Food for Progress Program Notice of Funding Opportunity Fiscal Year 2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), has released the Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Food for Progress (FFPr) Program. This program is part of the International Food Assistance Division's broader efforts to support agricultural development and trade in emerging democracies and developing countries. FFPr operates under the authority of the Food Security Act of 1985, which allows USDA to donate U.S. agricultural commodities to help build agricultural capacity and promote free enterprise in foreign markets. The FY25 NOFO, which was originally issued on July 2, 2025, includes modifications published on July 9, 2025, that refine budget-related requirements and form submission processes. The FFPr program aims to increase agricultural productivity and expand trade in eligible countries. Commodities donated under the program are typically sold in local markets, and the proceeds are used to fund agricultural development projects. These activities may include providing access to inputs such as seed and fertilizer, improving production and distribution infrastructure, promoting market-based pricing, and supporting the adoption of appropriate technologies. The program's strategic objectives are supported by activities that enhance both domestic and international trade capacity, especially in priority countries like Kenya, Colombia, Vietnam, and Ethiopia. For FY25, USDA anticipates distributing between six to ten cooperative agreements under this opportunity, with each award ranging from $5 million to $35 million. The total available federal funding is approximately $208 million. The anticipated period of performance spans from October 1, 2025, through approximately September 30, 2028–2030, lasting between 36 and 60 months. Awarded projects must adhere to cost efficiency measures, with at least 70% of funding directed toward programmatic activities rather than administrative expenses. Although cost share is not required, applicants proposing a well-documented cost share of at least 1% may be awarded up to two additional evaluation points. Eligible applicants include the governments of emerging agricultural countries, intergovernmental organizations, private voluntary organizations, nonprofit agricultural organizations or cooperatives, NGOs, colleges and universities, and private entities. All applicants must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and submit complete applications via the USDA’s Food Aid Information System (FAIS) by the submission deadline. Required materials include detailed narratives such as the Strategic Analysis, Plan of Operation, Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, Commodity Management, and Budget documents, among others. Additional supporting documentation, such as a recent Single Audit, SF-424 form, and proof of 501(c)(3) status (if applicable), must be included. Applicants may submit questions about the NOFO until July 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM EDT by emailing ppded@usda.gov with the subject line "FY25 FFPr NOFO." The final deadline for submission of applications is July 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM EDT. Awards are expected to be announced by September 26, 2025, following an anticipated selection date of September 15, 2025. Applications will be reviewed based on the quality of proposed strategic analyses, operational plans, organizational capacity, and feasibility of the proposed commodity monetization and agricultural development approaches. Applicants requiring further information may contact Ingrid Ardjosoediro, Food for Progress Branch Director, via email at ingrid.ardjosoediro@usda.gov or by phone at +1 (202) 531-0216. Her office operates Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EDT. Additional resources, including templates and guidance, are available on the FAIS and Grants.gov websites.