Sun Grant Program

The Sun Grant Program is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the United States Department of Agriculture. It is authorized under federal agricultural legislation and is designed to support national priorities related to energy, agriculture, and rural development. The program operates through a network of regional Sun Grant Centers and a Subcenter, which collectively coordinate research, education, and extension activities. These centers function as hubs for collaboration among land grant institutions, federal agencies, and other stakeholders to advance bioenergy and biobased product innovation. The primary purpose of the program is to enhance national energy security through the development and implementation of biobased energy technologies while also promoting diversified agricultural systems and economic growth in rural areas. Projects funded under this opportunity are expected to support the development of biomass, biofuels, and biobased products, as well as improve coordination across institutions engaged in related research. The program emphasizes integrated projects that combine research, education, and extension functions to address complex agricultural and energy challenges. Funding under this opportunity is provided as a single award to a lead institution representing a consortium of land grant universities across designated regions. The award is structured as a multi-year continuation grant, with an anticipated total funding amount of 2801160 dollars for the initial fiscal year and potential continuation funding for up to four additional years based on performance and availability of funds. A significant portion of the funding must be distributed by the recipient to support competitive subgrants across regions, with strict requirements on allocation percentages for technology development and implementation activities. Eligibility is limited to a consortium composed of 1862, 1890, and 1994 land grant institutions representing each Sun Grant region and subregion. These institutions may collaborate with additional partners, including private organizations, federal agencies, and research institutions, through subawards where necessary. While the primary award does not require cost sharing, subgrants issued by the regional centers generally require at least twenty percent matching funds from non federal sources, except in cases of fundamental research where the requirement may be waived. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the specified funding opportunity number. Applicants are required to complete standard federal forms and submit a comprehensive project narrative that outlines consortium governance, program objectives, methodologies, timelines, and expected outcomes. Additional required components include a data management plan, budget justification, and documentation of organizational capacity. Applications undergo a two stage review process consisting of administrative screening followed by scientific peer review based on criteria such as relevance, technical merit, management capability, and alignment with program priorities. The application deadline is August 17, 2026, with submissions required by the specified time on that date. The program anticipates making an award with a project duration of approximately twenty four to thirty six months for the initial period. Successful applicants will be notified following the review process and must adhere to federal reporting and administrative requirements throughout the grant period. Program contacts are available via designated USDA email addresses for both technical and administrative inquiries, and applicants are encouraged to review all guidance materials thoroughly before submission.

Ensure strong consortium structure and demonstrated experience managing large competitive grant programs; align clearly with USDA priorities on energy and agriculture; provide detailed management and collaboration plans