FY26-ANNH-NOFO-P.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 16, 2026

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $9,577,000

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE:

$150,000-$1,500,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-AHSI-011902

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.228

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN) The Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.228.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines

Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, June 16, 2026

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

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:

• solving the most pressing challenges they face;

• protecting America’s food, fuel, and fiber supply to enhance national security;

• supporting production of healthy and safe food for consumers;

• expanding and developing domestic markets;

• training the next generation of agriculturalists; and

• fueling innovation to keep American farmers at the forefront of productivity.

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.

Projects submitted under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) should align with USDA Secretary’s Memorandum 1078-020 Directive on Departmental Research and Development Priorities:

1. Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers

2. Expanding Markets and Creating New Uses of U.S. Agricultural Products

3. Protecting the Integrity of American Agriculture from Invasive Species

4. Promoting Soil Health to Regenerate Long-Term Productivity of Land

5. Improving Human Health through Precision Nutrition and Food Quality https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf

Stakeholder Input. NIFA seeks comments on all NOFO 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 NOFOs 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 ANNH NOFO.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NIFA requests applications for the ANNH for FY 2026 to promote and strengthen the ability of Alaska Native-serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian-serving Institutions to carry out education, applied research, and extension community development programs. The amount available in FY 2026 is approximately $9,577,000 with $4,788,000 from FY25 appropriations and $4,789,000 from FY26 appropriations available.

This notice identifies the objectives for ANNH projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions.

Student scholarship recipients must be a citizen or national of the United States, or permanent resident.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF KEY INFORMATION

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. Evaluation Criteria C. Organizational Management Information D. 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. Language Access Services

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF KEY INFORMATION

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Program Key Information Table 3: ANNH Eligible Applicants Table 4. Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 5: Help and Resources Table 6: Key Application Instructions

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority The ANNH is administered under the provisions of Section 1419B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3156).

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of this program, under Assistance Listing Number 10.228, is to promote and strengthen the ability of Alaska Native-serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian-serving Institutions to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs. NIFA intends this program to address educational needs, as determined by each institution, within a broadly defined area of food, agricultural, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH).

NIFA is soliciting applications for the ANNH that support:

1. Activities of collaborative membership of Alaska Native-serving or Native Hawaiian-serving Institutions to enhance educational opportunities for students

2. Strengthening institutional education capacities, including libraries, curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation, instruction delivery systems, and student recruitment and retention, to respond to identified state, regional, or national educational needs in the FANH sciences

3. Preparation of domestic pipeline of undergraduate and graduate students for careers related to the FANH sciences, beginning with the mentoring of students from K-12 and continuing with the provision of financial support for students through their attainment of a doctoral degree

4. Cooperative initiatives between at least two or more Alaska Native-serving or Native Hawaiian-serving Institutions, which may work in cooperation with one or more other entities including units of State government and private sector organizations, to maximize the development and use of resources, such as faculty, facilities, and equipment, to improve FANH education programs

5. Applied research to uncover practical and innovative ways in which new knowledge can be advanced to benefit students and other learners, farmers, ranchers, and community members.

Leadership Skills Development. 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. ANNH teaching applications must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component to equip 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

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

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Incorporation of Social Sciences and Enhancing Impacts. The ANNH supports social and behavioral science disciplines. NIFA encourages ANNH projects that integrate social and behavioral sciences to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in applied research and related community development programs. Incorporation of social and behavioral sciences is important for addressing many of the challenges facing agriculture and rural communities.

Table 2: Program Key Information Title Description

Program Code: RD Program Code Name: Alaska Native-Serving and Native

Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Grant Program

ALN: 10.228

Project Type: Education Projects

Extension Projects Integrated Projects

Grant Type: Standard Grants Collaboration Grants

Application Deadline June 16, 2026 Grant Duration: 36-48 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 10 Minimum Award Amount: $150,000 for Standard Grant

$550,000 for Collaboration Grant Maximum Award Amount: $500,000 for Standard Grant

$1,500,000 for Collaboration Grant

There is no limit on the number of Standard Grants an eligible institution may submit as the lead institution. An eligible institution may submit up to two Collaboration Grants as a lead institution. An eligible institution may receive up to four awards with up to two awards being Collaboration Grants as the lead institution.

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The amount available for the ANNH in FY 2026 is approximately $9,577,000 with $4,788,000 from FY25 appropriations and $4,789,000 from FY26 appropriations available. 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

NOFO.

