Rural Community Development (RCD) Fact Sheet
What We Do
The Rural Community Development (RCD) program is a discretionary grant program that works with regional and tribal organizations to manage safe water systems in rural communities. RCD funds provide training and technical assistance to help community members identify and address water and wastewater issues, including infrastructure and accessibility needs. They also improve access for families to affordable water and waste disposal services, train water operators to ensure water systems comply with federal regulations, and help communities establish financial stability to maintain water delivery and wastewater disposal systems.
Who We Serve
RCD serves very small communities in sparsely populated areas, many of which have populations under 2,500 people and are made up predominantly of residents with low incomes who lack safe water and wastewater treatment services and sometimes even indoor plumbing.
2022 Highlights
Appropriated by Congress
Additional funds leveraged from other funding sources to support building and maintaining water management systems
Total continuation funding
Multi-state regional nonprofits received continuation funding, including two grant recipients focused on services for tribal communities
RCD Worked to improve water and wastewater services for:
Individuals
Households
Communities across the United States
Advancing Access
Residents gained access to safe drinking water
Residents connected to sanitary sewer systems
Water systems rehabilitated or expanded to sustain water access in communities
Rural Water System Advancements
Water systems built monetary reserves or became financially sustainable, creating long-term access to clean water
Violations or non-compliance elements resolved to improve compliance with applicable laws and regulations
Certifications obtained to improve technical capacity and strengthen compliance
Rural Community Development Program
Division of Community Discretionary and Demonstration Programs
Office of Community Services