The Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program (SLSNCGP), administered by the Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), seeks applications for innovative, education-based approaches to address disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for food and agricultural systems. Eligible applicants are limited to 1862 Land-grant Institutions in the 50 states and U.S. territories, and must provide 100% matching funds from non-federal sources (with reduced requirements for 1994 Land-grant Institutions, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and certain territories). Projects must be 12 to 36 months in duration and must address at least one designated Topical Area (Agriculture, Natural Resources, Community and Economic Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, or 4-H and Youth Development) while employing at least one specified Strategy (Program and Resource Development, Exercise and Training, Communications, Disaster Planning, or Professional Development and Capacity Building). NIFA will evaluate applications using a two-part review process: initial administrative compliance screening followed by peer review based on five criteria—Potential for Advancing Disaster Education, Project Implementation, Evaluation, Key Persons and Organizational Support, and Budget—each worth up to 20 points. The application deadline is June 1, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, with all submissions required through Grants.gov.
Approximately $459,564 is available for this funding opportunity, with anticipated awards ranging from $20,000 to $115,000 for approximately 5 grants. Indirect costs may not exceed 30% of total federal funds awarded. Projects will be performed across the United States and its territories, with performance locations determined by applicant institutions and project scope. Award recipients must maintain separate records for each grant for a minimum of three years post-award and comply with all relevant federal regulations and NIFA terms and conditions.