Renewable Resource Extension Act National Focus Fund Projects

The Renewable Resources Extension Act National Focus Fund Projects program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This program operates under the authority of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978, which established a framework for expanding extension services focused on forest and rangeland renewable resources. The program is designed to strengthen the Cooperative Extension System by supporting projects that improve coordination, expand outreach, and introduce innovative methods for delivering forestry and rangeland management knowledge to landowners and managers across the United States. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to enhance the sustainability and long-term viability of forest and rangeland systems. These ecosystems provide critical environmental and economic benefits, including wildlife habitat, water resources, recreation, and agricultural productivity. The program emphasizes making scientific research accessible and actionable for landowners and managers. For this funding cycle, the program prioritizes projects that support tree planting and reforestation efforts, as well as initiatives that address invasive animal species, particularly those that threaten agricultural and forest systems such as feral pigs. Projects are expected to demonstrate national or regional relevance and scalability. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support extension-based projects that deliver education, training, and technical assistance. Eligible activities include developing and disseminating best practices, integrating new technologies such as artificial intelligence or virtual tools into extension delivery, and promoting adoption of sustainable land management techniques. Projects must include mechanisms for measuring outputs, outcomes, and long-term impacts, including economic benefits and behavioral changes among participants. Importantly, funds cannot be used for indirect costs or tuition remission, as these are explicitly disallowed under the program. Eligibility is limited to specific categories of institutions, including 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant Universities, as well as other state-supported colleges and universities with forestry programs, provided they work in cooperation with Cooperative Extension Services. Project directors must hold an extension appointment authorized by their institution. The program allows both new and resubmitted applications, though duplicate submissions from the same project director are prohibited. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this funding opportunity. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, following completion of required registrations such as SAM, UEI, and eRA Commons. The application package requires a detailed project narrative, limited to twelve pages, that includes objectives, methodology, stakeholder engagement, evaluation plans, and a data management plan. Additional required components include a project summary, budget forms, and supporting documentation as outlined in the NIFA Grants Application Guide. Applicants must ensure all materials are submitted in PDF format and comply with formatting and administrative requirements. Applications are due by June 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, and no letter of intent is required. The program does not specify an application opening date but is currently accepting submissions. Awards are expected to be made within the same federal fiscal year, with project periods lasting up to 24 months. Applications undergo a two-step review process consisting of administrative screening followed by scientific peer review. Evaluation criteria include project justification, merit, relevance, and the qualifications of personnel and institutional capacity. For questions related to the program, applicants may contact the program team via email at [email protected]. Additional administrative support is available through USDA and Grants.gov help channels. The program is part of an ongoing federal initiative and is expected to recur annually, although future funding cycles are subject to federal appropriations and program priorities.

Ensure strong alignment with program priorities demonstrate measurable outcomes include stakeholder involvement and provide a clear evaluation plan