Serving as an introduction to Federal assistance and as a locator of specific rural development programs, this directory is divided into the 5 following general categories: (1) Jobs, Business, Industry; (2) Community Facilities; (3) Community Functions and Services; (4) Housing; (5) Planning and Coordination. Each of these categories is divided into chapters which are devoted to specific rural community improvement functions for which there are related or matching Federal assistance programs. Chapters are intended to parallel "spheres of interest" at the local level. Each chapter includes the government-wide approach to a particular local problem, bringing the resources of several different departments and agencies together under one chapter heading. Each of some 600 entries include a program title and summary, eligibility requirements, and name and/or address of information contacts. (JC)