FY25-HSI-RFA-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education

Grants Program

MODIFICATION: This RFA is an updated version of the FY 2024 solicitation. It includes only the references to FY 2025 funding; FY 2024 references have been eliminated.

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FY 2025

Regular: March 19, 2025 Collaboration: March 20, 2025 Conference: March 21, 2025

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $15,329,953

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE:

$50,000-$1,200,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-HSI-011094

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.223

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Education Grants Program is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.223.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: FY 2025 Regular: March 19, 2025 Collaboration: March 20, 2025 Conference: March 21, 2025 (All at 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time) [Ref to Part I, B of this RFA]

Applicants Comments:

Within six months from the issuance of this notice (NIFA may not consider comments received after the sixth month)

Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) recognizes research, education, and extension efforts will have the greatest impacts when programs are grounded in DEIA. NIFA is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of programs and encourages individuals, institutions, and organizations from underserved communities to apply to funding opportunities as lead, co-lead, or subaward recipient(s), and to engage as leaders in the peer panel review process to support the development of strong networks and collaborations. NIFA encourages applications that engage diverse communities and have broad impacts through research, education, extension, and integrated activities to address current and future challenges.

Stakeholder Input. NIFA seeks comments on all Request for Applications (RFA) so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service.

NIFA considers comments to the extent possible when developing RFAs, and uses comments to help meet the requirements of Section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)). Applicants may submit written comments to Policy@usda.gov. Please use the following subject line: Response to the HSI RFA.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/panelist-recruitment-training https://www.nifa.usda.gov/panelist-recruitment-training 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 mailto:Policy@usda.gov

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This RFA is being released prior to the passage of a full appropriations act for FY 2025.

Enactment of a continuing resolution, appropriations act, or other authorizing legislation may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

This notice identifies the objectives for HSI Education Grants Program projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions. In FY 2025, NIFA requests HSI applications to promote and strengthen the ability of HSIs to carry out higher education programs that attract, retain, and graduate outstanding students capable of enhancing the nation’s food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH) professional and scientific workforce.

The amount available for grants in FY 2025 is approximately $15,332,800.

The HSI Education Grants Program Supplemental Information file can be found on the HSI program’s funding webpage under “relevant documents”; the document includes expanded information on:

1. Food and Agricultural Sciences Description

2. Educational Need Areas Supported

3. Eligible Student Recipient

4. Collaboration Projects: Linkages and Activities

5. USDA Agencies

6. Mission Critical Occupations

7. Suggested HSI Project Evaluation Plan https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/hispanic-serving-institutions-education-grants-program https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/hispanic-serving-institutions-education-grants-program

2025 UPDATES

1. Inclusion of the requirement for a mentoring plan in applications.

2. Removal of the limitation on the number of applications an institution can submit.

3. An increase of the Collaboration Grant maximum award amount from $1,000,000 to $1,200,000.

4. An increase of the Regular Grant financial aid maximum award amount from $25,000 to

$40,000.

5. Addition of a Conference Data Grant subcategory, with a total maximum award amount of

$175,000.

6. Added information on Limited English Proficiency since NIFA offers language access services, such as interpretation and translation of vital information, free of charge.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF TABLES

TABLE OF FIGURES

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding B. Application Restrictions C. Project and Grant Types D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application B. Content and Form of the Application C. Funding Restrictions

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process B. Conflicts of Interest C. Evaluation Criteria D. Organizational Management Information E. Application Disposition

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards C. Regulatory Information D. Limited English Proficiency

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Program Key Information Table 3: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 4: Help and Resources Table 5: Key Application Instructions Table 6: Number of Students Supported by Level of Study

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Recommended Format for Submitting Expected Impacts

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Section 1455 of National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3241) provides the Secretary of Agriculture with the authority to make competitive grants to HSI for the purpose of promoting and strengthening their ability to carry out education, applied research, and community development programs.

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of the HSI Education Grants Program is to promote and strengthen the ability of Hispanic Serving Institutions to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs. This program encourages innovative teaching, education, or related community development proposals with potential to impact and become models for other institutions that serve underrepresented students at the regional or national level.

