The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is the USDA’s primary federal funder for competitive and formula grants that advance agricultural research, education, and Extension across the United States. It prioritizes projects that improve food security, nutrition and safety, environmental stewardship and sustainability, rural development, bioenergy/climate resilience, and strengthening research capacity at land‑grant and similar institutions. NIFA administers flagship competitive programs (notably AFRI), directed capacity and formula grants, and targeted state/EPSCoR investments to bolster institutions with historically lower federal funding.
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Primarily competitive, peer‑reviewed Requests for Applications (RFAs) through defined programs (AFRI and other competitive grant lines), supplemented by congressionally directed noncompetitive and formula/capacity grants. No unsolicited proposals; deadlines, award sizes, and durations vary by program and RFA (annual or multi‑year cycles common).
Identify the specific RFA within AFRI or other NIFA programs that matches your project; submit through Grants.gov/Research.gov by the stated RFA deadline (NIFA does not accept unsolicited proposals). Ensure institutional eligibility (land‑grant or partner organizations as required), register in SAM and Grants.gov ahead of time, prepare for peer review (align to AFRI priorities and evaluation criteria), and consider partnering with Cooperative Extension or land‑grant institutions for stronger capacity and outreach components.
Current and upcoming funding from National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Applications may be submitted with the approval of Extension Directors of 1862 Land-grant Institutions in the 50 states, American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Deadline: Closing date: Monday, June 1, 2026. Posted date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Who can apply: Eligible applicants are 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant Institutions.
Deadline: Closing date: Monday, June 8, 2026. Posted date: Monday, April 6, 2026.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.