Funding

Title Organizationsort ascending Grant Deadline Description Category Funding Amount Geography Website
Tribal Equity Grants Program USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Deadline is Ongoing. The 1994 Land-Grants use Equity to support faculty who develop classes and degree programs that teach science and math to Native Americans. The programs focus on agriculture, natural resources and human sciences. The faculty strive to graduate students who can achieve their life goals. Since many 1994 Land-Grants are two-year schools, some students aspire to advanced degrees. Other students seek training to begin a vocational career in agriculture. Still other students want to earn certifications just to improve their daily lives. Faculty have used Equity funding to help build laboratories, conduct remedial courses, create new degree programs in forestry and provide students stipends so they can complete their education. The goal is to graduate empowered students who can embrace their future with new skills and knowledge.

math, science, agriculture, natural resources, human sciences, vocational training, education Varies National Link
Tribal Extension Grant Program USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Deadline is Ongoing. The Tribal College Extension grant program allows the 1994 Land-Grants to create extension offices for their reservation communities. Each extension office works with reservation communities to build programs that target local needs. The result is a diversified and targeted outreach. Reservation youth participate in fun activities in a safe environment. Farmers and ranchers gain science-based insights to improve their productivity. Financial literacy training enhances rural reservation economies. The 1994 Land-Grants also provide culture-centered family activities to restore Native languages, traditions and agriculture. Within this grant program are two types of funds: Capacity grants and Special Emphasis. Capacity grants fund an entire Extension office which can have many mission areas and clients. Special Emphasis are targeted, short-term pilot projects that allow Extension educators to explore new ways to better serve their community.

reservation communities, financial literacy training, education, culture, native languages, traditions, agrculture Varies Link
Forest Service Wildfire Risk Reduction / Wildfire Response RFA USDA Forest Service

Deadline Passed 12/20/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. The U.S. Forest Service supports Moving Toward Shared Stewardship Across Landscapes as part of a conceptual framework for making strategic investments across landscapes to co-manage wildfire risk and achieve positive outcomes at the most appropriate scale. Within this framework, Eastern Region Cohesive Fire Strategy Competitive Request for Applications is designed to support and carry out the goals of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (NCS) across the Midwestern and Northeastern States as well as meet the intent of the current year budget direction. These national goals are to restore and maintain landscapes, create fire adapted communities, and improve wildfire response.

shared stewardship, co-management, wildfire management, fire adapted communities, wildfire response $25,000-$150,000 National Link
Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity USDA Forest Service

Deadline Passed. Most recent deadline: March 23, 2023. The Wood Innovations Grant Program, launched in 2015, stimulates, expands, and supports U.S. wood products markets and wood energy markets to support the long-term management of National Forest System and other forest lands. National focus areas include mass timber, renewable wood energy, and technological development that supports hazardous fuel reduction and sustainable forest management Read the funding announcement here.

wood energy, wood products, hazardous fuels reduction, forest health, forest management, economic health, environmental health The maximum for each award is $300,000. National Link
Great Lakes RFA USDA Forest Service

Deadline Passed 05/11/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. The U.S. Forest Service will support projects in the Great Lakes basin that implement the following strategic, priority actions: restore tree canopy lost to infestation by emerald ash borer; create or improve green infrastructure through planting of trees and other vegetation; restore the function of coastal wetland areas through planting of native trees and diverse vegetation.

habitat restoration, green infrastructure, planting, wetland restoration $50,000- $200,000 Great Lakes Basin Link
Community Wildfire Defense Grant USDA Forest Service

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: October 7, 2022. This grant aims to assist at-risk communities and tribes in preparing against and reducing the risks due to wildfire by restoring and maintaining landscapes, creating fire adapted communities, and improving wildfire response. Up to $250K is available for qualifying community wildfire protection plan development or updates. Up to $10M is available for qualifying community wildfire protection plan implementation. Tribes are also welcome to apply to the corresponding state Notices of Funding Opportunity. Learn more and apply here.

disaster prevention and relief, natural resources, fire adaptation Up to $10,000,000 National Link
Urban and Community Forestry Program USDA Forest Service 06/01/2023

Deaadline: June 1, 2023. The Forest Service is requesting proposals from eligible entities that are working to provide equitable access to trees and green spaces and the benefits they provide. The Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program is a technical, financial, and educational assistance program, delivering nature-based solutions to ensure a resilient and equitable tree canopy where more than 84 percent of Americans live.