B. Application Restrictions 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:

1. New application. 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).

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).

3. Renewal application. Renewal applications must contain the same information as required for new applications and must contain a progress report. The progress report must include the implementation of the Data Management Plan (DMP) of the previously funded project. Renewal applications are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein. Applicants submitting a renewal application must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously approved application in the Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see Appendix III for definition).

4. Resubmitted renewal application. Resubmitted renewal applicants must provide a progress report and respond to the previous review’s panel summary, and they are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein. The progress report must include the implementation of the Data Management Plan (DMP) of the previously funded project.

Applicants submitting a renewal application must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously approved 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. The ANNH is soliciting applications for the following project types and need areas:

a. Education Projects. Single-function Education Projects conduct programs and activities that have formal classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, and practicum experience in FANH and may also support faculty development, student recruitment and services, curriculum development, instructional materials and equipment, and innovative teaching methodologies.

https://fiscal.treasury.gov/payments-from-government/automated-standard-application-for-payments-asap

Educational Need Areas. ANNH projects must focus on one or more of the need areas listed below. Please note that at least one of these need areas must be indicated in the project summary (See Part IV, B).

i. Curricula Design, Materials Development, and Library Resources. To promote the development of courses of study and degree programs, new and improved curricula, and instructional materials and technology; promote the acquisition of library resources including books and journals relating to FANH; stimulate the use of new approaches to the study of traditional subjects, new research on teaching and learning theory, and new applications of knowledge.

ii. Faculty Preparation and Enhancement for Teaching. To advance faculty development in the areas of teaching competency and leadership, subject matter expertise, or student recruitment and advising skills. Examples include:

1. Obtaining experience with recent developments and new applications

2. Expanding competence in innovative technologies and instruction delivery

3. Developing new skills in a field of science or education including student advising skills; pursuing graduate-level study in a field related to FANH

iii. Instructional Delivery Systems. To encourage the use of alternative methods of delivering instruction to enhance the quality, effectiveness, and cost efficiency of teaching programs. Examples include:

1. Incorporating alternative instructional methodologies that respond to differences in student learning styles

2. Inter-institutional collaborations that deliver instruction in ways that maximize program quality and reduce unnecessary duplication

3. Consideration and implementation of innovative instructional techniques, methodologies, and delivery systems in response to advances in knowledge and technology

iv. Scientific Instrumentation for Teaching and Research. To provide students and faculty in science-oriented courses with suitable, up-to-date equipment to involve them in work central to scientific understanding and progress. Examples include:

1. Acquiring new, state-of-the-art instructional, laboratory, classroom, and research scientific equipment

2. Upgrading existing equipment or replacing nonfunctional or obsolete equipment Note: Equipment acquisition-only projects are not allowed. Acquisition of equipment must be part of a project promoting student experiential learning and/or training.

v. Student Experiential Learning. To further the development of student scientific and professional competencies through experiential learning programs that provide students with opportunities to solve complex problems in the context of real-world situations. Project focus may include:

1. Preparing future graduates to advance knowledge and technology in the

FANH sciences and associated fields

2. Enhancing student decision making and communication skills and improving real-life technological expertise

3. Developing internships and practicum experiences

4. Participating with faculty on applied research and related community development projects

vi. Student Recruitment, Retention, and Educational Opportunity. To enhance educational opportunities for students, and to strengthen student recruitment and retention programs to promote the future strength of the Nation's scientific, professional, and technical work force in FANH. Examples include:

1. Initiating new projects or supplementing current efforts to attract increased numbers of students to pursue postsecondary opportunities

2. Developing agricultural and science literacy programs at the high school level to attract students to college and careers in FANH

3. Creating mentoring programs and other initiatives to improve student retention

4. Providing student financial support to attend college or graduate school.

Projects that recruit and support a pipeline of domestic students to attend graduate school are encouraged. Any student scholarship recipients must be a citizen or national of the United States, or permanent resident.

b. Extension Projects. Single-function Extension Projects must deliver science-based knowledge and informal educational programs that lead to practical decision making. Program delivery may range from community-based to national audiences and use communication methods from face-to-face to electronic or a combination thereof.

