USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is accepting FY 2026 applications for the Tribal Colleges Extension Program Special Emphasis, funding opportunity USDA-NIFA-SLBCD-012281, Assistance Listing 10.517.
Funding and deadline
Approximately $1.5 million is available. NIFA expects about 5 awards, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. Cost sharing or matching is not required. The application deadline is November 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Who may apply
Eligibility is limited to colleges and universities designated as 1994 Land Grant Institutions. An eligible institution may submit up to two applications, subject to the current NOFO’s duplicate submission and award limits.
What the program supports
TCEP Special Emphasis supports informal, community focused extension pilot projects and workshops responsive to Tribal community needs. Current federal opportunity materials identify areas including agricultural productivity, improving food systems, community vitality, workforce and economic development, public health and well being, Tribal youth engagement, and preparation of the next generation of Tribal agriculture leaders.
Healthcare and N9+ relevance
The strongest healthcare fit is a community extension project where an eligible Tribal College has a current, verified public health, community health, workforce, or related educational objective and can demonstrate that remote assessment technology supports measurable learning or community outcomes. The Nonagon N9+ device and platform can be evaluated for guided physical examination, selected vital signs and clinical data capture, and telehealth enabled community education or workforce training. Project specific device, software, procurement, and budget allowability must be confirmed against the controlling FY 2026 NOFO and applicant plan before inclusion in an application.
Submission
Applications are submitted electronically through Grants.gov using funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-SLBCD-012281. Applicants should verify registrations, current application forms, narrative and budget requirements, data management requirements, indirect cost restrictions, and any current amendments before submission.
Atlas assessment
Atlas Opportunity Score: 94/100. N9+ Fit Score: 91/100 for applicants with a verified current public health, community health, or related extension use case. Dr. Miltie, LLC is not an eligible direct applicant. The appropriate role is technology, clinical workflow, or grant production support to an eligible 1994 Land Grant Institution where the project fit is legitimate.