Applications may propose, as part of a formal education and teaching program, that students gain experience with an applied research and community outreach activity. Activities supported should better position the institution(s) involved to engage in its role as an HSI and include outreach to the current or potential underrepresented student population.

For a program informational webinar regarding information and procedures contained in the RFA, please visit the NIFA calendar 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.

Priority Need Areas. Projects supported by this program must include/address one or more of the following priority need areas:

1. Attract and support undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented groups to prepare them for careers related to the food, agricultural natural resources, and human sciences (FANH) in the United States.

2. Enhance the quality of postsecondary instruction within the above disciplines.

3. Provide opportunities and access to FANH careers in the public, non-profit and private sectors.

4. Align the efforts of HSIs and other non-profit organizations to support academic development and career attainment of underrepresented groups.

The HSI Education Grants Program is aligned with the following:

USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 goals:

1. Strategic Goal 2: Ensure America’s Agricultural System is Equitable, Resilient, and Prosperous

2. Strategic Goal 4: Provide All Americans Safe, Nutritious Food USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023-2026 priorities:

1. Priority 3: Bolstering Nutrition Security & Health

2. Priority 5: Translating Research Into Action

Disciplines. The HSI Education Grants Program will support applications from any number of https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title%3A7%20section%3A3241%20edition%3Aprelim)%20OR%20(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section3241)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title%3A7%20section%3A3241%20edition%3Aprelim)%20OR%20(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section3241)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.nifa.usda.gov/events https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-science-research-strategy.pdf disciplines in FANH. More specific information on what is considered FANH, and allowable program activities can be found in “HSI Education Grants Program Supplemental Information.”

Other disciplines will be considered provided there is strong justification for their relationship with agricultural enterprises.

Social and Behavioral Science Disciplines. Projects that integrate social and behavioral sciences with biological sciences to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in community development programs are encouraged. Incorporation of social and behavioral sciences is important for addressing many of the challenges facing agriculture and rural communities, such as increasing global demand for food production in the face of limited natural resources, improving health and reducing obesity by engaging in heathy diets, and alleviating poverty by fostering economic opportunity.

USDA Partnerships. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to partner with a USDA agency to leverage resources and expertise for the proposed project. Partnerships with USDA agencies can be established after the grant has been awarded. Including letters of support from USDA agencies is not a requirement.

Global Engagement. NIFA supports global engagement that advances U.S. agricultural goals.

NIFA recognizes that collaboration with international partners may be necessary to attain the agency's goals for U.S. agriculture, promote global competence of our nation’s future agricultural workforce, and promote safe and nutritious food security in a growing world.

Therefore, although application to this RFA is limited to eligible U.S. institutions, applicants may collaborate with international partners, to include subcontracts to international partners or other institutions. Applications must clearly demonstrate benefits to the U.S.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/HSI%20Education%20Grants%20Program%20Supplemental%20Information%2011.12.2021-508.pdf

Table 2: Program Key Information Title Description

Program Code: NJ Program Code Name: Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education

Grants Program

ALN: 10.223

Project Type: Education/Teaching Projects Community Development Projects

Grant Type: Regular Grants, Collaboration Grants, Conference Grants

Application Deadline: FY 2025 Regular: March 19, 2025 Collaboration: March 20, 2025 Conference: March 21, 2025 (All at 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time)

Grant Duration: 48 Months – Regular and Collaboration 36 Months – Conference

Anticipated # of Awards: Regular – 10 Collaboration – 10 Conference – 2

Minimum Award Amount: $50,000 Maximum Award Amount: Regular – $400,000

Regular Bridge – $200,000 Collaboration – $1,200,000 Conference – $50,000 Conference DATA – $175,000

For FY 2025, there is no limit on the number of Regular, Collaboration, or Conference applications that can be submitted by an institution.

For FY 2025, a PD may not apply for a Collaboration grant as the lead PD if they currently have an active USDA NIFA HSI Education Grants Program Collaboration award in its first or second year of the project.

For FY 2025, only two awards will be made to the same lead institution per fiscal year, with up to one being a Collaboration award. Conference awards are excluded from this award limitation.

