42 U.S.C. § 9811

(1)

any cooperative association receiving assistance has a minimum of fifteen active members, a majority of which are low-income rural persons;

(2)

adequate technical assistance is made available and committed to the programs being supported;

(3)

such financial assistance will materially further the purposes of this part; and

(4)

the applicant is fulfilling or will fulfill a need for services, supplies, or facilities which is otherwise not being met.