Extension Projects may address one or more of the following:

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

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

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

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

v. Offer nonformal learning programs that increase accessibility to new ideas and technologies that are appropriate for community development

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

These projects must lead to measurable, documented changes in learning, actions, or conditions in an identified audience or stakeholder group. In addition, these projects should synthesize and incorporate a wide range of the latest relevant research results.

c. Research Projects. —Single-function research projects support applied research conducted by individual investigators, or co-investigators within the same discipline, or multidisciplinary teams.

i. Applied research means research that expands fundamental research findings to uncover practical ways in which new knowledge can be advanced to benefit individuals and society.

ii. Multidisciplinary projects are those in which investigators from two or more disciplines collaborate to address a common problem. These collaborations, where appropriate, may integrate the various disciplines in FANH.

Research projects may address one or more of the following:

i. Propose and evaluate ways to enhance utilization of the capabilities and resources of ANNH institutions to promote rural development, including providing assistance to farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers

ii. Identify key factors and conditions that influence student recruitment and retention and attainment of degrees in the food and agricultural sciences

iii. Study other identified State, regional, and community issues such as food security, soil health, agribusiness management and marketing, and aquaculture.

d. Integrated Projects. An Integrated Project includes at least two of the three functions of the agricultural knowledge system (applied research, education, and extension) within a project. Some Integrated project applications include all three components of the agricultural knowledge system.

i. The functions addressed in the project must be focused on the problem or issue and must be interwoven throughout the life of the project to complement and reinforce one another. While the functions can be interdependent and necessary for the success of the project, resource allocation between the functions needs to be balanced.

ii. Integrated projects aim to resolve today’s problems through the application of science-based knowledge and address needs identified by stakeholders.

Integrated projects clearly identify anticipated outcomes and have a plan for evaluating and documenting the project’s success. These projects will lead to measurable, documented changes in learning, actions, or conditions in an identified audience or stakeholder group.

iii. Integrated project applications must include a Logic Model. Failure to include this component may result in the application not being accepted by the program for evaluation.

Integrated project applicants are encouraged to review Integrated Programs Application Information for additional information on integrated programs, including tips for writing Integrated project applications and an example of an Integrated application. Those interested in submitting Integrated project applications are https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-application-information https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-application-information encouraged to contact the program contact(s) listed in Appendix I of this NOFO to discuss the anticipated project parameters and outcomes to ensure the application content appropriately meets the requirements of an Integrated project.

2. Grant Types. The following is a list of available grant types under this NOFO.

a. Standard Grant. Supports targeted, original projects. Applicants must be an eligible

ANNH institution (2- or 4-year independent branch campus, or branch institution of a State system) with project activities to be undertaken principally on behalf of and for the benefit of the lead applicant. Applicants may partner with other ANNH or non- ANNH institutions without the requirement of sharing grant funds with other project partners.

b. Collaboration Grant. Must be submitted by a group of two or more ANNH institutions, forming a linkage arrangement for the purpose of carrying out common objective(s) on the group’s behalf. These grants will reduce duplication of effort and build capacity and must be organized and led by a strong applicant with documented project management knowledge and skills to organize and carry out the initiative. All collaborators must have a substantive role in the collaboration that is reflected in the budget allocation to partners. Each institution’s budget needs to be appropriate to support its activities.

The project duration may range from 36 to 48 months for both Standard Grants and Collaboration Grants.

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 ANNH 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 About Grants provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

For the purpose of ANNH, an eligible institution means an individual public or private, nonprofit Alaska Native-serving and Native Hawaiian-serving institution of higher education that meets the definitions of an Alaska Native-serving institution or Native Hawaiian-serving institution established in Title III, Part A of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C.

1059d).

Table 3: ANNH Eligible Applicants Branch Institutions of a State System

For the purpose of this program, the individual branches of a State university system or public system of higher education that are separately accredited as degree-granting institutions are treated as separate, individual institutions, eligible to apply for and receive awards, provided that they otherwise satisfy the definition of Alaska Native-serving institution or Native Hawaiian-serving institution as specified above.

Independent Branch Campuses

Independent branch campuses of individual institutions may apply for and receive grant awards under this program, provided that they otherwise satisfy the definition of Alaska Native-serving institution or Native Hawaiian-serving institution as specified above. An “independent branch campus” means a unit of a 2-year or 4-year institution of higher education that is geographically apart from the main campus, is permanent in nature, offers courses for credit and programs leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree, and is autonomous to the extent that it has its own faculty and administrative or supervisory organization and its own budgetary and hiring authority.

