Grants for Exclusive - see details - Agriculture

This Annual Program Statement (APS) offers USAID Operating Units a mechanism to facilitate assistance awards to local and non-traditional partners for innovative, adaptive, and locally led development approaches. OUs may issue addenda under this umbrella to solicit, co-create, and fund a wide range of flexible and innovative approaches to locally led development related to their specific priorities, objectives, and programs. The APS aims to advance USAIDs capability to work with local partners, to learn from these engagements, and to share this learning broadly. INTERESTED APPLICANTS - PLEASE READ: This Locally Led Development APS is not a Request for Applications or a Request for Proposals, and this APS does not serve as a general request for locally led development concepts. Do not email concepts to [email protected] or submit concepts via grants.gov, as they will not be accepted. Interested Applicants must respond to specific documents that share USAID priorities in a specific country(ies) called addenda that may be issued throughout the year on grants.gov. These addenda, when added, can be found under Related Documents on this page. Please visit this page periodically for opportunities that may be relevant to your country and focus areas. Please see the attachment for further detailed information. This APS was last updated April 26, 2024, with Amendment 1 - 7200AA19APS00007 Locally Led Development Annual Program Statement (APS) 2024-4-26

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources offers the Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program, now in its sixth year, to enhance the efficiency and environmental sustainability of cranberry bogs. This competitive grant program provides funds to renovate existing bogs, increasing yields and improving methods of production. The grants aim to minimize environmental impacts, focusing on water quality, efficient water use, and other conservation practices. The application deadline is May 24, 2024, with a maximum funding of $125,000 per applicant and a required 25% cost match. Grant renewed every year.

Fiscal Year 2024 Key Objectives Application proposals must include at least one of the following three objectives identified below. Proposals may contain more than one objective. As noted in Section 4, applicants must map their proposed activities and indicators measuring success to the objective(s) using the Activities/Indicators Tracker. If awarded, grantees will be required to use the FNS-908 Performance Progress Report to report on progress towards activities that align with the required objective(s) listed on the Activities/Indicators Tracker. Carefully considering proposed activities and indicators will prepare grantees for their performance progress reporting requirements if awarded. The project examples aligned with each objective listed below are only suggestions. A PTIG project may assist State agencies in making investments in systems to improve efficiency, provide excellent customer service, and meet Federal standards as they face unprecedented operational challenges. FNS welcomes other projects that support these objectives and encourages applicants to propose innovative ideas to solve both common and unique problems associated with SNAP application and eligibility processes. 1. Modernize SNAP customer service and client communication to improve accessibility, transparency, and responsiveness in processing applications and determining eligibility. 2. Improve administrative infrastructure and day-to-day SNAP operations in processing applications and determining eligibility. 3. Invest in technology and systems to encourage cross collaboration and cross enrollment between SNAP and other Federal, State, and local assistance programs. Please read the full announcement for additional details.

The Onondaga County Agritourism Grant Program, announced by the Onondaga County Department of Planning for 2024, aims to bolster the local agricultural community by enhancing the viability of farmland and protecting farms and operators for future generations. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of supporting agricultural sustainability and economic growth within Onondaga County. The program recognizes the critical role agritourism plays in farm viability, tourism, and overall quality of life, positioning itself as a strategic effort to integrate these elements for community benefit. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local agricultural ventures in Onondaga County, including existing farms and new agritourism startups. The impact goals are centered on improving and expanding agritourism operations, which in turn supports farm viability and contributes to local tourism. By investing in these ventures, the program seeks to create a more robust agricultural economy and enhance the recreational and educational opportunities available to residents and visitors. The program prioritizes projects that fall into four general categories: Improve, Expand, Initiate, and Market. This broad focus allows for a diverse range of projects, from enhancing existing operations to launching entirely new ventures. Specific areas of focus include expanding or diversifying operations, improving safety and ease of access for visitors, and adding new educational programming. New agritourism ventures can also utilize funding to offset initial startup costs, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the sector. Expected outcomes of the program include a more resilient and economically viable agricultural sector in Onondaga County, increased agritourism offerings, and improved quality of life for residents. Measurable results could include the number of agritourism ventures that receive funding, the types of projects implemented, the growth in revenue for participating farms, and an increase in tourist engagement with local agricultural sites. The strategic priority is to partner with the agricultural community to achieve these outcomes, with the underlying theory of change being that targeted investment in agritourism will lead to enhanced farm viability and broader community benefits.