IRA, community health, green space, urban landscape $100,000 - $50,000,000 National, US territories Link
FY 22 National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program USDA Forest Service

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: April 13, 2022. The Forest Service is seeking to create a national innovative messaging for the Urban and Community Forestry Program that raises awareness of the critical and urgent need to plan, grow, and manage our urban forests to benefit all. Learn more and apply here.

Urban forestry, community forestry, management, innovation $100,000 - 500,000. National Link
Farm to School Grant USDA - FNS (Food and Nutrition Service)

Deadline passed as of December 8, 2016. Deadline for 2017 unknown. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is charged with implementing the Farm to School Program. In this funding cycle, USDA anticipates awarding approximately $6 million in grant funding to support efforts that improve access to local foods in schools. Beyond the $5 million in funding provided in the HHFKA, in fiscal year (FY) 2016 USDA anticipates the availability of an additional $1 million, subject to appropriation, in grant funding to support placement of volunteer service members (e.g. AmeriCorps, VISTA, local service corps programs, etc.) in schools throughout the country to build or maintain school gardens, incorporate nutrition education into the schools’ culture, and support school food service personnel in procuring or promoting local and regional products for the school meal program - See link for more.

Food, nutrition, Agriculture, Education, Schools, Development $15,000 to $100,000 National Link
Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program USDA - FNS (Food and Nutrition Service)

The Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program supports projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income consumers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of purchase. There are three categories of projects: (1) FINI Pilot Projects (awards not to exceed a total of $100,000 over one year); (2) Multi-year, community-based FINI Projects (awards not to exceed a total of $500,000 over no more than four years); and (3) Multi-year, FINI Large-Scale Projects (awards of $500,000 or more over no more than four years).

Food, nutrition See grant guidance National Link
Business and Industry Loan Guarantees USDA 12/31/2023

Rolling Deadline. This program bolsters the availability of private credit by guaranteeing loans for rural businesses.

Rural areas, business development, credit, local economy Up to $25 million Rural Areas Link
Conservation Stewardship Program USDA 12/31/2023

Applications accepted continuously. The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority resources concerns. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance—the higher the performance, the higher the payment.

Stewardship, Conservation, IRA Varies All 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Caribbean and Pacific Island areas. Link
Northwest Climate Hub USDA

Deadline passed as of December 5, 2016. Deadline for 2017 unknown.

Contingent upon available funds the Northwest Climate Hub requests proposals to support our mission to serve farms, forests and rangelands in a changing climate. An estimated amount of $350,000 is available for approximately 5-10 projects. There are additional funds available (at least $50,000) to fund one proposal that is designed to assist the NW Climate Hub in serving Alaska, such as efforts focused on Alaska meeting its food security needs under climate change.
Alaska, agriculture, wilderness, climate change, adaptation, mitigation Varies. 5-10 intended awards with up to $350,000 total program funding. Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Unties States, West Coast Link
Multi-Family Housing Direct Loans USDA

Applications accepted year round. This program provides competitive financing for affordable multi-family rental housing for low-income, elderly, or disabled individuals and families in eligible rural areas. This program assists qualified applicants that cannot obtain commercial credit on terms that will allow them to charge rents that are affordable to low-income tenants.

housing, rural communities, multi-family housing, improvement, development varies Rural Areas Link
USDA Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans USDA

The USDA Rural Business Cooperative-Service Agency is accepting applications for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses with evaluating energy efficiency and the potential to incorporate renewable energy technologies into their operations.