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding This RFA is being released prior to the passage of a full appropriations act for FY 2025.

Enactment of a continuing resolution, appropriations act, or other authorizing legislation may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

The amount anticipated available for the HSI Education Grants Program in FY 2025 is approximately $15,329,953. USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

The Automated Standard Application for Payments, operated by the Department of Treasury, Bureau of Fiscal Service, is the designated payment system for awards resulting from this RFA.

B. Application Restrictions NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA. Applications for FY 2025 are limited to the following application types:

1. New application: New applications will be evaluated using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA and are subject to the due dates herein (see Appendix III for definition).

2. Resubmitted application: 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 Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see Appendix III for definition).

C. Project and Grant Types The following describes the types of projects or grants that are eligible for funding:

1. Project Types. In FY 2025, the HSI grant program will accept:

a. Education/Teaching Projects. Single-function Education/Teaching Projects develop human capital relevant to overall program goals for U.S. agriculture. Projects should focus on developing skills necessary for entry- and mid-level technical employment or for entering graduate programs in FANH.

The development of leadership skills, knowledge, and qualities are necessary to prepare students for agricultural and related careers in the private sector, government, and academia. Education/teaching projects must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component to equip underserved students with technical and leadership abilities upon graduation. Specific activities may include:

1. Developing practical applications to increase understanding of leadership roles, including critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills; ethics and professionalism; and working in teams;

2. Connecting the academic classroom experience with daily leadership roles and organizational activities;

3. Providing opportunities for mentoring and shadowing; and

4. Organizing leadership academies, workshops, trainings, etc.

The specific Educational Need Areas that support the HSI program goals are:

https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm

1. Curricula Design, Materials Development, and Library Resources (including development of courses of study and degree programs)

2. Faculty Preparation and Enhancement for Teaching

3. Instruction Delivery Systems

4. Scientific Instrumentation for Teaching

5. Student Experiential Learning

6. Student Recruitment, Retention, Graduation, and/or Continuation into

Higher Degrees

More detailed information on these Educational Need Areas and participant eligibility can be found in “HSI Education Grants Program Supplemental Information.”

b. Community Development Projects. Single-function Community Development Projects must deliver science-based knowledge and informal educational programs that lead to practical decision making. Potential audiences for these projects include farmers, ranchers, families and local communities. Program delivery may range from community-based to national audiences and use communication methods from face-to-face to electronic or a combination thereof. Community Development Projects will be funded as Regular Grants.

Community Development Projects may address one or more of the following:

1. Support informal education to increase food and agricultural literacy in youth and adults

2. Promote science-based agricultural literacy by increasing understanding and use of FANH science data, information, and programs

3. Build science-based capability to engage audiences and enable informed decision making

4. Develop new applications of instructional tools and curriculum structures that increase technical competency and ensure global competitiveness

5. Offer non-formal learning programs that increase accessibility to new ideas and technologies that are appropriate for community development

6. Develop programs that increase public knowledge and citizen engagement leading to actions that protect or enhance the Nation’s food supply, agricultural productivity, environmental quality, community vitality, and/or public health and well-being.

The Project Narrative for Community Development projects must describe how the project leads to measurable, documented changes in learning, actions, or conditions in an identified audience or stakeholder group. In addition, these projects must synthesize and incorporate a wide range of the latest relevant research results.

2. Grant Types. There are five grant types for the HSIs Education Grants Program:

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/HSI%20Education%20Grants%20Program%20Supplemental%20Information%2011.12.2021-508.pdf https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/HSI%20Education%20Grants%20Program%20Supplemental%20Information%2011.12.2021-508.pdf

Regular, Bridge, Collaboration, Conference, and Conference DATA Grants.

a. Regular Grant. Regular Grants support targeted, original, scientific Education/Teaching Projects and Community Development Projects.

Applicants are eligible HSI institutions (two or four-year institutions, independent branch campuses, or branch institutions of a state system) with project activities to be undertaken principally on behalf of and for the benefit of the lead HSI. Applicants may partner with other HSIs or non-HSIs without the requirement of sharing grant funds with other project partners.