The Underserved Farmer to Farmer grant program, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico division, is a $3 million, 5-year initiative. This program aligns with the mission of addressing critical environmental challenges by empowering historically underserved farming communities. The DNR's strategic priority is to enhance the capacity of these communities to combat nutrient pollution and frequent flooding, thereby fostering environmental resilience and sustainable agricultural practices. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are "underserved farmers" as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. This includes beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veteran farmers, and those with limited resources. Other classifications may also be supported through negotiation. The program aims to increase the ability of these farmers to implement practices that mitigate nutrient pollution and reduce the impact of frequent flooding, leading to improved water quality and land management. The grant prioritizes projects that directly address nutrient pollution and flooding. The expected outcomes include a reduction in nutrient runoff into waterways and enhanced flood resilience within historically underserved farm communities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of projects funded, the types of conservation practices implemented, and the environmental improvements achieved in the targeted areas. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial resources and support to underserved farmers, the program will lead to widespread adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices. Projects funded through this grant can receive up to $250,000, with $700,000 currently remaining for subawards. Eligibility for subawards extends to a broad range of entities, including conservation districts, institutions of higher learning, local or state government entities (such as Watershed Management Authorities), NGOs and nonprofits, Tribal nations, beginning farmer groups, and U.S. military veteran farmer groups. This inclusive approach ensures that various stakeholders can contribute to the program's overarching goals and amplify its impact across Iowa's agricultural landscape.

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations already involved in food safety initiatives to develop and deliver training programs that enhance the national food safety system and ensure consistent standards across various jurisdictions.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing potential availability of cooperative agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources to assist our agency with conducting and implementing important energy efficient agricultural operation evaluations on multiple private landowner properties throughout Massachusetts. NRCS recognizes the importance of incorporating on-site energy evaluations on agricultural operations including greenhouses and the beneficial outcomes it can have on the environment. Energy Efficient Agricultural Operations (conservation standard 374) has been an underutilized practice in Massachusetts. This agreement will be used to provide training on energy efficiency for NRCS staff and affiliates while also providing needed technical assistance for NRCS customers with energy focused site visits. NRCS Massachusetts is making a funding opportunity available for applicants to submit proposals with an award ceiling of $400,000 and a minimum project award of $200,000. NRCS will be awarding a cooperative agreement for up to a five-year period. If, in coordination with NRCS, additional resources are needed at a rate that exceeds this schedule, NRCS may add funds to this agreement to support continued partnership over the performance period. The primary goal is to expand energy efficiency to NRCS customers throughout Massachusetts. The project list ranges in size from 1-acre farms to several hundred-acre farms. Applicants will identify the average number of energy efficiency site visits and written on-site energy improvement plans that they could complete in any year with a minimum of ten per year being acceptable for this agreement. NRCS will work with the selected applicant to make the choice of priority energy site visits each year of the agreement based on interest and need. Applicants will be required to hold 1-2 energy efficiency focused trainings per year for NRCS staff and partners to expand their knowledge on the subject. Applicants should provide a list of training ideas to NRCS for the length of the contract. Applicants will be awarded based on the specified scoring criteria in Section E of this announcement. Eligible applicants include: all domestic applicants. Applicants should be familiar with all applicable state, federal, local laws, policies, and regulations that apply to agriculture energy improvements in the locales of Massachusetts. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on June 21, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by June 30, 2024, and expects to execute awards by August 15, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA) is seeking applications for its Building Socially Connected Communities Program, a grant initiative designed to address concerning public health statistics in Indiana through a community and economic development lens. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community resilience and foster economic growth across the state. By investing in initiatives that build social connections, strengthen community bonds, and enhance the overall quality of life for Hoosiers, OCRA aims to strategically counter social isolation and loneliness, which diminish social capital and impact individual and community well-being. The program targets all counties in Indiana and aims to benefit individuals experiencing social isolation and loneliness, local businesses affected by decreased community engagement, and communities striving for greater economic vibrancy and social cohesion. The impact goals are to improve individual health outcomes, enhance community well-being and social capital, foster community engagement, support local businesses, and contribute to the overall economic health of Indiana’s communities. The program's priorities and focus areas include Community Infrastructure Enhancement (e.g., community centers, meeting spaces), Social Clubs & Interest Groups tailored to older adults, Community Well-Being Programs (e.g., mental health awareness, loneliness stigma reduction, accessible resources), Local Business Support (e.g., creating inviting spaces for social interactions), Transportation Accessibility in rural areas, and Intergenerational Initiatives. These focus areas reflect the foundation's strategic priority to create strong, connected communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased social connections, stronger community bonds, enhanced quality of life, greater community engagement, improved economic vibrancy through local business support, and increased access to community events and essential services. The foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these areas, communities will experience a positive shift in social fabric, economic health, and overall well-being, contributing to Indiana’s statewide development goals. Funding information includes a total of $200,000 available. Applicants can apply for either Quick Action projects (maximum $5,000, minimum $1,000, 1:1 match with 30% in-kind) or Large Impact projects (maximum $50,000, minimum $5,001, 1:1 cash match). Eligible applicants are local government, non-profit organizations, and community groups. Ineligible activities range from plants and Wi-Fi to one-time use products, permanent public restrooms, taxes, food/drink, gaming, illegal/political/unsanctioned activities, demolition, salaries, administration fees, and pre-award expenses.

