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 operates under the International Food Assistance Division’s Global Programs and aims to support the donation and monetization of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries and emerging democracies that are committed to expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. The proceeds from commodity sales are used to fund development activities that improve agricultural productivity and expand agricultural trade. The FFPr Program is authorized by the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. § 1736o) and governed by 7 CFR 1499. Its objectives include enhancing access to private markets, promoting market pricing of commodities, facilitating timely availability of production inputs, enabling access to appropriate technologies, and developing necessary facilities and distribution systems. Projects must demonstrate a clear alignment with these strategic objectives and emphasize sustainability, cost-efficiency, fraud prevention, and measurable impact. USDA/FAS encourages leveraging local partnerships and investments and recommends coordination with national agricultural strategies and private sector entities. The total federal funding available for this opportunity is $208 million. USDA/FAS anticipates awarding between 6 and 10 cooperative agreements ranging from $5 million to $35 million each. The performance period for awards is approximately 36 to 60 months, with projects expected to begin around October 1, 2025, and complete by September 30, 2030. No cost-sharing or matching is required, although contributions are encouraged and may earn additional merit during review. Funding must not be used for lobbying, legal proceedings, or compensation above the GS-15 Step 10 threshold for 2025. Indirect costs are allowable with a NICRA or a de minimis rate of up to 15%. Eligible applicants include the governments of emerging agricultural countries, intergovernmental organizations, private voluntary organizations, nonprofit agricultural organizations or cooperatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), colleges or universities, and any other private entities. All applicants must have an active registration in SAM.gov with a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and must submit complete applications through the Food Aid Information System (FAIS) by 5:00 PM EDT on July 31, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to begin FAIS registration early due to identity verification requirements through login.gov. Applications must include specific components, such as a strategic analysis, plan of operation, budget documents, results framework, monitoring and evaluation plans, commodity management strategy, and organizational capacity information. Additional documentation like proof of 501(c)(3) status, past performance reviews, and subrecipient letters of commitment must be included as applicable. USDA/FAS will assess applications based on the quality of the proposed strategy, feasibility of the plan, organizational capacity, and clarity of the monitoring and evaluation framework. A cost-effective budget with a high return on investment is critical. All inquiries must be directed to Ingrid Ardjosoediro, Branch Director for Food for Progress, via email at ingrid.ardjosoediro@usda.gov or phone at +1 (202) 531-0216. Applicants may submit questions until July 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM EDT. Awards are expected to be announced on or around September 26, 2025, with funding decisions made by September 15, 2025. All required documents and templates are available through Grants.gov and the FAIS portal. Applicants selected for award will enter into cooperative agreements with USDA/FAS, which involve substantial involvement from the agency throughout the life of the project.

Follow USDA templates, adhere to page limits, register in FAIS early, and avoid disallowed costs like lobbying.