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Grants / Agriculture

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science Program

National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Department of Agriculture

Deadline
December 31, 2026
Award size
$10,000 to $10 million
Matching funds
Not required
Fit for small groups
Better for larger organizations

In plain language

This grant supports research, education, and extension projects related to agriculture and food science. It helps organizations working on topics like plant health, animal health, food safety, and environmental sustainability. The grant is open to a wide range of applicants, including universities and research institutions.

The money can pay for

  • Research projects
  • Education programs
  • Extension activities
  • Environmental sustainability efforts

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, research institutions, federal agencies, private organizations, and individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Is it a fit for a small group?

Better for larger organizations. This grant is primarily intended for larger organizations like universities and research institutions, not small community nonprofits.

Before you apply

  • Eligibility is limited to specific types of organizations
  • Projects must align with one of the six priority areas
  • No matching funds are required
  • Federal applicants need an active registration at SAM.gov and a Grants.gov account. Registration can take several weeks, so start early.

This summary was written by GrantGather with AI, based on the official listing. It can contain mistakes. Check the official listing on Grants.gov before you apply.

From the official listing

The AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program supports grants in six AFRI priority areas to advance knowledge in both fundamental and applied sciences important to agriculture. The six priority areas are: Plant Health and Production and Plant Products; Animal Health and Production and Animal Products; Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health; Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment; Agriculture Systems and Technology; and Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities. Research-only, extension-only, and integrated research, education and/or extension projects are solicited in this Request for Applications (RFA). See Foundational and Applied Science RFA for specific detail.

Opportunity number
USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011134
Posted
August 1, 2025
Total funding
$300 million
Eligible applicants
Others (see eligibility details)
Eligibility details
Eligibility Requirements Applicants for AFRI must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or, preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s About Grants provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process. Eligibility is linked to the project type as specified below. 1. Research, Education or Extension Projects Eligible applicants for single-function Research, Education or Extension Projects include: a) State Agricultural Experiment Station; b) colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher); c) university research foundations; d) other research institutions and organizations; e) Federal agencies; f) national laboratories; g) private organizations or corporations; h) individuals who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; and i) any group consisting of two or more entities identified in a) through h). Eligible institutions do not include foreign and international organizations. 2. Integrated Projects Eligible applicants for Integrated Projects include: a) colleges and universities; b) 1994 Land-Grant Institutions; and c) Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities (see NIFA's Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities page). For item a) under Integrated Projects, the…
Assistance listing
10.310 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)
Agency contact
Joseph Perez Program Analyst
grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
202-445-5402
Open the official listing on Grants.govAgency’s full announcement

Nonprofits are eligible here through the “Others” category. Read the eligibility details carefully.