Funding opportunity for small towns

From the National Main Street list:

If you are looking for a funding source for purchasing and/or renovating theaters, I have a resource that will work in communities under 50,000 pop. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Facilities Program.

This is a program that all Main Street managers should learn about. It covers community facilities that range from community centers to fire halls to community arts centers. Contact your local USDA office and ask to speak with whomever handles the Community Facilities program. The program is a combination of grants, low interest loans/mortgages and loan guarantees.

Who would have thought that the federal Department of Agriculture would be a great resources for downtowns? They also have other programs that can be used in smaller communities (under 50,000 pop.) that are worth exploring. Make an appointment with someone in the Rural Development office and ask questions. I have found the USDA staff to be very helpful. I learned about their programs when several USDA staff attended a Rural Leadership program with me.