Grants will be funded up to $400,000 total and must be for a period of four years. In addition to funds allocated towards student support and scholarships, Regular Grant applicants may allocate an additional sum of up to $40,000 to provide financial assistance to one underrepresented student participating in the funded project - this financial assistance must be allocated towards a student pursuing graduate school. For more details, please see Section IV, B.

b. Bridge Grant. Bridge Grants, a subset of Regular Grants, may be available to enhance institutional capacity with the goal of strengthening the capacity of the applicant’s education programs and the competitiveness of future grant applications. To be eligible for a Bridge Grant, applicant institutions must have not previously received USDA NIFA HSI Education Grants Program funds. Please note - applicants who receive a Bridge Grant will have applied for a Regular Grant. Bridge Grant recipients are identified by the peer-review panel from the pool of Regular Grants and are selected for funding by the review team based on their potential for enhancing agricultural education and the capacity of the applicant institution to be successful in future grant competitions. Awards made under this option will be funded up to $200,000 for a project period of four years.

c. Collaboration Grant. Collaboration Grants for this program must be submitted by a group of two or more HSIs, forming a linkage arrangement for the purpose of carrying out common objective(s) on the group’s behalf.

The arrangement must be formed to promote and strengthen institutional abilities to carry out higher education programs related to FANH.

Collaboration Grants must support Education/Teaching Projects.

Collaboration Grants for Community Development Projects will not be accepted. Collaboration Grants are designed to help institutions develop competitive projects and to attract new students into careers in high-priority areas of national need. The proposed project is expected to recruit, enroll, retain, and graduate a minimum of 25 students overall during the four-year life of the grant and make sure at least 10 of these students are pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees. Undergraduate students are encouraged to be recruited on year-one. Throughout the project, students must be closely tracked to monitor their academic progress from recruitment and retention to graduation. Additionally, the project should provide ongoing support to assist these students in securing professional opportunities with the USDA and other entities such as internships and shadowing experiences, ensuring that they are well-prepared to transition into careers in the field by the end of the grant period. The lead applicant can be a two-year or four-year institution, however, since 10 of the students are expected to be graduate students, one of the collaborators must offer graduate degrees.

Collaboration Grants will be funded up to $1,200,000 total and must be for a project period of four years. Applicants are encouraged to allocate at least $300,000 of the total grant to support graduate student expenses. This funding should be directed towards covering essential costs, including tuition and fees, stipends for living expenses, and health insurance premiums. Additionally, funds may be used to support travel expenses for conferences and workshops, providing students with opportunities to present their research and engage with the academic community. By prioritizing these areas, the grant will help ensure that graduate students have the financial support they need to focus on their studies and research endeavors.

All partners must have a significant role in the collaboration and each institution’s budget needs to be appropriate to support its activities. More information regarding partnership and allowed activities can be found in “HSI Education Grants Program Supplemental Information.”

d. Conference Grant. Conference Grants support scientific meetings that bring together educators to identify education, teaching, and/or related community development needs, update information, or advance an area of education/teaching. Individual Conference Grants must not exceed $50,000 total for a project period of up to three years. Indirect costs are not permitted on Conference Grant awards.

Conference activities should bring together participants from a range of backgrounds and institution types to learn ways to evaluate and assess their projects, discuss challenges facing HSIs, and provide opportunities for participants to discuss their own experiences. After the grant has been awarded, conference invitees will be determined in collaboration with NIFA, with the goal of representatives from 25 institutions attending. The conference date will be determined with guidance from NIFA program staff to accommodate agency and stakeholder needs.

