Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 008121
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Program is a discretionary grant opportunity run by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under CFDA 10.310. Its central purpose is to strengthen the talent pipeline in the food and agricultural sciences by preparing the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals. In practical terms, the program is geared toward projects that train people, build skills, and expand the capacity of institutions and communities to meet current and emerging workforce needs across agriculture, food systems, and related sciences.
For the FY 2020 cycle referenced in the notice, EWD invites applications across five core areas. These include professional development activities aimed at agricultural literacy, training opportunities for undergraduate students (with a focus on research and extension experiences), fellowship support for predoctoral candidates, fellowship support for postdoctoral scholars, and a newer focus area centered on agricultural workforce training. Each of these areas is meant to address a different stage of the career pathway, from early exposure and skill building to advanced, specialized training that helps researchers and educators transition into impactful careers. Applicants are expected to follow the EWD Request for Applications (RFA) for the specific priorities, required components, and deadlines tied to each track.
Eligibility is a major compliance point and is tied directly to the type of project being proposed. For single-function projects (research-only, education-only, or extension-only), the eligible applicant pool is broad. It includes State Agricultural Experiment Stations; colleges and universities (including junior colleges that offer associate degrees or higher); university research foundations; other research institutions and organizations; Federal agencies; national laboratories; private organizations or corporations; and even individuals, as long as they are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents. Teams or consortia made up of two or more of these eligible entity types can also apply. A key limitation is that foreign and international organizations are not considered eligible institutions for these single-function submissions.
Integrated projects, which combine two or more of the functions (research, education, and/or extension) into a single coordinated effort, have narrower eligibility requirements. Eligible applicants for integrated projects include colleges and universities, 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities. The notice also clarifies what counts as an eligible "college" or "university" for this purpose: the institution must admit students with a secondary school completion credential (or equivalent), be legally authorized by the state to provide education beyond high school, award bachelors degrees or higher, operate as a public or other nonprofit institution, and hold accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting body. A research foundation maintained by a college or university is also eligible to receive an award, which matters for institutions that route grant administration through affiliated foundations.
In addition to the main project types, the opportunity references Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants, which are mechanisms within AFRI that support specific categories such as New Investigator awards, Strengthening Standard grants, Strengthening Conference grants, Seed grants, Equipment grants, and Sabbatical grants. The detailed eligibility and requirements for FASE are contained in a separate section of the RFA (Part II, C(2)), and applicants must align with the program area priorities and due dates described elsewhere in the RFA (Part I, C). Another important operational detail is that award recipients may subcontract with organizations that are not themselves eligible to apply, as long as those partners are necessary to carry out the proposed work.
Administratively, the funding opportunity is listed as USDA NIFA AFRI 008121, with an original closing date of July 1, 2021, and an award ceiling of up to $1,000,000. The overarching message of the announcement is that eligibility must be met by the application deadline; missing an eligibility requirement can lead to an application being excluded from consideration or prevent NIFA from issuing an award even if the proposal is reviewed.Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 008121
- The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.310.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2021-01-15.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-07-01. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
AFRI Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Program (USDA NIFA) - FAQs
1) What is the AFRI Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Program?
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Program is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under CFDA 10.310. Its purpose is to strengthen the talent pipeline in the food and agricultural sciences by preparing the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals.
2) What kinds of projects does EWD support?
EWD is geared toward projects that train people, build skills, and expand the capacity of institutions and communities to meet current and emerging workforce needs across agriculture, food systems, and related sciences.
3) What FY 2020 EWD application areas (tracks) are mentioned in the notice?
The notice describes five core areas for the FY 2020 cycle:
- Professional development activities aimed at agricultural literacy
- Training opportunities for undergraduate students (with a focus on research and extension experiences)
- Fellowship support for predoctoral candidates
- Fellowship support for postdoctoral scholars
- Agricultural workforce training (a newer focus area)
4) Do these five areas correspond to different career stages?
Yes. The tracks are designed to address multiple points along a career pathway, from early exposure and skill building (for example, agricultural literacy and undergraduate experiences) to advanced, specialized training (for example, predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships) that supports transitions into impactful careers.
5) Where do applicants find the specific priorities, required components, and deadlines?
Applicants are expected to follow the EWD Request for Applications (RFA) for the specific priorities, required components, and deadlines for each track.
6) What is the difference between single-function and integrated projects under this opportunity?
Single-function projects are proposals that focus on only one function: research-only, education-only, or extension-only. Integrated projects combine two or more of the functions (research, education, and/or extension) into one coordinated effort.
7) Who is eligible to apply for single-function projects?
The eligible applicant pool for single-function projects is broad and includes:
- State Agricultural Experiment Stations
- Colleges and universities (including junior colleges that offer associate degrees or higher)
- University research foundations
- Other research institutions and organizations
- Federal agencies
- National laboratories
- Private organizations or corporations
- Individuals (if they are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents)
8) Can consortia or teams apply for single-function projects?
Yes. Teams or consortia composed of two or more eligible entity types may apply for single-function submissions.
9) Are foreign or international organizations eligible to apply for single-function submissions?
No. The notice states that foreign and international organizations are not considered eligible institutions for single-function submissions.
10) Who is eligible to apply for integrated projects?
