while strengthening economic competitiveness, improving infrastructure, expanding housing opportunities, revitalizing downtowns or public spaces or enhancing quality of life.
Grant details
Up to $500,000
Maximum grant award
10%
Required match
24 months
Period for expending grant funds
Matching funds may come from federal programs, local governments, other state programs, nonprofit organizations or private partners.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- County and municipal governments in Tier III and Tier IV counties
- County and municipal governments proposing projects within eligible Opportunity Zone census tracts in Tier I and Tier II counties
- County and municipal governments in counties with fewer than 20,000 residents and no eligible Opportunity Zone census tract
Only eligible county and municipal governments may apply directly. Other organizations may participate as funding or project partners.
Applicants should contact the Rural Development team with questions about geographic or organizational eligibility.
What projects may qualify?
Eligible project categories include:
- Economic development
- Site and product development
- Infrastructure
- Downtown revitalization
- Parks and recreation
- Transportation
- Workforce development
- Strategic planning implementation
Other implementation-ready projects may be considered when they align with RDI objectives and program requirements.
Is your project ready?
Applicants must demonstrate that major pre-construction or implementation activities can reasonably be completed within 90 days of receiving an award.
These activities may include:
- Project design
- Environmental review
- Property acquisition or building improvements
- Permitting
Grant funds must be expended within 24 months of the award date.
Projects involving infrastructure, site improvements or building construction should include current cost estimates, schedules, maps and other available planning or engineering documentation.
How applications are evaluated
Applications will be reviewed competitively using the RDI evaluation framework. Considerations include:
- Community need
- Investment readiness
- Project readiness
- Community impact
- Economic impact
- Financial commitment
- Long-term sustainability
Funding recommendations will be based on the overall strength of each application.
How to apply
A complete application package should include:
- A completed RDI application
- Commitment letters from all funding partners identifying committed amounts and funding availability
- Recent cost and schedule estimates for infrastructure, site or construction projects
- Purchase documentation, such as a signed letter of intent, for acquisition projects
- Maps, preliminary engineering reports and other supporting materials, when applicable
Submit the application and attachments as appropriately named PDF files using the format:
Applicant name – Project name
Send all materials to [email protected].
Costs incurred before a grant award are not eligible for reimbursement unless SC Commerce provides prior written approval.
2026 program timeline
- Funding announcement: July 22, 2026
- Application period opened: Sept. 1, 2026
- Informational webinar: Oct. 1, 2026
- Application deadline: 5 p.m. Oct. 30, 2026
- Anticipated award announcements: Jan. 8, 2027
Invitations to the informational webinar will be sent to applicants and others who contact the Rural Development team with questions about the application process.
Questions about RDI?
The Rural Development team can help local governments understand program requirements, confirm eligibility and prepare for the competitive application process.