Collaborative Arrangements

Two or more eligible, individual institutions, independent branch campuses, or branch institutions of a State system may form a collaboration to carry out education, applied research, and Extension/outreach programs in FANH. In addition to the individual eligible institutions (or independent branch campuses, etc.), such a collaboration also may include units of State government and private sector entities.

An existing collaboration consisting of at least two or more eligible, individual institutions, independent branch campuses, or branch institutions of a State system, which demonstrates its https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:1059d%20edition:prelim) https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:1059d%20edition:prelim) ability to carry out allowed activities and its commitment to the goals of the ANNH Grants Program, also may apply for and receive a Collaboration grant.

Certification of Eligibility. Eligibility documentation must be submitted with the application.

At the time of application, each primary applicant will be required to demonstrate or certify that it is an eligible institution under the ANNH Grants Program. If the applicant is a new or existing Collaboration project, each member of the collaborative must demonstrate or certify that they are an eligible individual institution, independent branch campus, or a branch institution of a State system.

An institution must submit a letter, signed by the institution’s Authorized Representative (AR), certifying that it meets the requirements of an Alaska Native-serving institution or Native Hawaiian-serving institution as defined below. Data used for certification should be the most recently available but no older than the 2023-2024 academic year. Please indicate the timeframe that the relevant data is collected from in the letter. The AR must certify that:

1. The institution, or parent institution in the case of an independent branch campus, is legally authorized by the State in which it is located to provide an educational program for which it awards an associate or bachelor’s degree, or that it is a junior or community college

2. The institution, or parent institution in the case of an independent branch campus, is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary of Education to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or making reasonable progress toward such accreditation

3. At least 50 percent of enrolled degree students are receiving need-based assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, or that a substantial percentage of students are receiving Pell grants in comparison with the percentage of students receiving Pell grants at all similar institutions (institution of higher education, or junior or community college)

4. Unless waived by the Secretary of Education, the average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent undergraduate student are low in comparison with the average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent student at institutions that offer similar instruction

5. For an Alaska Native-serving institution, at the time of application, it has an enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least 20 percent Alaska Native students (where the term “Alaska Native” has the meaning given the term in Section 7306 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7546)

6. For a Native Hawaiian-serving institution, at the time of application, it has an enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least 10 percent Native Hawaiian students (where the term “Native Hawaiian” has the meaning given the term in section 7207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517)

Eligibility documentation should be submitted in Field 12: Other Attachments. See Part IV, B.

Eligibility of undergraduate and graduate students supported by these grants through scholarship or fellowships is limited to citizens or nationals of the United States, or permanent residents.

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Fiscal Agent (if applicable) If an applicant uses a fiscal agent, a letter must be included in the application stating that in the event the application results in an award, the award funds will be administered through a fiscal agent organization on their behalf. This agent must be identified in the letter from the applicant and the letter must be countersigned by an authorized representative of the fiscal agent organization. The letter must include the fiscal agent’s point of contact, address, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address. This letter is to be included as an attachment to Field 12: Other Attachments (Part IV, B). In the event an application is recommended for funding, NIFA will request that both the applicant or institution/organization and the fiscal agent organization submit complete management information.

Please note: the collaboration may designate fiscal agents as members of the collaborative arrangement and allocate funds among them.

Examples of fiscal agent arrangements include, but are not limited to, the following scenarios:

1. A State university system or a public system of higher education may apply on behalf of an eligible, individual institution, independent branch campus, or branch institution in the State. In such cases, the State system will act as fiscal agent for the eligible institution under a Standard grant award to advance the purposes of the ANNH Grants Program.

2. A research foundation, or similar foundation, established and maintained by an eligible, individual institution to facilitate the application and management of externally funded grant awards may apply on behalf of its eligible, parent institution. In such cases, the foundation will act as fiscal agent for the eligible, individual institution under a Standard grant award to advance the purposes of the ANNH Grants Program.

3. A State university system or a public system of higher education may apply on behalf of two or more eligible, individual institutions, independent branch campuses, or branch institutions in its State under a Collaborative grant arrangement. In such cases, the State system will act as fiscal agent for the eligible institutions under a Collaborative grant award to advance the purposes of the ANNH Grants Program.

4. A research foundation, or other similar foundation, established and maintained by an eligible, individual institution to facilitate the application and management of externally-funded grant awards, may apply on behalf of its parent institution and at least one additional eligible, individual institution, independent branch campus, or branch institution of a State system under a collaborative arrangement. In such cases, the foundation will act as fiscal agent for the eligible institutions under a Collaborative grant award to advance the purposes of the ANNH Grants Program.

