Eligible Entities

Entities eligible to apply for AFRI must meet all the requirements discussed in the full announcement by the application deadline.  The following information is a summary of eligibility criteria provided in the downloadable NOFO.

1. Eligible applicants for single-function Research, Education or Extension Projects include domestic institutions that are:

a) colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher);

b) university research foundations;

c) other research institutions and organizations;

d) Federal agencies;

e) national laboratories;

f) State Agricultural Experiment Station;

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).

2. Eligible applicants for Integrated Projects include domestic institutions that are:

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 terms “college” and “university” mean an educational institution in any state which

• • • • • admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate;
        • is legally authorized within such state to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;
        • provides an educational program for which a bachelor’s degree or any other higher degree is awarded;
        • is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
        • is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.

Eligible Activities

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) welcomes applications for the AFRI’s Education and Workforce Development program areas that are consistent with the following:

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.

Award

Estimated Total Program Funding:  $39,700,000

Expected Number of Awards:  245

Award Ceiling:  $650,000

Award Floor:  $10,000

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:  Yes

Important Dates

Current Closing Date for Applications:  December 31, 2026

Next Steps

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.