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Grants / Agriculture

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development

National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Department of Agriculture

Deadline
December 31, 2026
Award size
$10,000 to $650,000About 245 awards
Matching funds
RequiredYou must contribute some of the cost
Fit for small groups
Possible fit

In plain language

This grant helps fund education and training programs related to food and agriculture. It supports teachers, students, and workers in the field. The money can be used for workshops, fellowships, and training.

The money can pay for

  • Training for teachers
  • Workshops for students
  • Fellowships for students
  • Workshops for workers

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include colleges, universities, research institutions, and other organizations, but not foreign or international groups.

Is it a fit for a small group?

Possible fit. This grant is more suited for larger organizations like colleges and research institutions, which may have more resources than a small community nonprofit.

Before you apply

  • Matching funds are required
  • Eligibility is limited to certain types of organizations
  • Applications must meet strict eligibility requirements
  • 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 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Education and Workforce Development (EWD) focuses on developing the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) requests applications for the AFRI’s Education and Workforce Development program areas to support: 1. professional development opportunities for K-14 educational professionals; 2. non-formal education that cultivates food and agricultural interest in youth; 3. workforce training at community, junior, and technical colleges; 4. training of undergraduate students in research and extension; 5. fellowships for predoctoral candidates; 6. fellowships for postdoctoral scholars; and 7. education and workforce development workshop grants.

Opportunity number
USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011596
Posted
January 20, 2026
Total funding
$40 million
Eligible applicants
Others (see eligibility details)
Eligibility details
Eligibility Requirements - Applicants for AFRI must meet all the requirements discussed in this NOFO. 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; andi) any group consisting of two or more entities identified in a) through h).Eligible institutions do not include foreign and international organizations.2. Integrated ProjectsEligible applicants for Integrated Projects include: a) colleges and universities;b) 1994 Land-Grant Institutions; andc) Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities (see NIFA’s Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities page).For item a) under Integrated Projects, the terms…
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.