Application Process

RCAC’s programs and services deliver solutions to complex community needs. Our local presence allows us to develop partnerships with communities to identify needs, set goals, and select the best options to meet those goals. RCAC and our partners provide the tools to create change and growth, but the communities chart their own course. Collaboration, plus community effort will equal community change. How can we help you?

RCAC’s Loan Fund is a financial resource for rural communities. The Loan Fund fills financing gaps and serves in unconventional markets. We offer loans for affordable housing development, environmental infrastructure, community facilities and small businesses in rural locations.

Decent housing, safe drinking water, education, financing, jobs, community facilities, leadership, families are the many facets to RCAC's work.

RCAC expands the knowledge base of the rural public through education and training. Our training expertise is in technical, financial, and administrative issues that affect rural communities. We take great pride in our professional trainer team's capacity and effectiveness. Our trainers maximize audience participation to keep trainings relevant and memorable.

RCAC's news and publications are a compilation of timely news, announcements and accomplishments produced for the rural development world.

Sub-standard housing and poverty are commonplace in low-income rural communities. Many of these communities also face daunting challenges to access safe, clean drinking water and to develop other vital infrastructure. These issues are often overlooked in policy because rural communities lack the resources, training or social networks that are found in urban areas. Learn how you can advocate for the under-served population in the West.

Founded in 1978, RCAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with rural and Indigenous communities to achieve their vision and well being through technical assistance, training, financial resources and advocacy. For more than 45 years, our dedicated staff and active board, coupled with our key values: leadership, collaboration, commitment, quality and integrity, have helped effect positive change in rural communities across the West. Learn more about who we are and how we operate.

Application process now closed

The application process for the 2022-2025 class of the Tribal Housing Excellence Academy (THE Academy) is closed. However, past application information is below for reference.

THE Academy is a 30-month initiative to work with innovative Native organizations in the rural West with a goal to increase housing built on Native lands. THE Academy will bring together NAHASDA grantees, such as TDHEs, Housing Authorities, and housing departments to learn and apply best practices for managing the housing development process. We emphasize leveraging IHBG/NHHBG with other funding not yet widely accessed by native communities.

Eligible applicants are:

NAHASDA grantees serving Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians
Located in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
The housing project is located in a rural area as defined by HUD’s Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Program. Please see Section 3 Application Requirements of the application packet for details about Eligibility Mapping.

Application materials (old):

The last application packet and self-assessment forms may be viewed for reference. Frequently Asked Questions are here.

Cost:

There is no fee to participate. RCAC has secured grant funding to offer this program. The cost to participating organizations is in the form of staff time, technology, and travel to participate.

Informational Webinar:

A webinar was held on September 6, 2022 to share information about THE Academy and the application process. The slides are here.