Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 010453
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational and Applied Science Program is a competitive grant opportunity run by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that funds projects intended to strengthen both basic (foundational) and practical (applied) scientific knowledge that supports U.S. agriculture and related industries. The program is organized around six AFRI priority areas: (1) Plant Health and Production and Plant Products, (2) Animal Health and Production and Animal Products, (3) Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health, (4) Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment, (5) Agriculture Systems and Technology, and (6) Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities. Applicants are expected to align their proposals with the specific program area priorities described in the official Request for Applications (RFA), which also sets the relevant due dates and detailed requirements.
The opportunity supports multiple project formats, which is a key feature of this program. It solicits single-function projects (research-only, education-only, or extension-only) as well as integrated projects that combine research with education and/or extension. In practice, that means proposals can range from generating new scientific findings, to developing educational programs and workforce training, to delivering extension activities that move research-based knowledge into real-world adoption by producers, communities, and other stakeholders. The RFA is the controlling document for what is allowable within each program area, and applicants must follow it closely because priorities and deadlines can vary depending on the topic area and project type.
Eligibility depends on the project category. For single-function Research, Education, or Extension Projects, the eligible applicants are broad and include State Agricultural Experiment Stations; colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher); university research foundations; other research institutions and organizations; federal agencies; national laboratories; private organizations or corporations; and individual applicants who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents. Collaborative groups made up of two or more of those eligible entity types may also apply. A notable limitation is that foreign and international organizations are not eligible to apply as applicant institutions for these single-function awards.
For Integrated Projects, eligibility is narrower and is focused on higher education and certain designated institution types. Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities. For the purposes of this program, a "college" or "university" is defined in a specific legal and accreditation sense: it must admit students with a high school diploma (or equivalent), be authorized by the state to provide education beyond secondary school, offer programs leading to a bachelors degree or higher, operate as a public or other nonprofit institution, and be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association. The RFA also clarifies that a research foundation maintained by a college or university is eligible to receive an award under the program, which matters for institutions that route sponsored funding through affiliated foundations.
The program also includes Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants, which are a set of mechanisms intended to strengthen capacity and broaden participation in agricultural research and related activities. Under this RFA, multiple FASE grant types may be available, including New Investigator, Strengthening Standard, Strengthening Conference, Seed, Equipment, and Sabbatical Grants. The detailed eligibility rules for FASE are contained in the RFA section referenced as Part II, C.2, and applicants need to check that section carefully because the requirements can differ from standard project awards.
Operationally, applicants must respond to the specific program area priorities and to the deadlines listed in the RFA (referenced as Part I, C). Award recipients are allowed to subcontract with organizations that are not themselves eligible to apply, as long as those partners are necessary to carry out the project, which can be important for accessing specialized expertise, services, or field sites. However, eligibility is treated strictly: if an applicant fails to meet an eligibility requirement by the application deadline, the application may be excluded from review or may be reviewed but still be ineligible for funding, meaning NIFA would be unable to make an award even if reviewers score it well.
From the posted source details, this is a discretionary grant program (Funding Opportunity Number USDA NIFA AFRI 010453) under CFDA 10.310, administered by NIFA. The listing shows an original closing date of 2024-12-31 and an award ceiling listed as $15,000,000, though actual award sizes and the number of awards are typically driven by the specific program area, project type, and available appropriations as described in the RFA.Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 010453
- 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 Foundational and Applied Science 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 2023-12-15.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-12-31. (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 $15,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program (USDA NIFA) - FAQs
What is the AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program?
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational and Applied Science Program is a competitive USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grant opportunity that supports projects intended to strengthen both foundational (basic) and applied (practical) scientific knowledge related to U.S. agriculture and associated industries.
Who runs and administers this grant program?
The program is run and administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
Is this a competitive or non-competitive funding opportunity?
This is a competitive grant opportunity.
What are the AFRI priority areas for this program?