Conference Grant applications should include the following in the Project Narrative:

i. comprehensive plan for outreach and ensuring attendance of a diverse and representative group of HSIs and stakeholders

ii. robust dissemination plan for the conference proceedings.

iii. description of conference proceedings which will include, but are not limited to:

a. detailed conference agenda https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/HSI%20Education%20Grants%20Program%20Supplemental%20Information%2011.12.2021-508.pdf https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/HSI%20Education%20Grants%20Program%20Supplemental%20Information%2011.12.2021-508.pdf

b. a list of the individuals, and their institutional affiliations, who will participate as speakers or attendees in the formally planned sessions of the meeting summary of topics to be discussed, including current trends in evaluation methodology and recommendations of products that can assure preservation of and ready access to information and outputs from projects. analysis of future HSI research, education, and/or extension needs in FANH, as determined by the participants.

e. Conference DATA Grant. In FY 2025, one of the Conference Grants will be awarded to an institution for an Assessment and Evaluation Conference to convene HSI awardees from across the country and Puerto Rico (invitees will be determined in collaboration with NIFA after the grant has been awarded, with the goal of a minimum of 25 institutions represented. The maximum budget for this specific Conference DATA Grant is $175,000.

Applications are expected to propose a conference that will emphasize research and practice as related to educational assessment and evaluation of projects funded through the NIFA HSI Education Grants program. The Project Narrative requirements for the Conference DATA Grant are the same as the Conference Grant listed above.

Projects should focus on the following areas:

i. Measuring to what extent previously funded projects from the NIFA HSI Education Grants Program achieve the following program goals to guide currently funded and future project applicants:

a. Attract and support undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented groups to prepare them for careers related to FANH in the United States.

b. Enhance the quality of postsecondary instruction within the above disciplines.

c. Provide opportunities and access to food and agricultural careers in the public and private sector.

d. Align the efforts of HSIs and other non-profit organizations to support academic development and career attainment of underrepresented groups.

ii. Capturing the outcomes and impacts of NIFA funds on student recruitment, retention, and graduation and faculty professional development, including retention and promotion.

iii. Disseminating and reporting outcomes, impacts, and best practices to federal agencies, the greater HSI community, and other stakeholders.

iv. Promoting and strengthening the ability of HSIs to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs.

D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects In accordance with sections 2, 3, and 8 of 2 CFR Part 422, 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 Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research for further information.

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PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the HSI Education Grants Program must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Applications may only be submitted by Hispanic-Serving Institutions. For the purpose of the HSI Education Grants Program, an HSI is an institution of higher education that is an eligible institution as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(2) and has a minimum of 25 percent undergraduate full-time Hispanic enrollment (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(5)). Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration and, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award.

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions – duplicate submissions are not allowed. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits duplicate submissions. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching No Match Required – The HSI Education Grants Program has no matching requirement. NIFA will not factor institutional matching resources into the review process as an evaluation criterion.

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PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application Applicants must apply to this RFA electronically; no other method or response is accepted. The electronic application for this RFA and additional resources are available on Grants.gov and Grants 101. Table 3 provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application. Part III of the NIFA Grants Application Guide contains detailed information regarding the Grants.gov registration process. The NIFA Grants Application Guide is contained in the specific funding opportunity package, or a sample of the guide can be found here. 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.

Table 3: Steps to Obtain Application Materials

Steps Action

Step One: Register New Users to Grants.gov must register early with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application (Register Here).

Step Two:

Download Adobe

Download and Install Adobe Reader (see Adobe Software Compatibility for basic system requirements)

Step Three: Find Application

Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-HSI-011094, search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

Contact an AR prior to starting an application to assess the organization’s readiness to submit an electronic application.

Table 4: Help and Resources

Grants.gov Support NIFA Support Grants.gov Online Support Telephone support:800-518-4726 (U.S) 606-545-5035 (International) Email support: support@grants.gov Self-service customer-based support:Grants.gov iPortal

Customer Service Business Hours 24/7, except federal holidays

Email:

grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Business hours Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/register https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://grants.gov/applicants/search-for-opportunity-package https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:support@grants.gov https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants?pt=Grants https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants?pt=Grants https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/

B. Content and Form of the Application The NIFA Grants Application Guide is part of the corresponding application package for this RFA. The RFA overrides the NIFA Grants Application Guide if there is a discrepancy between the two documents. Applicants that do not meet the application requirements, to include partial applications, risk being excluded from NIFA’s review. NIFA will assign a proposal number to all applications that meet the requirements of this RFA. Applicants must refer to the proposal number when corresponding with NIFA. Table 5 outlines other key instructions for applicants.