Award recipients may subcontract to organizations ineligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the project’s conduct. An applicant’s failure to meet an eligibility criterion will preclude NIFA from making an award.

USDA will not accept competitive applications for grants and cooperative agreements for dangerous gain-of-function research, as defined in Section 8 of E.O. 14292.

Duplicate Submissions. NIFA will not fund efforts that duplicate or overlap substantially with already funded efforts. The submission of duplicate or substantially similar applications to more https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/08/2025-08266/improving-the-safety-and-security-of-biological-research than one program in the same funding cycle will result in the exclusion of the redundant application from NIFA consideration. Duplicate applications are not allowed for the same program and only one application will be accepted for peer review.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching No Match Required. The ANNH has no matching requirement. NIFA will not factor matching resources into the review process as an evaluation criterion.

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application 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 Grants.gov and Grants 101. Table 4 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 4. 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 ).

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-AHSI-011902 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 5: Help and Resources

Grants.gov Support NIFA Support Grants.gov Online Support Telephone support: 800-518-4726 Toll-Free or 606-545-5035

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.

B. Content and Form of the Application The NIFA Grants Application Guide is part of the corresponding application package for this NOFO. The NOFO 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 NOFO. Applicants must refer to the proposal number when corresponding with NIFA. Table 6 outlines other key instructions for applicants.

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.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ 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 https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?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.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide

Table 6: 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 Cover Sheet. 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.

1. Field 7: Project Summary (PS)/Abstract. The PS must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the ANNH Grants Program. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

2. Field 8: Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed 20 double-spaced pages of written text including figures and tables. Font size for written text must be no smaller than 12 points, Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins. Font size for figures and tables must be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman, and can be single-spaced. The page limits outlined here ensure fair competition. Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. Examples of allowable documents for appendices include syllabi, event/internship sample schedules, advertisements, or recruitment flyers. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. The PN must include all the following:

a. Potential for Advancing the Quality of Education; Significance of the Problem

i. Identification of Educational Problem and Project Impact. Briefly state: (1) the specific instructional problem/challenge (or opportunity) to be addressed;

(2) the anticipated project audience; (3) the project’s target objectives (what 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 change in education is proposed?); and (4) its anticipated, overall impact on improving the quality of FANH education.

ii. Project Justification. Summarize the body of knowledge justifying the need for the proposed project. Discuss how the project’s Educational Need Area (Part II, C) will be of value at the state, regional, and/or national level(s), and where applicable, how it will improve FANH capabilities of students. Describe any previously funded projects that are ongoing or recently completed that are related to the proposed project.

iii. Institutional Long-Range Goals. Explain how the project will help satisfy the institution/organization's high-priority objectives, or how the project is linked to and supported by the institution’s/organization's strategic plan.

iv. Innovation. Describe the proposal’s creative approach to improving the quality of FANH education, solving an educational problem, or promoting programs that advance equal opportunity for all students. Using either actual experiences or literature background information, show why this approach was chosen.

v. Multidisciplinary and/or Problem-Based Focus. Indicate how the project is relevant to multiple disciplines in FANH education and how the project will enhance students’ understanding of complex agricultural systems. Also, discuss whether the project may be adapted by, or serve as a model for, other institutions.

b. Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages

i. Plan of Operation and Methodology. Describe procedures for accomplishing the project’s objectives. Describe project management plans to ensure the project’s proper and efficient administration. Describe the way in which resources and personnel will be used to conduct the project.

ii. Timetable. Identify all important project milestones (performance targets that indicate when project goals will be met) and dates as they relate to project start-up, execution, evaluation, dissemination, and closeout.

iii. Products, Results, and Measurable Outputs. Outline the expected products, results, measurable outputs, and their outcome (impact) on strengthening FANH education. Make sure to differentiate between the following:

1. “Products” may be actual items or services acquired with funds, e.g. “… developed three new web-based courses.”

2. “Results” are accomplishments related to the products, e.g. “… additional course materials now available online to reinforce student learning during non-classroom hours.”