The program is organized around six AFRI priority areas:
- Plant Health and Production and Plant Products
- Animal Health and Production and Animal Products
- Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health
- Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment
- Agriculture Systems and Technology
- Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities
Do proposals have to match a specific priority area?
Yes. Applicants are expected to align their proposals with the specific program area priorities described in the official Request for Applications (RFA).
What document controls the requirements, priorities, and deadlines?
The official Request for Applications (RFA) is the controlling document. It sets the detailed requirements, relevant due dates, and allowable activities, and priorities and deadlines can vary by topic area and project type.
What types of projects are supported under this opportunity?
The program supports multiple formats, including single-function projects and integrated projects. Single-function projects include research-only, education-only, or extension-only proposals. Integrated projects combine research with education and/or extension.
What is the difference between single-function and integrated projects?
Single-function projects focus on one main function (research, education, or extension). Integrated projects combine research with education and/or extension, which can involve generating new findings while also developing educational programming or delivering extension activities to support real-world adoption.
What kinds of activities can be included in funded projects?
Based on the program description, activities can include generating new scientific knowledge, building educational programs and workforce training, and delivering extension efforts that move research-based knowledge into practical use by producers, communities, and other stakeholders. What is allowable depends on the RFA for the specific program area.
Who is eligible to apply for single-function Research, Education, or Extension projects?
Eligibility for single-function projects is broad and includes:
- State Agricultural Experiment Stations
- Colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher)
- University research foundations
- Other research institutions and organizations
- Federal agencies
- National laboratories
- Private organizations or corporations
- Individual applicants who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents
- Collaborative groups made up of two or more eligible entity types
Are foreign or international organizations eligible to apply for single-function awards?
No. Foreign and international organizations are not eligible to apply as applicant institutions for single-function awards.
Who is eligible to apply for Integrated Projects?
Eligibility for Integrated Projects is narrower. Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities.
How does this program define a "college" or "university" for Integrated Project eligibility?
For this program, a college or university must meet specific legal and accreditation-related criteria. It must admit students with a high school diploma (or equivalent), be authorized by the state to provide education beyond secondary school, offer programs leading to a bachelors degree or higher, operate as a public or other nonprofit institution, and be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.
Can a university-affiliated research foundation receive an award?
Yes. The RFA clarifies that a research foundation maintained by a college or university is eligible to receive an award under the program, which can matter if an institution routes sponsored funding through an affiliated foundation.
What are FASE Grants, and are they part of this opportunity?
Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants are mechanisms within this program intended to strengthen capacity and broaden participation in agricultural research and related activities. Under this RFA, multiple FASE grant types may be available.
What types of FASE grants may be available under this RFA?
The opportunity description lists the following FASE grant types as potentially available: New Investigator, Strengthening Standard, Strengthening Conference, Seed, Equipment, and Sabbatical Grants.
Where are the detailed eligibility rules for FASE grants explained?
The detailed eligibility rules for FASE are contained in the RFA section referenced as Part II, C.2. Applicants are expected to review that section carefully because requirements can differ from standard project awards.
Where can applicants find the deadlines for submission?
Applicants must follow the deadlines listed in the RFA, referenced as Part I, C. Deadlines can vary depending on the topic area and project type.
Does the listing include a closing date?
Yes. The posted source details show an original closing date of 2024-12-31, though applicants still need to rely on the RFA for the relevant due dates for their specific program area and project type.
Can award recipients subcontract with organizations that are not eligible to apply?
Yes. Award recipients are allowed to subcontract with organizations that are not themselves eligible to apply, as long as those partners are necessary to carry out the project (for example, to access specialized expertise, services, or field sites).
How strict is eligibility, and what happens if eligibility requirements are not met?
Eligibility is treated strictly. If an applicant fails to meet an eligibility requirement by the application deadline, the application may be excluded from review, or it may be reviewed but still be deemed ineligible for funding. In that case, NIFA would be unable to make an award even if the reviewers score the proposal well.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed is USDA NIFA AFRI 010453.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 10.310.
Is this a discretionary grant program?
Yes. The posted source details identify it as a discretionary grant program.
What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount listed?
The listing shows an award ceiling of $15,000,000.
Does the listed award ceiling mean every award will be $15,000,000?
No. The description notes that actual award sizes and the number of awards are typically driven by the specific program area, project type, and available appropriations as described in the RFA.
What should applicants prioritize when preparing an application?
Applicants should focus on matching the proposal to the correct AFRI priority area and the specific program area priorities in the RFA, selecting an allowable project format (single-function or integrated), meeting eligibility requirements, and following the RFA deadlines and detailed submission requirements.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture
Next opportunity: Research Initiative for Vaccine and Antibiotic Allergy (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Previous opportunity: Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
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 010453
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NIFA AFRI 010453) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Sustainable Agricultural Systems Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 010653 Funding Number: USDA NIFA AFRI 010653 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| F24AS00298 Cooperative Agriculture Apply for F24AS00298 Funding Number: F24AS00298 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Antimicrobial Resistance Dashboard 2024 Cooperative Agreements Apply for USDA APHIS 10025 VSSP0000 24 0010 Funding Number: USDA APHIS 10025 VSSP0000 24 0010 Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research Facilities Act Program Apply for USDA NIFA OP 010555 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OP 010555 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Conservation Technical Assistance: Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) Cooperative Agreements Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ ST 24 NOFO0001313 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NHQ ST 24 NOFO0001313 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Farmed Cervid Chronic Wasting Disease Management and Response Activities 2024 Cooperative Agreements Apply for USDA APHIS 10025 VSSPRS00 24 0007 Funding Number: USDA APHIS 10025 VSSPRS00 24 0007 Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Wild Cervid Chronic Wasting Disease Management and Response Activities 2024 Cooperative Agreements Apply for USDA APHIS 10028 WSNWRC00 24 0004 Funding Number: USDA APHIS 10028 WSNWRC00 24 0004 Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| USDA APHIS Tribal Nations Wild Cervid Chronic Wasting Disease Opportunities 2024 Cooperative Agreements Apply for USDA APHIS 10028 WSNWRC00 24 0005 Funding Number: USDA APHIS 10028 WSNWRC00 24 0005 Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Natural Resources Conservation Service Project Management - Massachusetts Apply for USDA NRCS MA PMMA 24 NOFO0001380 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MA PMMA 24 NOFO0001380 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Southeastern Massachusetts Whole Farm Conservation Planning Apply for USDA NRCS MA SEMA 24 NOFO0001381 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MA SEMA 24 NOFO0001381 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Shellfish, Salt Marsh, and Eelgrass Restoration Massachusetts Apply for USDA NRCS MA SHELL 24 NOFO0001382 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MA SHELL 24 NOFO0001382 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Integrated Pest Management on Cropland Massachusetts Apply for USDA NRCS MA IPMC 24 NOFO0001379 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MA IPMC 24 NOFO0001379 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants State Program Pennsylvania Apply for USDA NRCS PA CIG 24 NOFO0001398 Funding Number: USDA NRCS PA CIG 24 NOFO0001398 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| 1890 Institution Teaching, Research, and Extension Capacity Building Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA CBGP 010814 Funding Number: USDA NIFA CBGP 010814 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Enhancing African Women Farmers’ Capacity to Participate in School Meals Value Chains Apply for USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 24 0008 Funding Number: USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 24 0008 Agency: Foreign Agricultural Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $617,000 |
| USDA International Climate Hub Collaboration Apply for USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 24 0010 Funding Number: USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 24 0010 Agency: Foreign Agricultural Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $2,575,590 |
| Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowship Apply for USDA NIFA HEP 010775 Funding Number: USDA NIFA HEP 010775 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $262,500 |
| Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA OP 010793 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OP 010793 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Open Data Framework Apply for USDA NIFA OTHER 010733 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OTHER 010733 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $930,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2024 - Arkansas Apply for USDA NRCS AR CIG 24 NOFO0001409 Funding Number: USDA NRCS AR CIG 24 NOFO0001409 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $100,000 |
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 010453", 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.