The Albemarle Agribusiness Resiliency Grant, offered by Albemarle County, is designed to support direct-market agribusinesses within the county that are experiencing long-term financial impacts from the pandemic, including those caused by inflation and rising interest rates. The program aims to offset these increased costs of capital, which can hinder growth and reinvestment opportunities for local businesses. While a specific "foundation mission alignment" or "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" is not explicitly stated as this is a county grant rather than a foundation, the county's implicit mission aligns with supporting local economic resilience and sustainable development within its agribusiness sector. The primary target beneficiaries are direct-market agribusinesses located in Albemarle County, Virginia. This includes businesses that sell products to restaurants, caterers, and local stores, as well as orchards, wineries, cideries, and those operating at farmers markets. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the financial stability and operational capacity of these agribusinesses, enabling them to navigate economic challenges and continue their contributions to the local economy. The grant prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include new capital investments such as machinery, tools, and other business equipment, which directly support operational improvements and expansion. Additionally, the grant focuses on expenses incurred since July 1, 2022, to advance sustainable agricultural practices, enhance public health, safety, and welfare for employees or visitors, and comply with state or local regulations. Up to 20% of awarded funds can also be allocated for advertising and marketing, recognizing the importance of market visibility for direct-market businesses. The expected outcomes include strengthened agribusinesses within Albemarle County, leading to sustained operations, improved competitiveness, and continued economic activity. Measurable results would involve the number of grants distributed (anticipated to be 3-8 grants in this round), the total budget utilized ($60,000 for this round), and the types of investments made by awardees. Although not explicitly detailed as a "theory of change," the county's approach suggests that by providing direct financial assistance for critical investments and operational needs, agribusinesses will be better positioned to adapt to economic pressures, fostering a more resilient and thriving local agricultural economy.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Office of New Drugs (OND) is announcing its intent to accept and consider continuation of the award of a grant to the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) to support the Kidney Health Initiative (KHI).

