Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Funding Amount
$20,000 - $115,000
Deadline
June 1, 2026
54 days left
Grant Type
federal
Overview
Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program
The purpose of the Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program (SLSNCGP), Assistance Listing 10.511, is to support innovative, education-based approaches to address disaster preparedness and potential responses to natural, human-made, or technological disasters or disaster threats that pose risks to communities.
Details
- Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
- Department: Department of Agriculture
- Opportunity #: USDA-NIFA-KMB-32361
- Total Funding: $459,564
- Expected Awards: 5
- Instrument: grant
- Cost Sharing: Required
Eligibility
Applications may only be submitted by 1862 Land-grant Institutions in the 50 states and the U.S. territories, American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.An eligible individual institution, independent branch campus, or branch institution of a State system may submit a grant application for project activities to be undertaken principally on behalf of its own students or faculty, and to be managed primarily by its own personnel. The applicant executes the project without the requirement of sharing grant funds with other project partners.Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. The 1862 Land-grant Institutions may partner with each other as well as with other Land-grant Institutions (e.g., 1890s and 1994s), non-Land-grant Institutions, and non-governmental organizations within their state or their region on joint proposals.Fail
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
How to Apply
USDA-NIFA-KMB-32361-Full-Announcement.html
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<title>USDA-NIFA-KMB-32361: Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program</title>
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<a id='_bookmark279291' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY"></a><h1>NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY</h1>
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<a id='_bookmark279292' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_BASIC INFORMATION"></a><h2>BASIC INFORMATION</h2>
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<a id='_bookmark279293' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>FEDERAL AGENCY:
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<p>United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)</p><p>National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)</p>
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<a id='_bookmark279294' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE:
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Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program
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<a id='_bookmark279295' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE:
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Initial Announcement
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<a id='_bookmark279297' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>FUNDING YEAR:
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<p style="margin-left:0in;"> Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 </p>
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<a id='_bookmark279298' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER:
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USDA-NIFA-KMB-32361
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<a id='_bookmark279299' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER:
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10.511
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<a id='_bookmark279300' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>FUNDING DETAILS (ANTICIPATED):
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<p>Available Funding: $459,564 </p><p>Award Range: $20,000 - $115,000 </p><p>Number of Awards: 5 </p>
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<a id='_bookmark279301' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE:
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<p> A Letter of Intent is not requested for this funding opportunity announcement.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark279302' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>APPLICATION DEADLINE:
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<p style="margin-left:0in;"> 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, 06/01/2026</p>
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<a id='_bookmark279303' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
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<p>NIFA requests applications for the Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program (SLSNCGP) RFA for FY 2026 to enable the Cooperative Extension System (CES) to assist in preparing for, providing an educational response to, recovering from, and mitigating disasters and disaster threats. This program supports innovative, education-based approaches to address disaster preparedness and specific responses related to disasters or disaster threats caused by natural, human-made, or technological hazards or by other factors that contribute to the exposure of or risk to a community. The amount available for SLSNCGP in FY 2026 is approximately $459,564.</p><p>This notice identifies the objectives for SLSNCGP and its priorities, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, application forms, and associated instructions.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark279304' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>AGENCY CONTACT:
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<p>See Appendix I.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark279305' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>RELATED ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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<p>No Related Announcements</p>
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<a id='_bookmark279306' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), to the extent permitted by law, will no longer make grants or otherwise fund programs or activities that improperly discriminate on the basis of race or sex, including discrimination in the name of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies. Instead, USDA will prioritize merit and efficiency. USDA recognizes programs and initiatives will have the greatest impact when these programs and initiatives put American farmers, ranchers, and foresters first by:</p><ul><li>solving the most pressing challenges they face;</li><li>protecting America’s food, fuel, and fiber supply to enhance national security;</li><li>supporting production of healthy and safe food for consumers;</li><li>expanding and developing domestic markets; </li><li>training the next generation of agriculturalists; and</li><li>fueling innovation to keep American farmers at the forefront of productivity.</li></ul><p>The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is committed to advancing these principles and encourages applicants to actively engage farmers, ranchers, and foresters when applying for funding opportunities to ensure relevancy and adherence to them. NIFA also encourages agricultural leaders to engage in the peer review panel process to ensure American producers are better served through research, education, and extension activities.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark279307' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>Projects submitted under this NOFO should align with <a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf">USDA Secretary’s Memorandum 1078-020</a> <i>Directive on Departmental Research and Development Priorities:</i></p><ol><li>Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers</li><li>Expanding Markets and Creating New Uses of U.S. Agricultural Products</li><li>Protecting the Integrity of American Agriculture from Invasive Species</li><li>Promoting Soil Health to Regenerate Long-Term Productivity of Land</li><li>Improving Human Health through Precision Nutrition and Food Quality</li></ol>
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<a id='_bookmark279308' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Stakeholder Input:
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<p>NIFA seeks comments on all Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and uses comments to help meet the requirements of Section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 <a href="https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7613%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7613)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true">(7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2))</a>. Applicants may submit written comments to <a href="mailto:Policy@usda.gov">Policy@usda.gov</a>.</p>
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<div class="heading1" tabindex="0">Table of Contents</div>
<div class="toc-link"><a href="#_NOTICE%20OF%20FUNDING%20OPPORTUNITY">NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_BASIC%20INFORMATION">BASIC INFORMATION</a></div><div class="toc-link"><a href="#_PART%20I.%20FUNDING%20OPPORTUNITY%20DESCRIPTION">PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_A.%20Legislative%20Authority">A. Legislative Authority</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_B.%20Purpose%20and%20Priorities">B. Purpose and Priorities</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_C.%20Program%20Key%20Information">C. Program Key Information</a></div><div class="toc-link"><a href="#_PART%20II.%20AWARD%20INFORMATION">PART II. AWARD INFORMATION</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_A.%20Available%20Funding">A. Available Funding</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_B.%20Application%20Restrictions">B. Application Restrictions</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_C.%20Project%20and%20Grant%20Types">C. Project and Grant Types</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_D.%20Ethical%20Conduct%20of%20Funded%20Projects">D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects</a></div><div class="toc-link"><a href="#_PART%20III.%20ELIGIBILITY%20INFORMATION">PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_A.%20Eligibility%20Requirements">A. Eligibility Requirements</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_B.%20Cost%20Sharing%20or%20Matching">B. Cost Sharing or Matching</a></div><div class="toc-link"><a href="#_PART%20IV.%20APPLICATION%20AND%20SUBMISSION">PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_A.%20Method%20of%20Application">A. Method of Application</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_B.%20Content%20and%20Form%20of%20Application">B. Content and Form of Application</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_C.%20Funding%20Restrictions">C. Funding Restrictions</a></div><div class="toc-link"><a href="#_PART%20V.%20APPLICATION%20REVIEW%20REQUIREMENTS">PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_A.%20NIFA's%20Evaluation%20Process">A. NIFA's Evaluation Process</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_B.%20Evaluation%20Criteria">B. Evaluation Criteria</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_C.%20Organizational%20Management%20Information">C. Organizational Management Information</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_D.%20Application%20Disposition">D. Application Disposition</a></div><div class="toc-link"><a href="#_PART%20VI.%20AWARD%20ADMINISTRATION">PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_A.%20General">A. General</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_B.%20Administrative%20and%20National%20Policy%20Requirements">B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_C.%20Expected%20Program%20Outputs%20and%20Reporting%20Requirements">C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements</a></div><div class="toc-link"><a href="#_PART%20VII.%20OTHER%20INFORMATION">PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_A.%20Use%20of%20Funds%20and%20Changes%20in%20Budget">A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_B.%20Confidential%20Aspects%20of%20Applications%20and%20Awards">B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_C.%20Regulatory%20Information">C. Regulatory Information</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_D.%20Language%20Access%20Services">D. Language Access Services</a></div><div class="toc-link"><a href="#_APPENDIX%20I:%20AGENCY%20CONTACT">APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT</a></div><div class="toc-link"><a href="#_APPENDIX%20II:%20GLOSSARY%20OF%20TERMS">APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS</a></div><div class="toc-link"><a href="#_APPENDIX%20III:%20DEFINITIONS">APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS</a></div>
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<a id='_bookmark279310' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION"></a><h1>PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION</h1>
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<a id='_bookmark279311' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_A. Legislative Authority"></a><h2>A. Legislative Authority</h2>
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<a id='_bookmark279312' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>Section <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10296/pdf/COMPS-10296.pdf"><u>3(b)(1) of the Smith-Lever Act</u></a> (<a href="https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:343%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section343)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true"><u>7 U.S.C. 343</u></a>) allows the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Director of NIFA, to conduct competitive grant programs for State Cooperative Extension Services (CES) at 1862 Land-grant Institutions to support innovative, education-based approaches to provide cooperative agricultural Extension work. </p>
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<a id='_bookmark279314' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>The purpose of the Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program (SLSNCGP), Assistance Listing 10.511, is to support innovative, education-based approaches to address disaster preparedness and potential responses to natural, human-made, or technological disasters or disaster threats that pose risks to communities. The goals and objectives of SLSNCGP include sustaining quality of life in communities across the United States through risk preparedness for food and agriculture systems in the event of a disaster. The SLSNCGP projects collect and distribute timely and relevant information and resources with end-users, stakeholders, and collaborators to improve disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. </p>
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<a id='_bookmark279315' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Priorities:
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<p style="margin-left:0px;">Grant funds will support innovative extension initiatives that address risks, hazards, and threats that may lead to disasters. The SLSNCGP enables the CES to assist in preparing for, providing an educational response to, recovering from, and mitigating disasters and disaster threats. The SLSNCGP promotes awareness and capacity building of communities’ response to disasters by strengthening individual, family, farm, and small business disaster preparedness through education and collaborations with other agencies or volunteer organizations. </p><p style="margin-left:0px;">NIFA intends to fund SLSNCGP projects to implement applied extension programs that serve public needs through a disaster context. The SLSNCGP will fund the development of educational programs, resource deliverables, and demonstration activities that focus on disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Projects illustrating strong plans for replicability, scalability, and transferring successful methods to other states and/or regions for a broader reach and greater potential for end-user adoption are strongly encouraged. </p><p style="margin-left:0px;">NIFA welcomes proposals that add new or build upon existing web-based educational materials available through the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Resource Dashboard. In such instances, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the <a href="https://extensiondisaster.net/committee/executive/"><u>EDEN Executive Officers</u></a> during proposal formulation to solicit guidance on how best to coordinate with EDEN and to secure a commitment letter, as appropriate. </p><p style="margin-left:0px;">The handling of baseline data and data collection is to be addressed in the Data Management Plan (DMP) in accordance with <a href="https://public.era.nih.gov/foa/docTemplates/58621/exportDocument/html/foaRequest.era?tracking=true#:~:text=PART%20IV%2E%20APPLICATION%20AND%20SUBMISSION">Part IV of this NOFO</a>. If an applicant has questions about what constitutes a DMP for this role (including questions about data privacy, etc.), please contact the NIFA program contacts listed in <a href="https://public.era.nih.gov/foa/docTemplates/58621/exportDocument/html/foaRequest.era?tracking=true#:~:text=APPENDIX%20I%3A%20AGENCY%20CONTACT"><u>Appendix I</u></a> of this NOFO. </p><p style="margin-left:0px;">NIFA is soliciting applications for SLSNCGP projects that focus on disasters<u>,</u> address at least one of the listed Topical Areas<u>,</u> and use at least one of the listed Strategies.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Topical Areas: </strong>Topical Areas cover the subject areas on which the Coperative Extension System develops and delivers educational resources and programs to target audiences and stakeholders through science-based education. SLSNCGP projects must address at least one of these Topical Areas:</p><ol><li><strong>Agriculture:</strong> Includes but is not limited to row crop and forage health and production; livestock health and production; aquaculture; fruit and vegetable production; farm and agribusiness management; economics; farm safety; and agricultural biosecurity. </li><li><strong>Natural Resources:</strong> Includes but is not limited to water; forestry; wood sciences; range; waste management; energy, wildlife; and recreation.</li><li><strong>Community and Economic Development:</strong> Includes but is not limited to small business; workforce development; community planning; placemaking; revitalization; tourism; visioning and strategic planning; leadership development; housing; homeowner education; community engagement; volunteerism; broadband; and rural life.</li><li><strong>Family and Consumer Sciences:</strong> Includes but is not limited to nutrition; food safety; nutrition security; health management and wellness; well-being; mental health; personal and family finance; child development; early childhood education; individual and family relationships; textiles; and hospitality. </li><li><strong>4-H and Youth Development:</strong> Includes but is not limited to youth development; career exploration; community engagement; STEM education; and volunteerism. </li></ol><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Strategies:</strong> Strategies represent the plans of action and implementation methods used by the Cooperative Extension System to reach and engage target audiences and stakeholders through science-based education. SLSNCGP projects must use at least one of these Strategies:</p><ol><li><strong>Program and Resource Development:</strong> Includes but is not limited to workshops<u>;</u> field days; program series; round-table sessions; day camps; curricula development; resource guides and fact sheet development; and print and/or web-based deliverables.</li><li><strong>Exercise and Training: </strong>Includes but is not limited to simulation exercises; tabletop exercises; train-the-trainer programs; technical assistance; and in-person and/or virtual skills-based trainings.</li><li><strong>Communications:</strong> Includes but is not limited to new or exploratory ways to reach target audiences and stakeholders; app development; message amplification; social media; cybersecurity; and use of emergent technology like Artificial Intelligence. </li><li><strong>Disaster Planning:</strong> Includes but is not limited to needs assessment; all-hazards planning; hazard-specific planning; and evaluation activities. </li><li><strong>Professional Development and Capacity Building:</strong> Includes but is not limited to just-in-time and/or continually relevant continuing education for CES professionals and partners; and activities that support the effectiveness and future of an organization or community like volunteer recruitment, leadership succession, gap analysis, and outcome measurement. </li></ol><p style="margin-left:0px;">Applicants are encouraged to approach Topical Areas and Strategies in their projects by considering the following elements: </p><ol><li>Using stakeholder-informed approaches that lead to actionable information and transformational changes.</li><li>Improving partnerships which might include the public, governments at all levels, non-profit and/or volunteer organizations, schools/academia, and/or industry.</li><li>Addressing the impacts of disasters or disaster threats caused by natural, human-made, or technological hazards on food and agricultural systems and rural communities. </li></ol><p style="margin-left:0px;">For a program informational webinar please visit the <a href="https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar"><u>NIFA calendar</u></a> for dates, event registration, and link. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any of the informational webinars listed, please contact the event host listed no later than 10 days prior to the event. </p>
</div>
<div class="heading4" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279316" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279316' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Related Announcements:
</div>
<div data-element-id="279316" data-element-has-label="true" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="TEXT">
<p style="margin-left:0px;"></p>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279317" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="false" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="TEXT">
</div>
<div data-element-id="279318" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279318' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_C. Program Key Information"></a><h2>C. Program Key Information</h2>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279319" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="CUSTOM">
<a id='_bookmark279319' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>The following key program information only pertains to the funding year for FY 2026.</p>
</div>
<div class="row" data-index="30">
<div class="col-md-4 datalabel" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279320" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="SIMPLE_TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279320' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>PROGRAM NAME:
</div>
<div class=" col-md-8 datacolumn">
Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" data-index="31">
<div class="col-md-4 datalabel" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279321" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="SINGLE_SELECT">
<a id='_bookmark279321' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>PROGRAM ACRONYM:
</div>
<div class=" col-md-8 datacolumn">
SLSNCGP
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" data-index="32">
<div class="col-md-4 datalabel" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279322" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="SINGLE_SELECT">
<a id='_bookmark279322' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>PROGRAM CLASSIFICATION CODE (PCC):
</div>
<div class=" col-md-8 datacolumn">
KMB
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" data-index="33">
<div class="col-md-4 datalabel" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279323" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="SINGLE_SELECT">
<a id='_bookmark279323' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>PROJECT TYPE:
</div>
<div class=" col-md-8 datacolumn">
Extension
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" data-index="34">
<div class="col-md-4 datalabel" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279324" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="SINGLE_SELECT">
<a id='_bookmark279324' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>GRANT TYPE:
</div>
<div class=" col-md-8 datacolumn">
Standard Grants
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" data-index="35">
<div class="col-md-4 datalabel" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279325" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="CUSTOM">
<a id='_bookmark279325' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>AWARD DURATION:
</div>
<div class=" col-md-8 datacolumn">
<p>12-36 Months</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" data-index="36">
<div class="col-md-4 datalabel" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279326" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="CURRENCY">
<a id='_bookmark279326' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>MINIMUM AWARD AMOUNT:
</div>
<div class=" col-md-8 datacolumn">
$20,000
</div>
</div>
<div class="row" data-index="37">
<div class="col-md-4 datalabel" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279327" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART1" data-element-type="CURRENCY">
<a id='_bookmark279327' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>MAXIMUM AWARD AMOUNT:
</div>
<div class=" col-md-8 datacolumn">
$115,000
</div>
</div>
<!--This variable defines that we need to start a new row. -->
<div data-element-id="279328" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART2" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279328' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_PART II. AWARD INFORMATION"></a><h1>PART II. AWARD INFORMATION</h1>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279329" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART2" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279329' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_A. Available Funding"></a><h2>A. Available Funding</h2>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279330" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="false" data-section-code="PART2" data-element-type="TEXT">
</div>
<div data-element-id="279331" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART2" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279331' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>The amount available for SLSNCGP in FY 2026 is approximately $459,564. USDA is not committed to fundin<u>g</u> any particular application or to making a specific number of awards. </p>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279332" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART2" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279332' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>The <a href="https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/asap/">Automated Standard Application for Payments</a>, operated by the Department of Treasury, Bureau of Fiscal Service, is the designated payment system for awards resulting from this NOFO.</p>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279333" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART2" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279333' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_B. Application Restrictions"></a><h2 class="heading2">B. Application Restrictions</h2>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279334" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART2" data-element-type="CUSTOM">
<a id='_bookmark279334' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p> NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this NOFO. Application for FY 2026 is limited to the following application types: </p>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279335" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART2" data-element-type="CHECKBOX">
<a id='_bookmark279335' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p><strong>New Application: </strong>New applications will be evaluated using the criteria described in Part V of this NOFO and are subject to the due dates herein (see Appendix III for definition).</p><p><strong>Resubmitted Application: </strong>Resubmitted applications must include the response to the previous review panel summary and are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein. Resubmitted applicants must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously submitted application in the <i>Federal Field (<strong>Field 4</strong>)</i> on the application form (see Appendix III for definition). </p>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279336" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART2" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279336' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_C. Project and Grant Types"></a><h2>C. Project and Grant Types</h2>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279337" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART2" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279337' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>The following describes the types of projects and grants that are eligible for funding:</p><ol><li><strong>Project Types</strong>. NIFA is soliciting applications for SLSNCGP proposals under the <strong>Extension </strong>project type. Extension projects conduct programs and activities that deliver science-based knowledge and informal educational programs to people, enabling them to make practical decisions.</li><li><strong>Grant Types</strong>. NIFA is soliciting applications for SLSNCGP proposals under the <strong>Standard Grants </strong>grant type. </li></ol><p style="margin-left:100px;">a. Standard awards of Federal funds for this grant will not exceed $115,000. The amount requested will vary depending on the geographic scope of the project and the urgency of the need(s) being addressed. </p><p style="margin-left:100px;">b. Project periods for Standard Grants range from 12 to 36 months. </p>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279338" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART2" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279338' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects"></a><h2>D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects</h2><p>In accordance with sections <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-422#422.2">2, 3, and 8 of 2 CFR Part 422</a>, institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural research must foster an atmosphere conducive to research integrity, bear primary responsibility for prevention and detection of research misconduct, and maintain and effectively communicate and train their staff regarding policies and procedures. In the event an application to NIFA results in an award, the Authorized Representative (AR) assures, through acceptance of the award, that the institution will comply with the above requirements. Award recipients must, upon request, make available to NIFA the policies, procedures, and documentation to support the conduct of the training. See <a href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/research-misconduct/responsible-ethical-conduct-research">Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research</a> for further information.</p>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279339" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279339' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION"></a><h1>PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION</h1>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279340" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279340' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_A. Eligibility Requirements"></a><h2 class="heading2">A. Eligibility Requirements</h2>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279341" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279341' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>Applicants must meet all the requirements discussed in this NOFO. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance NIFA's <a href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants">About Grants</a> provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.</p>
</div>
<div class="heading4" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279342" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="CUSTOM">
<a id='_bookmark279342' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Eligibility Type:
</div>
<div data-element-id="279342" data-element-has-label="true" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="CUSTOM">
<p>The following entity(ies) may apply to this NOFO: Organizations.</p><p> </p>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279343" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279343' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p style="margin-left:0px;">Applications may only be submitted by 1862 Land-grant Institutions in the 50 states and the U.S. territories, American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. </p><p style="margin-left:0px;">An eligible individual institution, independent branch campus, or branch institution of a State system may submit a grant application for project activities to be undertaken principally on behalf of its own students or faculty, and to be managed primarily by its own personnel. The applicant executes the project without the requirement of sharing grant funds with other project partners.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. The 1862 Land-grant Institutions may partner with each other as well as with other Land-grant Institutions (e.g., 1890s and 1994s), non-Land-grant Institutions, and non-governmental organizations within their state or their region on joint proposals. </p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award. </p>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279344" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279344' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>USDA <strong>will not accept</strong> applications for grants and cooperative agreements submitted for dangerous gain-of-function research, as defined in <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2025-08266/p-22">Section 8 of E.O. 14292</a>.</p>
</div>
<div class="heading4" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279345" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279345' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Duplicate or Multiple Submissions:
</div>
<div data-element-id="279345" data-element-has-label="true" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="TEXT">
<p>Duplicate or multiple submissions are not allowed. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits duplicate or multiple submissions.</p>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279346" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279346' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_B. Cost Sharing or Matching"></a><h2 class="heading2">B. Cost Sharing or Matching</h2>
</div>
<div class="heading4" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279347" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="CUSTOM">
<a id='_bookmark279347' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Match Required:
</div>
<div data-element-id="279347" data-element-has-label="true" data-element-required="true" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="CUSTOM">
<p> Applicants <strong>MUST</strong> provide 100<strong>%</strong> matching contributions for all Federal funds awarded under this funding opportunity announcement.</p>
</div>
<div class="heading4" tabindex="0" data-element-id="279349" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279349' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Requirement Waiver:
</div>
<div data-element-id="279349" data-element-has-label="true" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART3" data-element-type="TEXT">
<p><i><strong>Match Required.</strong></i> Applicants <strong>MUST</strong> provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds awarded under the SLSNCGP. Pursuant to rules and policies governing Section 3(b) & (c) of the Smith–Lever Act as amended, “no allotment shall be made to a State under subsection (b) or (c), and no payments from the allotment shall be made to a State, in excess of the amount that the State makes available out of non-federal funds for cooperative extension work.”</p><p>To comply with the matching requirements of the SLSNCGP, applicants are required to provide 100% matching funds from non-federal sources for all proposed Federal funds sought in the application. In-kind and third-party contributions are not allowed for this program; thus, all matching funds must come from the applicant institution (sub-awards/partner match would be considered third party).<strong> </strong></p><p>No match is required for 1994 Land-grant Institutions and Hispanic Serving Institutions. Only 50% matching funds are required for Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and NIFA may consider a waiver of match for these territories. Additionally, consistent with <a href="https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:48%20section:1469a%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title48-section1469a)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true"><u>48 U.S.C. 1469a (d)</u></a> and 1469a note, notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, NIFA will waive any requirement for local matching funds under $200,000 (including in-kind contributions). </span><br> </p>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279351" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART4" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279351' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION"></a><h1>PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION</h1>
</div>
<div data-element-id="279352" data-element-has-label="false" data-element-required="false" data-element-has-value="true" data-section-code="PART4" data-element-type="TEXT">
<a id='_bookmark279352' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_A. Method of Application"></a><h2>A. Method of Application</h2><p>Applicants must apply to this NOFO electronically; no other method or response is accepted. The electronic application for this NOFO and additional resources are available on <a href="https://www.grants.gov/">Grants.gov</a> and <a href="https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/">Grants 101</a>. <strong>Steps to Obtain Application Materials</strong> provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application. <strong>Part III</strong> of the <a href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide">NIFA Grants Application Guide</a> contains detailed information regarding the <a href="https://www.grants.gov/">Grants.gov</a> registration process. <a href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide">The NIFA Grants Application Guide</a> is contained in the specific funding opportunity package or a sample of the guide can be found <a href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide">here</a>. When applying for a NIFA award, it is important to reference the version of the guide that is included in the specific funding opportunity application package.</p>
</div>
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