Renewable energy, Agriculture, small businesses Unknown National, agriculture & small rural business Link
Multi-Family Housing Loan Guarantees USDA 12/31/2023

This program accepts applications on a continuous basis. The program works with qualified private-sector lenders to provide financing to qualified borrowers to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in eligible rural areas and towns. Construction, improvement and purchase of multi-family rental housing for low to moderate income families and individuals is the primary objective for this program. Funding may also be available for:

  • Buying and improving land
  • Providing necessary infrastructure
  • For a complete list see Code of Federal Regulations, 7CFR Part 3565.205
housing, rural communities, development, infrastructure varies Rural Areas Link
Community Connect Grant USDA 06/23/2023

The Community Connect provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where service does not exist.

development, economy, rural communities, Unknown National Link
USDA Housing Preservation Grants USDA

Deadline Passed. Latest Deadline: July 11, 2022. The USDA is seeking applications for grants to preserve and repair housing for very-low- and low-income families living in rural areas. The funds are being made available through USDA Rural Development's Housing Preservation Grant program. USDA does not provide funding directly to homeowners under this program.

Infrastructure, public health, rural housing Varies Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest Link
Rural Housing Site Loans USDA 12/31/2023

Applications accepted year round. Rural Housing site loans provide two types of loans to purchase and develop housing sites for low- and moderate-income families:

  • Section 523 loans are used to acquire and develop sites only for housing to be constructed by the Self-Help method. Refer to RD Instruction 1944-I for more information about the Self-Help program
  • Section 524 loans are made to acquire and develop sites for low- or moderate-income families, with no restriction as to the method of construction. Low-income is defined as between 50-80% of the area median income (AMI); the upper limit for moderate income is $5,500 above the low-income limit
housing, rural communities, development Varies Rural Areas Link
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Nutrition Education (FDPNE) Grant Program USDA

Recent Deadline: 3/22/2021.  Since 2008, FNS has awarded funding each fiscal year for nutrition education projects through Food Distribution Program Nutrition Education (FDPNE) grants. Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and State agencies (SAs) that have a direct agreement with FNS to administer FDPIR are eligible to apply for funds to conduct projects that provide nutrition information and services to FDPIR participants.

 

The overall goal of the FDPNE grant program is to improve the likelihood that persons eligible for FDPIR will make healthy food choices consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA MyPlate Guidance. The project requirements for FDPNE grants are loosely based on the SNAP Education Plan Guidance. FNS selects components of The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans for development of FDPNE program goals.

 

Nutrition education services are a combination of educational strategies and learning experiences, accompanied by supporting policy, systems, and environmental interventions, designed to facilitate the voluntary adoption of food choices and other nutrition-related behaviors conducive to the health and well-being of participants.

 

In the context of this grant program, nutrition education should focus on how USDA Foods in the FDPIR food package may be used to contribute to a healthy diet. The Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) or State Agency (SA) shall work with appropriate organizations and partners such as: extension agents, registered dieticians, diabetes coordinators, and public health nutrition professionals to provide food and nutrition information, recipes, or cooking demonstrations, as appropriate for households who participate or are eligible to participate in the FDPIR program. The ITO or SA shall provide nutrition education and information specific to the foods included in the FDPIR food package to improve the health of FDPIR participating households.

 

health education, food justice, human health, diet, noncommunicable disease, nutrition, exercise, $2,000 - $214,000 National Link
Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentives Program (VPA-HIP) USDA

The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentives Program (VPA-HIP) encourages private landowners to voluntarily make their land available to the public for wildlife-dependent recreation. States and tribes approved for funding of this Farm Service Agency (FSA) program use the funds as incentives to encourage private landowners of farms, ranches, and forests to make that land available to the public for wildlife-dependent recreation. This may include hunting or fishing. The overall goal of VPA-HIP is to enhance wildlife habitat and management and to boost local economies through activities that attract wildlife enthusiasts.

Conservation, recreation varies Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest Link
Water & Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees USDA 12/31/2023

Applications accepted year round. This program helps private lenders provide affordable financing to qualified borrowers to improve access to clean, reliable water and waste disposal systems for households and businesses in rural areas. Funds may be used to Construct or improve facilities for:

  • Drinking water
  • Sanitary sewers
  • Solid waste disposal
  • Storm water disposal facilities
water quality, water quantity, waste disposal, rural communities, business, development varies Rural Areas Link
United Fresh Start Foundation Community Grants Program USDA

Deadline passed as of April 20, 2017. Deadline for 2018 unknown. The initiative extends the foundation’s work beyond the school day, to provide children with access to fresh fruit and vegetables afterschool, on the weekends, during summer breaks and in other creative venues. The program provides $25,000 in grants to local community organizations and groups that share the United Fresh Start Foundation’s commitment to increasing kids’ access to fresh produce, helping them develop healthy habits to last a lifetime. Grants will support programs, events and/or activities that increase children’s access to fresh produce.