Integrated projects have narrower eligibility. Eligible applicants include:
- Colleges and universities
- 1994 Land-Grant Institutions
- Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities
11) How does the notice define an eligible "college" or "university" for integrated projects?
For integrated projects, an eligible institution must meet all of the following conditions described in the notice:
- Admits students with a secondary school completion credential (or equivalent)
- Is legally authorized by the state to provide education beyond high school
- Awards bachelors degrees or higher
- Operates as a public or other nonprofit institution
- Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body
12) Can a university research foundation receive an award?
Yes. The notice states that a research foundation maintained by a college or university is eligible to receive an award, which can be important for institutions that administer grants through affiliated foundations.
13) What are FASE Grants and how do they relate to EWD?
The opportunity references Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants as mechanisms within AFRI that support specific categories of awards. The notice indicates that detailed eligibility and requirements for FASE are contained in a separate section of the RFA.
14) What FASE categories are mentioned in the notice?
The notice lists the following FASE categories:
- New Investigator awards
- Strengthening Standard grants
- Strengthening Conference grants
- Seed grants
- Equipment grants
- Sabbatical grants
15) Where are the detailed FASE eligibility rules and requirements located?
The notice points applicants to the RFA, Part II, C(2), for detailed FASE eligibility and requirements.
16) How should applicants align their application with program priorities and due dates?
The notice states that applicants must align with the program area priorities and due dates described in the RFA (including the section referenced as Part I, C).
17) Can award recipients subcontract with organizations that are not eligible applicants?
Yes. The notice states that award recipients may subcontract with organizations that are not themselves eligible to apply, as long as those partners are necessary to carry out the proposed work.
18) What is the funding opportunity number listed in the announcement?
The funding opportunity is listed as USDA NIFA AFRI 008121.
19) What is the closing date referenced in the notice?
The notice lists an original closing date of July 1, 2021.
20) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) stated in the notice?
The notice states an award ceiling of up to $1,000,000.
21) By when must an applicant meet eligibility requirements?
The notice emphasizes that eligibility must be met by the application deadline.
22) What happens if an applicant does not meet an eligibility requirement by the deadline?
The notice warns that missing an eligibility requirement can lead to the application being excluded from consideration, or can prevent NIFA from issuing an award even if the proposal is reviewed.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture
Next opportunity: Program to Support Tribal Climate Resilience Grants and Ocean and Coastal Management Planning Grants
Previous opportunity: Digital Healthcare Interventions to Address the Secondary Health Effects Related to Social, Behavioral, and Economic Impact of COVID-19 (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 008121
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NIFA AFRI 008121) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 1890 Institution Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants (CBG) Program Apply for USDA NIFA CBGP 008120 Funding Number: USDA NIFA CBGP 008120 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Children, Youth and Families At-Risk Sustainable Community Projects Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 007972 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 007972 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $280,000 |
| Food Safety Outreach Competitive Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA FSMA 008138 Funding Number: USDA NIFA FSMA 008138 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Equipment Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA OP 008139 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OP 008139 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Alfalfa Forage Research Program (AFRP) Apply for USDA NIFA OP 008140 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OP 008140 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| RFI - Soybean Value Chain Research Innovation Lab Apply for USAID RFI SOYBEAN Funding Number: USAID RFI SOYBEAN Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Resiliência Integrada na Nutrição e Agricultura (RESINA) Apply for 72065621 RFI RESINA Funding Number: 72065621 RFI RESINA Agency: Mozambique USAID-Maputo Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $29,500,000 |
| FY21 Tribal Nations Wild Cervid CWD Opportunities Apply for USDA APHIS 10028 WSNWRC00 21 0009 Funding Number: USDA APHIS 10028 WSNWRC00 21 0009 Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY21 Farmed Cervid CWD Management and Response Activities Apply for USDA APHIS 10025 VSSPRS00 21 0108 Funding Number: USDA APHIS 10025 VSSPRS00 21 0108 Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY21 Wild Cervid CWD Management and Response Activities Apply for USDA APHIS 10028 WSNWRC00 21 0008 Funding Number: USDA APHIS 10028 WSNWRC00 21 0008 Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Soybean Value Chain Research Apply for 7200AA21RFA00018 Funding Number: 7200AA21RFA00018 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $30,000,000 |
| Animal Health Systems Facilitating Trade within the African Union Apply for USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 21 0026 Funding Number: USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 21 0026 Agency: Global Programs Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FARM OF THE FUTURE Apply for USDA NIFA OP 008501 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OP 008501 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $3,936,000 |
| Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022 - Fostering District and Farmer Water Saving Partnerships Apply for R21AS00553 Funding Number: R21AS00553 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I Apply for USDA NIFA SBIR 008541 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SBIR 008541 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $181,500 |
| Centers of Excellence at 1890 Institutions Apply for USDA NIFA 1890COE 008561 Funding Number: USDA NIFA 1890COE 008561 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program Apply for USDA NIFA NLGCA 008581 Funding Number: USDA NIFA NLGCA 008581 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Guinea Local Works Program Apply for RFI 675 21 04 Funding Number: RFI 675 21 04 Agency: Guinea USAID-Conakry Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Food Safety Outreach Competitive Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA FSMA 008641 Funding Number: USDA NIFA FSMA 008641 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $550,000 |
| Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities (AgrAbility) Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 008682 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 008682 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $735,360 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "USDA NIFA AFRI 008121", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.