The Texas Water Development Board's Agricultural Water Conservation Program focuses on promoting water conservation in the agricultural sector through various initiatives, including Ag Conservation Loans and Grants. These efforts aim to support infrastructure improvements and innovative practices for efficient water use among political subdivisions, state agencies, and producers. The grant program offers up to $1.5 million annually, encouraging applications from political subdivisions and state agencies, with producers also eligible to participate in projects. A local match, typically 50%, is required. The program emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders to implement best management practices, education, and outreach to optimize irrigation efficiency and water conservation across Texas.

This program provides funding to empower local organizations and communities in specific countries to lead their own development initiatives, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability.

This funding opportunity is designed for academic institutions to conduct research in naval engineering and technology, engaging undergraduate and graduate students to prepare them for careers in the Navy's research and development sector.

The purpose of the SNAP Fraud Framework Implementation Grant Program is to support State agency efforts to improve and expand recipient fraud prevention, detection, and investigation efforts using the procedures, ideas and practices outlined in the SNAP Fraud Framework.Organizational Management: This objective aims to help States establish and communicate priorities, organize employees, and manage both large-scale and day-to-day processes. Many of the concepts described in this component are the foundation for successful program integrity initiatives.Performance Measurement: This objective offers recommendations encouraging States to consistently capture and analyze their own performance.Recipient Integrity Education: This objective provides targeted integrity education initiatives to help ensure recipients have the necessary information and tools to use SNAP benefits as intendedpreventing fraud before it occurs. When producing recipient integrity education materials, States are encouraged to educate the public and applicants about SNAP fraud, rather than emphasize the consequences as a deterrent to applying.Fraud Detection: Here, the SNAP Fraud Framework stresses the importance of proactively detecting fraud from the application process and continuing throughout the recipients time in the Program.Investigations and Dispositions: This objective aims to provide states with tools and suggestions to improve fraud case management from initial fraud referral through disposition.Analytics and Data Management: This objective details the necessary people, processes, and technology to launch and maintain an analytics capability. Data analytics can play a valuable role in preventing, detecting, and investigating SNAP fraud.Learning and Development: The final objective contains recommendations for States to invest in training and professional development opportunities to promote employee engagement and to ensure employees are aware of new and emerging trends in fraud.Please read the entire request for applications (RFA) for additional information.

The FDA seeks an application to continue to maintain, manage existing consortia groups convened and established by the Critical Path Institute. This is a renewal of the cooperative agreement #5U18FD005320 as part of the Critical Path Initiative. This is in support of Critical Path Initiative introduced in Section 566 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This includes developing innovative, collaborative projects in research, education, and outreach for fostering drug product innovation, enabling the acceleration of development, manufacturing, and translational therapeutics, enhancing safety, efficacy, quality, and performance. This funding opportunity will provide support, depending on availability of FDA funding.

The Food for Progress (FFPr) Program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries and emerging democracies committed to introducing and expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. The commodities are generally sold on the local market and the proceeds are used to support agricultural development activities.Food for Progress has two high-level strategic objectives: (1) increase agricultural productivity, and (2) expand trade of agricultural products (domestically, regionally, and internationally).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Office of Medical Policy (OMP) is announcing its intent to accept and consider a single source application for the award of a Cooperative Agreement to the Duke Universitys Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) to support the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative (CTTI).

This grant provides financial support for research projects that aim to improve crop yields, pest management, weed control, labor efficiency, and environmental sustainability within Oregon's nursery industry.

The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to contribute to the knowledge base of and development of food safety systems globally due to the increasingly diverse and complex food supply. This cooperative agreement will:1) enhance and broaden FDAs ability to address global food safety and public health issues associated with food,2) provide opportunities to leverage additional resources among WTO member countries, and3) support the FDAs Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and its International Food Safety Capacity Building Plan, which emphasizes the concept of preventing food safety- related problems before they occur and the importance of establishing strong relationships and mutual support among all stakeholders, including multilateral organizations, to improve worldwide food safety. 4) Support global research and capacity building to improve best practices to build effective food safety systems in low- and middle-income countries

This grant provides funding for research and extension projects that support the specialty crop industry by addressing critical challenges in areas such as crop improvement, pest management, production efficiency, innovation, and food safety.