Table 5: Key Application Instructions

Instruction

References (All references are to the NIFA

Grants Application Guide) Attachments must be in a portable document format (PDF) format.

Part IV

Check the manifest of submitted files to verify attachments are in the correct format.

Part IV

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part IV

Follow the submission instructions. Part IV

Provide an accurate email address, where designated, on the SF-424 R&R.

Part V

Contact the Grants.gov helpdesk for technical support and keep a record of the correspondence.

N/A

Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 30 days of the application deadline.

N/A

SF 424 R&R Application for Federal Assistance. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for the required certifications and assurances.

SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s). See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

R&R Other Project Information Form. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

1. Field 7. Project Summary (PS)/Abstract. The PS must show how the project goals align with the goals of the HSI Education Grants Program and must not exceed 1 single-spaced page. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates. The summary must include the following:

a. Project Title: Title character limit is 140 characters. Descriptive of the project;

b. Program Code: NJ;

c. PD; Co-PD(s), if applicable (include institutional affiliation for each);

d. Project’s Degree Level;

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/support https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide

e. Priority Need Area(s): (See Part I, B of this RFA);

f. Educational Need Area(s): (See Part II, C of this RFA);

g. Primary Discipline(s)/Subject Matter(s): (the primary academic major focus of the project)

h. If a Collaboration Project: list all partners that will share grant funding

i. Total Funds Requested: List funds by partner/subaward (if applicable)

j. Summary Text: Provide a very concise (maximum 250 word) summary of your project to include: Problem the project will address, number of intended beneficiaries and an impact statement in quantitative and qualitative terms.

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed the total page limit of 25 double-spaced pages, including figures and tables. Font size for written text should be no smaller than 12 points, Times New Roman, 1” margins. Tables and figure legends may be single-spaced and font size for tables and figure legends should be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman. The page limits outlined here ensure fair and equitable competition. Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly related to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. The PN outline described below is for Education/Teaching Projects (Community Development and Conference Grants should utilize the outline below but adapted to PN guidelines described in their respective sections in Part II, Section C). The PN must include all the following:

a. Potential for Advancing the Quality of Education: NIFA’s programs are intended to promote advances in FANH. If relevant to the overall goals of the program, applicants may include international partnerships or engagement activities. Applicants must clearly describe how the proposed international activities will support the objectives and desired domestic outcomes.

i. Institutional Long-Range Goals. Discuss how the project will contribute to the achievement of the institution's long-term (five- to ten-year) goals, explain how the project will help satisfy the institution's high priority objectives, or how the project is linked to and supported by the institution's strategic plan.

ii. Identification of Educational Problem(s) and Project Impact. Clearly identify and explain how the proposed project will address at least one of the Educational Need Areas listed in Part II, C. of this RFA.

Briefly explain the project’s anticipated, overall impact on improving the quality of FANH education and how it will advance the goals of the HSI Education Grants Program.

iii. Project Justification. Clearly state the specific instructional problem or opportunity to be addressed. Describe how and by whom the focus and scope of the project were determined. Summarize the body of knowledge justifying the need for the proposed project. Discuss how the project will be of value at the State, regional, national, or international level(s). Describe any ongoing or recently completed significant activities related to the proposed project for which previous HSI funding was received under this program.

iv. Innovation. Describe the application’s creative approach to improving the quality of FANH education, solving a higher education problem, or advancing educational equity. Projects should be informed by best practices and rooted in evidence-based strategies but have an aspect that is novel or new for the submitting institution.

v. Multidisciplinary and/or Problem-based Focus. Identify the Discipline(s) (described in Part I, B of this RFA) supported. Discuss how the project may be adapted by or serve as a model for other institutions.

vi. Level of Study. Include a table describing the expected number of students benefiting from this project and the level of education, such as associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees, at each of the institutions participating in the program. Please include in your project narrative a table similar to the one presented below (Table 6) summarizing the students supported by level of study. Collaboration Grants must include and clearly account for the 25 students the project will recruit and graduate.

