Grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Agriculture

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is currently seeking proposals for its Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program. This initiative aims to conserve, restore, and improve habitat in the Intermountain West, specifically focusing on wildlife species associated with sagebrush, irrigated meadows, and aquatic systems, while also preserving large mammal migration. NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats aligns directly with the program's objectives. The target beneficiaries of this grant include ranchers, community-led organizations, and landowners in Idaho and Utah, as well as the diverse wildlife species inhabiting these rangelands, such as sagebrush sparrow, sage thrasher, mule deer, pronghorn, and Greater and/or Gunnison sage-grouse. The program's impact goals are centered on accelerating and implementing voluntary conservation practices to achieve sustainable livestock production, enhanced wildlife habitat, improved ecosystem services (including carbon sequestration), and increased landscape permeability for wildlife. Priority will be given to projects that promote innovations in grazing management, strategic management of annual invasive grasses, habitat enhancement (through mesic area/wet meadow, sagebrush restoration, and conifer removal), fence removal or modification, and the provision of technical assistance to landowners. In Idaho, there's a dedicated focus on supporting positions to integrate Farm Bill programs with the Big Game Migration Initiative. In Utah, funding is available to facilitate conservation practices on working lands and to support positions that increase the pace and scale of voluntary perpetual conservation easements through ACEP-ALE delivery and RCPP technical assistance. Expected outcomes include the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable conservation approaches, direct benefits to priority wildlife species, and increased landowner enrollment in Farm Bill programs. The program anticipates awarding between 10-20 grants, with a suggested minimum of $100,000, and projects may span one to three years. Measurable results will likely involve tracking acres restored, number of fences modified, and improvements in wildlife populations. This program exemplifies NFWF's strategic priority of fostering collaborative, science-based conservation efforts and their theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in voluntary, on-the-ground conservation with strong partnerships leads to tangible and lasting benefits for both wildlife and working lands. The program is supported by major private funding from Cargill, Taco Bell, Nestlé, Capri Holding Ltd., and federal funding from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is a trade agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with the mission to promote U.S. agricultural exports. FAS seeks to liberalize global agricultural trade by supporting the global development of a strong rules-based trading system. Building on years of collaboration, USDA partners with the African Union (AU) to help develop and operationalize continental Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) systems, to include collaboration with the Regional Plant Protection Organization (RPPO), the African Union Inter-African Phytosanitary Council (AU-IAPSC).

This funding opportunity supports national organizations and state agencies working together with academic institutions to improve animal food safety regulations and practices across the United States.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and governmental institutions in Uruguay and the U.S. to implement projects that strengthen economic development, democracy, and security, fostering collaboration between American and Uruguayan entities.

Applications to the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Request for Applications (RFA) must focus on approaches that promote transformational changes in the U.S. food and agriculture system. NIFA seeks creative and visionary applications that take a systems approach for projects are expected to significantly improve the supply of affordable, safe, nutritious, and accessible agricultural products, while fostering economic development and rural prosperity in America. These approaches must demonstrate current needs and anticipate future social, cultural, behavioral, economic, health, and environmental impacts. Additionally, the outcomes of the work being proposed should result in societal benefits, including promotion of rural prosperity and enhancement of quality of life for all those involved in food and agricultural value chains from production to utilization and consumption. See AFRI SAS RFA for details.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) Grant, facilitated by the Rural Maryland Council, is accepting applications for its 2025 Regional Planning and Development Councils initiative. The overarching mission of RMPIF is to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to meet or exceed statewide benchmarks by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural lifestyle. This grant program is a strategic investment designed to bolster economic and community development, foster regional and intergovernmental cooperation, and enable local and nonprofit organizations to attract additional non-state resources for sustainable rural development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the five established regional planning and development councils: the Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, Upper Shore Regional Council, Mid-Shore Regional Council, and Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Additionally, multi-county efforts serving rural communities not covered by these councils are also eligible. The impact goals are broad, aiming to increase entrepreneurial activity, reduce unemployment and underemployment, retain valuable farm and forest land, and generally enhance the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunities, and general welfare of rural residents. The program prioritizes several key areas: encouraging a balanced economy, promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public/private partnerships, enhancing infrastructure for housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications, and supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The grant specifically provides funding for projects and activities undertaken by the regional councils and other multi-county initiatives, with approved grant agreements reflecting strategic needs identified within the rural communities. Expected outcomes include stronger and more effective rural regions, the creation of economic development strategies, preservation and assistance for agricultural and resource-based industries, successful acquisition of federal funding for infrastructure, coordinated regional transportation projects (including public transit), and the development of support for diverse public policy initiatives. Each regional council is eligible to receive $600,000 in FY2025 for rural regional planning and development assistance, providing measurable financial support to achieve these objectives. The Rural Maryland Council's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that by investing in regional cooperation and targeted development, rural areas can achieve sustainable growth and a higher quality of life, ultimately benefiting the entire state.

Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is directing resources toward climate-smart agriculture and forestry (CSAF) conservation practices, including those for energy efficiency. NRCS is providing funding for a partnership to provide technical assistance to NRCS and producers on energy practices. Information related to NRCS CSAF practices can be found at the following web address: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/NRCS-CSAF-Mitigation-Activities-List.pdf.A total of up to $1,500,000 is available in fiscal year 2024. All agreements will be five years in duration. Additional funds may be added to agreement in later years as funds become available. Total funding is dependent on the Federal Budget and technical workload in Ohio. 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 DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 3, 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 July 18, 2024, and expects to execute awards by August 1, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The Tennessee Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Assistance Program, announced by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF), is a grant opportunity provided in partnership with the Forest Service. This program aims to promote the creation, enhancement, and protection of urban and community forest ecosystems throughout Tennessee, supporting full-circle management of these valuable resources. The broader mission alignment for this program is rooted in fostering sustainable and healthy communities through environmental stewardship, which aligns with the strategic priorities of both the Forest Service and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The program targets units of local governments (city, town, county), non-profit 501(c)3 organizations, and public educational institutions. Community tree volunteer groups, neighborhood associations, or civic groups that are not 501(c)3 organizations are also eligible if they apply in partnership with a non-profit or local government. The impact goals are to integrate U&CF principles into planning, promote the role of U&CF in human health and wellness, cultivate diversity and leadership in the U&CF community, strengthen forest health and biodiversity, improve management and stewardship, and increase funding for U&CF initiatives. Key priorities for projects include extreme heat mitigation, urban wood utilization, urban food forests, and workforce development. The program also emphasizes increasing public awareness and environmental education to promote stewardship, as well as engaging with communities under the Justice40 initiative through outreach, education, and technical and financial assistance. This focus reflects a strategic theory of change that links targeted interventions in urban forestry to broader improvements in public health, environmental resilience, and social equity within Tennessee communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results include facilitating strong partnerships among various governmental and non-profit entities, increasing awareness and practice of full-circle management in urban forests, and improving community preparedness for natural disasters. The program also seeks to increase the number of communities participating in Arbor Day Foundation recognition programs and to increase awareness of the numerous benefits of trees, such as those related to extreme heat mitigation and stormwater management. Applicants can apply for amounts between $5,000 and $40,000, with projects expected to be completed within one year. Eligible projects encompass urban and community forestry management, tree planting, program development or capacity building, urban and community wood utilization, and workforce development.

Federally funded program to enhance competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, grapes, horticultural, etc. The purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Projects must show a benefit to the specialty crop industry. This program is not designed for start-ups or projects that only benefit one operation. Universities, institutions, cooperatives, producers, industry, or community-based organizations may submit a proposal for funding. A review committee will select projects to be included in Tennessee’s state plan. This is a competitive program. Projects must directly impact multiple Tennessee producers. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture seeks to identify and support projects that are forward thinking with a positive, long-lasting impact on Tennessee Agriculture.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to or beyond statewide averages by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural way of life. The fund, overseen by the Rural Maryland Council, provides targeted investments in economic and community development programs. This aligns with a broader mission to encourage entrepreneurial activity, foster a balanced economy, and relieve unemployment and underemployment in rural areas, ultimately promoting the overall health and welfare of rural residents across the State. RMPIF targets all rural counties in Maryland, benefiting local governments, higher education institutions, regional councils, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving rural constituencies. The core impact goal is to facilitate sustainable rural development by enabling these organizations to leverage additional non-state resources. Key priorities include the retention of valuable farm and forest land, promotion of intergovernmental and public-private partnerships, enhancement of essential infrastructure (housing, transportation, water, wastewater, broadband), and support for rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The program's expected outcomes include increased entrepreneurial activity and commerce, a reduction in unemployment and underemployment, the productive use of farm and forest land, and improved infrastructure and services in rural areas. Measurable results for Fiscal Year 2025 include a State budget of $1,500,000 in General Funds specifically allocated for the entrepreneurship portion of the RMPIF program. The fund's theory of change posits that strategic investments and collaborative efforts will lead to a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future for rural Maryland, directly contributing to the well-being and economic stability of its residents. Eligible expenditures for RMPIF include salaries and wages, administrative costs (construction, leasing, renovation of buildings, purchase/rental of vehicles, equipment), and reasonable meal costs with justification. Administrative expenses, however, are capped at 25% of the grant request, and indirect administrative costs at 10%. Acquisition of land is not an eligible expense. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a statement on sustainability for future years, ensuring the long-term impact and viability of the funded initiatives.

This program provides funding to historically Black colleges and universities to strengthen their teaching, research, and outreach efforts in food and agricultural sciences.

This grant provides funding to colleges and universities for projects that improve organic farming practices, enhance soil health, and support farmers transitioning to organic methods.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota to develop and implement trauma-responsive care practices in pediatric health settings, particularly for marginalized communities.

This grant provides funding for agricultural professionals to conduct on-farm research that promotes sustainable farming practices in the Southern U.S., requiring collaboration with farmers who have a minimum annual income of $1,000.

This grant provides funding to various organizations in New Jersey to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship through community gardens and conservation education in urban and underserved areas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the development of a collaborative data framework that enhances data sharing and innovation among agricultural stakeholders, including universities, producers, and nonprofit organizations across the U.S.

This grant provides funding to organizations and businesses in the Northeast to develop and expand dairy workforce training programs, enhancing opportunities for current and potential employees in the dairy industry.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for educational projects that promote farm safety for youth in agricultural settings, targeting Land-Grant Institutions and their partners.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2024. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.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, addressing local natural resource issues, encouraging collaboration and developing state- and community-level conservation leadership. Proposals will be accepted for projects located in Nebraska.Proposals are requested for competitive consideration for cooperative agreement awards for projects between 1 and 3 years in duration. Applicants can be tribal government, State or local unit of government, non-profits with a 501 (c) (3) with status, or institution of higher learning.Entities may submit more than one application as long as the proposals are for different projects and entities may receive more than one award.This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for projects. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or noncompliant proposals will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant.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 DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 6th, 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 15th, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 15th, 2024.These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve the competitiveness of California's specialty crops, benefiting a wide range of organizations, including nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions.