Michigan state university extension helps improve people's lives through an educational process that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs, and opportunities

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Michigan State University $19,779,842 in Smith-Lever Extension Funding (CFDA 10.511) on October 1, 2025, for a five-year period ending September 30, 2030.

Michigan State University Extension delivers research-driven educational programming to Michigan residents through cooperative extension activities across youth development, community development, nutrition and food safety education, and family and parenting skills. The extension provides instruction and practical applications of agricultural research knowledge to Michigan residents in their homes, farms, businesses, and communities. Programming addresses health and safety priorities, including support for eating healthier, chronic health condition management and prevention, improved caregiving capabilities, and financial resource management for individuals and families. Agricultural producers receive education in business and financial management skills, marketing, and distribution strategy. Youth receive education preparing them for life and work.

Place of performance is East Lansing, Michigan. This award is a formula grant under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program, which funds cooperative extension activities at 1862 land-grant institutions. The program is administered by NIFA, which reviews applications to ensure administrative, program, and financial requirements are met and makes awards within available funds.

For more than 100 years, MSU extension faculty and staff members have been actively reaching people where they are - in their homes, farms, businesses, and communities - with research driven education. We help people perform their jobs better, raise healthy and safe families, build stronger communities, and empower children to dream of brighter futures. With smith-lever funding, MSU extension fosters economic development, improved quality of life, a healthy environment, and a plentiful and secure food supply for michigan residents. Promoting well-being for michigan's youth and families requires attending to individuals' physical, social-emotional, and behavioral health. To improve the health and safety of michigan's adults, youth, and families, we developed broad and comprehensive research and education programs to address michigan residents' needs. Youth development, community development, nutrition and food safety research and education, and family and parenting skills are important areas of focus. We will support michigan residents in eating healthier, being better caregivers, and preventing and managing chronic health conditions through education; develop better models for the human health and human services sectors; study the function of nutrients and other components related to human health; improve management of financial resources by individuals and families through education; prepare youth for life and work. Successful and thriving communities combine knowledgeable and engaged legislators, businesses, community groups, and residents. Agricultural producers benefit from improving their business and financial management skills, whether they raise dairy cows or grow blueberries. Marketing, distribution and other economic variables also play a critical role in the success and profitability of the state's agriculture and natural resources industries. We will assist entrepreneurs who develop and commercialize high-value, consumer-responsive products and businesses; research and provide education on international trade and development, economic policy, domestic and foreign policy, and community resource planning and development to help michigan growers and producers navigate governmental regulations both here and abroad, as well as connect them with foreign buyers and markets; assist michigan communities in making critical policy decisions and functioning more smoothly with citizen involvement.