Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is soliciting competitive grant applications from certified Non‑Land‑Grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA) to strengthen their capacity for education, research, outreach, and integrated activities in agriculture and related natural resources. Funding of approximately $5.7 million is available for FY 2026, with individual awards ranging from $25 k to $750 k across four grant types (Planning/Workshop, Standard, Collaborative‑Joint, Large‑Scale Comprehensive Initiative). Projects may focus on curriculum development, scientific instrumentation, student recruitment/retention, experiential learning, faculty professional development, or multi‑institution collaborations, and must align with USDA’s research and development priorities. Applications are due November 10, 2026; up to 20 awards are expected. • Eligible applicants: public colleges/universities certified as NLGCA (agriculture, forestry, or related disciplines). • Funding: $5.7 M total; award size $25 k–$750 k; 20 awards anticipated. • Project periods: 24–48 months depending on grant type. • Eligible activities: equipment acquisition (non‑building), faculty development, graduate assistantships, curriculum and instructional material creation, student recruitment/retention programs, collaborative research/education initiatives. • Required deliverables: progress reports, final report, possible Project Director meeting attendance. • No cost‑sharing required; up to 50 % of funds may be subcontracted with approval. • Application submission via Grants.gov by 5:00 PM ET, November 10, 2026.