Table 6: Number of Students Supported by Level of Study Institutions Participating in the Project (1 to X)

K to 12 K-12 Teachers

Associate Arts/ Associate in Science

Bachelor’s in Science

Master’s in Science

Doctoral Degree

Institution 1 Institution 2 Institution 3 Institution 4

b. Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages:

Objectives. Cite and discuss the specific performance objectives of the project.

Indicate how they align with the HSI Education Grants Program objectives.

Performance-based objectives should be used as they will inform the evaluation plan.

NOTE: The Logic Model can be used to organize performance objectives.

c. Plan of Operation and Methodology: Describe the activities for accomplishing the objectives of the project. Describe plans for management of the project to ensure its proper and efficient administration. Describe the way in which resources and personnel will be used to conduct the project.

d. Timetable: Provide a timetable of activities for conducting the project. Identify all important project milestones and dates as they relate to project start-up, execution, evaluation, dissemination, and close-out.

e. Products, Results, and Measurable Outcomes: Explain the expected products and results (outcomes) and their potential impact. (Important Note: “Products” may be actual items or services acquired with funds, e.g., “…developed three new Web- based courses containing supplemental materials;” “Results” are https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/grant-training/logic-model-planning-process intended or unintended consequences of the project, e.g., “...additional course materials now available online to reinforce student learning during non-classroom hours;” and “Outcomes/Impacts” are a measure of the results by comparing what might have happened in the absence of the funded project, e.g., “…an observed, overall increase in student learning based upon 8% higher average test scores of those students who both attended class and used the supplemental, web-based course materials.”). Quantify outputs and/or outcomes.

f. Evaluation Plan: Provide a methodology and implementation plan for evaluating the accomplishment of stated products, results and measurable outcomes during the project. Indicate the criteria, and corresponding weight of each, to be used in the evaluation process, describe any data to be collected and analyzed, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine the extent to which the needs underlying the project are met. Identify data to be used as baseline data.

Demonstrate that the project’s impact on improving education will be evaluated.

More detailed information on a suggested evaluation plan can be found in “HSI Education Grants Program Supplemental Information.”

Baseline Data. For quantitative, baseline, student enrollment, degrees granted and employment data to make comparisons in meeting HSI Education Grants Program goals, applicants could reference the Food and Agricultural Education Information System (FAEIS) resource at: https://faeis.cals.vt.edu/.

Independent Evaluator. Grantees are encouraged to obtain an independent evaluation, preferably from outside the applicant’s institution, to secure appropriate documentation of the project’s outcomes and impacts. PDs, Co- PDs, and collaborators should not be involved in the project evaluation. Regular Grants may use up to 5 percent of their grant funds for this purpose.

Collaboration Grants may use up to 4 percent of their grant funds for this purpose.

g. Collaborating USDA Agency: Document, if applicable, how applicants will find and partner with a sponsoring USDA agency to leverage grant funds and/or contribute towards the proposed project overall goals and objectives.

This document is not a requirement.

h. Dissemination Plan: Applications must include a description of how the applicant plans to communicate project accomplishments (i.e., products, results and impacts, etc.) to the broadest extent throughout the academic community. This plan should include the following: educational journals;

professional discipline publications; a website; presentations at regional or national conferences and workshops; and the Annual HSI Project Director’s Meeting. Discuss the institution’s commitment to disseminate project results and products. Identify target audiences and explain methods of communication. Consider distributing materials to other HSIs, especially HSI Education Grants Program grantees. Applicants are encouraged to develop a project web page within the first six months of the project as part of their dissemination activities.