food justice, distribution, nutrition, education, diet, health, noncommunicable disease,accessibility, local, fresh, economy, school, youth Grants are available up to a maximum of $2,500. National Link
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants USDA

Past deadline: May 15, 2019. The DLT Program provides financial assistance to enable and improve distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas. DLT grant funds support the use of telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. These grants are intended to increase rural access to education, training, and health care resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in scope.

telecommunications, rural, telemedicine $500,000-$50,000 National Link
Demonstration Projects to End Child Hunger USDA

The purpose of the demonstration projects is to test innovative strategies to end childhood hunger, including alternative models for service delivery and benefit levels that promote the reduction or elimination of childhood hunger and food insecurity. Projects may include enhanced SNAP benefits for eligible households with children; enhanced benefits or innovative program delivery models in school meals, afterschool snacks programs, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program; and other targeted Federal, State or local assistance, including refundable tax credits, emergency housing, employment and training, or family preservation services, for households with children who are experiencing food insecurity.

Health, Hunger varies Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest Link
Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee USDA

Deadline Passed 09/30/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program (Broadband Program) furnishes loans and loan guarantees to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide service at the broadband lending speed in eligible rural areas. For more information on other programs administered by RUS Telecommunications please visit : http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs/telecom-programs. Broadband loans provide funding on a technology-neutral basis for financing:

  • The construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities required to provide service at the broadband lending speed including facilities required for providing other services through the same facilities
  • The cost of leasing facilities required to provide service at the broadband Lending speed if such lease qualifies as a capital lease under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • An acquisition, under certain circumstances and with restrictions
  • For additional detail see 7 CFR 1738
broadband access, internet, implementation, development, rural communities varies Rural Areas Link
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program USDA

Past Deadline: May 16, 2019. Beginning farmer education for adult and young audiences in the United States can generally be traced back to the advent of the 1862 and 1890 Morrill Land-Grant Acts. But, for the first time, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub .L. No. 110-234, Section 7410) appropriated $75 million for FY 2009 to FY 2012 to develop and offer education, training, outreach and mentoring programs to enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers. The Agriculture Act of 2014 provided an additional $20 million per year for 2014 through 2018. The reasons for the renewed interest in beginning farmer and rancher programs are as follows: the rising average age of U.S. farmers; the 8% projected decrease in the number of farmers and ranchers between 2008 and 2018; and the growing recognition that new programs are needed to address the needs of the next generation of beginning farmers and ranchers. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (aka the 2018 Farm Bill) reauthorized the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and provides mandatory funds for which supports education, mentoring, and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers and ranchers.

ranchers, Farm Bill, outreach, programs food $600,000- $50,000 National Link
Farmers Market Promotion Program USDA

Deadline Passed for 2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), AMS, requests applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2016 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) to competitively award grants to eligible applicants for projects that establish, expand, and promote direct producer-to-consumer marketing.

Farmers Market, Local Foods, Sustainability, Bioregionalism, Sustainable Agriculture, Community Development. Capacity Building: Minimum grant award is $50,000. Maximum award is $250,000. Community Development, Training, and Technical Assistance: Minimum grant award is $250,000. Maximum award $500,000. United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Link
Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans & Loan Guarantees USDA 12/31/2023

Applications accepted year round. This program provides financing for the construction, maintenance, improvement and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas. For more information on other programs administered by RUS Telecommunications please visit : http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs/telecom-programs

telecommunications, infrastructure, development, broadband, construction, rural communities varies Rural Areas Link
Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP) USDA

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: Feburary 25, 2022. The purpose of this program is to establish an Extension presence and support Extension outreach on Federally Recognized Indian Reservations and Tribal jurisdictions of Federally-Recognized Tribes. This program seeks to continue the Land Grants mission of inclusion - providing education and research-based knowledge to those who might not otherwise receive it. Learn more and apply here.

Land Grant, education, outreach, research, Tribal youth development, economic and workforce development, food sovereignty, Native language and culture preservation Up to $360,000 National Link

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