3. “Impacts” are the benefits to your audience, the consequences of your project, and the most critical elements in your Evaluation Plan. They are a measure of the results by comparison to what might have happened in the absence of the funded projects, e.g., “… an observed, overall increase in student learning based upon 8 percent higher average tests scores of those students who both attended class and used the supplemental, web-based course materials”.

iv. Evaluation Plan. All ANNH projects must have an Evaluation Plan that includes both a strategy for monitoring the project as it evolves (to provide feedback to guide these efforts), as well as a strategy for evaluating the project’s effectiveness. Grantees are encouraged to obtain an independent evaluator to secure appropriate documentation of the project’s outcomes and impacts.

v. Dissemination Plans. The application must document how project accomplishments (products, results, and impacts, etc.) will be published or otherwise disseminated to the broadest extent. This may include educational journals or other professional discipline publications, and presentations at conferences and workshops, including the ANNH Project Directors’ Meeting.

Discuss the institution/organization’s commitment to disseminate project results and products and the potential for institutionalization. Identify target audiences and explain methods of communication.

vi. Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts. Explain how the project will maximize partnership and collaborative efforts to strengthen FANH education (e.g., involvement of faculty in related disciplines at the same institution, collaborative projects with other educational institutions/organizations, or cooperative activities with business or industry). Provide evidence, via letters from the parties involved in the partnership or collaborative arrangement.

c. Institutional Capability and Capacity Building

i. Institutional/Organizational Commitment and Capability. Demonstrate that the program administration is committed to this project and has the capability to ensure its completion.

ii. Institutional/Organizational Resources. Document the necessary institutional/organizational resources (administrative, facilities, equipment, and/or materials), and other appropriate resources, that will be made available to the project. Demonstrate how these resources, when combined with the support requested from USDA, will be adequate to carry out the project’s activities.

iii. Academic Enhancement. Document how this project will improve and strengthen teaching at the institution (including any partner institutions/organizations). Include how any project performance target(s) will be incorporated into academic instruction at the institution. Discuss how the benefits to be derived from the project will transcend the applicant institution/organization or the grant period.

iv. Continuation Plans. Discuss the likelihood of, or specific plans for, continuation or expansion of the project beyond the period of USDA support.

Describe how the institution’s/organization's long-range budget or academic plan provides for the realistic continuation or expansion of the initiative undertaken by this project after the grant period ends. Explain the plans for eventual self-support built into the project, and the plans to institutionalize the program if it is successful. Describe any indications of other continuing non- Federal support. Provide details of the expected outcomes, and the target audience that would benefit from the continuation of this project.

d. 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.

e. Budget and Cost-effectiveness

i. Budget. In addition to the separate, required budget forms and budget justification, discuss how the budget specifically supports the proposed project activities. Explain how such budget items as professional or technical staff time and salary, travel, equipment, etc., are necessary and reasonable to achieve project objectives. Justify that all funds requested from USDA are allocated adequately between the applicant and any collaborating institution(s)/organization(s) and will be appropriate to carry out the activities of the project. If the application addresses more than one Educational Need Area (see Part II, C), you must include estimates of the proportion of the funds requested from USDA that will support each respective area. Quotes or estimated costs for acquiring equipment are highly recommended.

ii. Cost-effectiveness. 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. For example, discuss how the project has the potential to generate a critical mass of expertise and activity focused on a need area.

f. Plan of Work for Collaboration Grants. In addition to the PN, Collaboration Grant applications will have up to 5 additional pages for a plan of work. A plan of work is a detailed, step-by-step description of how the applicant intends to accomplish the project’s objectives (see definition in Appendix III).

3. Field 12: Add Other Attachments. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

a. Logic Model (1-page limit). Required for Integrated Project applications. Title the attachment as ‘Logic Model’ in the document header and save file as ‘Logic Model.’

Applications should include 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 in developing projects before writing the proposal. More information and resources related to the logic model planning process are provided at Integrated Programs' Logic Model Planning Process.

b. Data Management Plan (2-page limit). A DMP is required for this program.

Applicants must clearly articulate how the project director (PD) and co-PDs plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project. The DMP will be considered during the merit review process (see Part V, B of this NOFO, NIFA’s Data Management Plan).

c. Mentoring Plan (MP) (2-page limit). Title the attachment as ‘Mentoring Plan’ and save file as ‘MentoringPlan.’ An MP describing peer mentoring, layered mentoring, or similar mentoring activities is required for this NOFO if professional development for faculty, students, or other community participants is included in grant activities.

If various education levels of students or scholars are represented in the application, the MP must address how mentoring will be different and targeted to the specific education level (youth, undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, etc.), as appropriate.

The MP should incorporate:

i. The roles and responsibilities of the…