As part of the award, you will be required to disseminate your findings and https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/HSI%20Education%20Grants%20Program%20Supplemental%20Information%2011.12.2021-508.pdf https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/HSI%20Education%20Grants%20Program%20Supplemental%20Information%2011.12.2021-508.pdf https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/HSI%20Education%20Grants%20Program%20Supplemental%20Information%2011.12.2021-508.pdf https://faeis.cals.vt.edu/ best practices at two types of meetings. The proposed budget should include attendance to the HSI Education Grants Program’s Project Director Meeting at the end of the first year and the annual PD Meeting every year during the life of the project. Travel funds should also be requested for at least four students to attend these, or other meetings as identified by the agency and PD.

i. Institutional Capability and Capacity Building:

i. Institutional Commitment and Capability. Demonstrate that the program administration is committed to the project and has the capability to ensure its completion. Discuss how the benefits to be derived from the project will transcend the applicant institution during the project period. For example, provide documentation that the institution attributes a high priority to the project.

ii. Institutional Resources. Document that the necessary institutional resources (administrative, facilities, equipment, and/or materials, career/internship recruitment services), and other appropriate resources, will be made available to the project. Demonstrate how the institutional resources to be made available to the project, when combined with any support requested from USDA, will be adequate to carry out the activities of the project.

iii. Academic Enhancement. Document how this project will improve and strengthen teaching at the institution (including any partner institutions, if applicable). Discuss how the benefits to be derived from the project will expand beyond the applicant institution and/or the project period.

iv. Continuation Plans. Discuss the likelihood of, or specific plans for, continuation or expansion of the project beyond the period of USDA support. For example, does the institution's long-range budget or academic plan provide for the realistic continuation or expansion of the initiative undertaken by this project after the end of the project grant period? Are plans for eventual self- support built into the project? Are plans being made to institutionalize the program if it meets with success? Are there indications of other continuing non-Federal support?

j. Key Personnel: Discuss the adequacy and specific attributes and project responsibilities of each key person associated with the project. Also include the background and qualifications of those personnel who will be responsible for assessing project results and administering the project evaluation and reporting process. Appropriate bilingual and bicultural personnel should be included to better serve and attract underrepresented students to the programs offered.

k. Cost-effectiveness:

i. Discuss how the budget specifically supports the proposed project activities.

ii. Justify the project’s cost-effectiveness. Show how the project maximizes the use of limited resources, optimizes educational value for the dollar, achieves economies of scale or leverages additional funds.

iii. If the application addresses more than one Educational Need Area or Discipline (e.g., student experiential learning and instruction delivery systems) (i) state which one (primary) is most representative and list all the others in descending order of importance, and (ii) estimate the proportion of the funds requested from USDA that will support each respective Educational Need Area (see Part II, C of this RFA) or Discipline (see Part I, B of this RFA). Make sure you explain how the primary Educational Need (or Discipline) supports one or more of the four current Priority Need Areas (see Part I, B of this RFA).

iv. For Regular Grants only: The information and expenses listed below should be used as a guide to document the $40,000 designated for financial assistance. These funds are to be distributed to only one underrepresented student based on merit and need, and should aid the student in pursuing graduate school (see “Eligible Student Recipient” in the HSI Education Grants Program Supplemental Information for more information). As a reminder, this $40,000 in financial assistance can be in addition to other funds designated for student support and scholarships.

• Degree Student will Pursue (MS, Ph.D.)

• Institution at which Degree will be pursued

• Degree Discipline

• Student Scholarship - Total Amount ($)

• Breakdown of Expenses:

o Tuition Amount o Computer Amount o Stipend Amount o Travel Expense to Professional Conference Amount o Expense X o Expense Y

3. Field 12, Add Other Attachments. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide. These attachments do not count towards the 25-page Project Narrative limit.

Logic Model – PDF Attachment. 1-Page Limit per Application. Title the attachment as ‘Logic Model’ in the document header and save file as ‘Logic Model.’ Applications for projects must include the elements of a logic model detailing the activities, outputs, and outcomes of the proposed project. This information may be provided as a narrative or formatted into a logic model chart.

The logic model planning process is a tool that should be used to develop your project before writing your application. More information and resources related to the logic model planning process are provided at Generic Logic Model for NIFA Reporting.

Mentoring Plan – PDF Attachment. 2-page limit per application. Required for all applications.

Title the attachment as ‘Mentoring Plan’ and save file as ‘MentoringPlan’ A Mentoring Plan (MP) describing peer mentoring, layered mentoring, or similar mentoring activities is required.