Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-WAMS-011117. The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) FY 2026 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program supports K-14 education projects that increase participation from rural areas in food and agricultural sciences and allied STEM disciplines and help strengthen the agricultural workforce.
Deadline
September 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Funding
NIFA expects approximately $1,905,210 in total program funding. Standard Grants may request $25,000 to $200,000 for project periods of 24 to 36 months. The FY 2026 NOFO anticipates approximately nine awards.
Who may apply
Eligible applicants include State agricultural experiment stations; colleges and universities; university research foundations; other research institutions and organizations; Federal agencies; national laboratories; private organizations and corporations; and individuals or groups of eligible entities.
Program focus
Projects must address K-14 educational needs in rural areas in food and agricultural sciences and allied disciplines. Focus areas include student experiential learning; student recruitment, retention, and mentoring; and curriculum design and materials development. Projects must include a leadership component.
Cost share
A dollar-for-dollar non-Federal match is required. The NOFO identifies limited statutory waiver conditions. Applicants should not assume a waiver and should confirm project-specific treatment with NIFA.
Application
Applications are submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Required components include the SF-424 R&R package, Project Summary, Project Narrative, Data Management Plan, budget materials, and other forms and attachments required by the NOFO and the application package. The Project Narrative is limited to 10 single-spaced pages under the NOFO formatting rules, and attachments must be PDFs.