FY 2026 SNAP Process and Technology Improvement

The Process and Technology Improvement Grants program is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program is authorized under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to support modernization of systems that administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Through this initiative, the agency seeks to improve access to benefits, streamline eligibility determination, and enhance operational efficiency for state agencies and their partners. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that leverage technology to improve the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of SNAP application and eligibility systems. The program emphasizes innovation in customer service, administrative infrastructure, and cross-program coordination. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that address systemic challenges and improve user experience for both clients and administrators. Funding for this opportunity totals up to five million dollars, with individual awards ranging from twenty thousand dollars to two million dollars. Funds must be used exclusively for new projects, although enhancements to existing systems are allowed if they introduce new activities and outcomes. Costs must be allowable, reasonable, and directly tied to SNAP-related improvements. Certain restrictions apply, including limits on outreach spending and prohibitions on funding ongoing operational costs. Eligible applicants include state agencies administering SNAP, state and local governments, public health and educational entities, and nonprofit organizations such as community-based groups, food banks, and faith-based organizations. Non-state applicants must include a letter of endorsement or commitment from the relevant state SNAP agency. Additional eligibility constraints apply, including restrictions for entities that have recently received similar awards. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple required federal forms, a detailed project narrative, budget documentation, and supporting materials such as letters of commitment or endorsement. Applicants must also demonstrate compliance with federal requirements, including data protection standards and financial accountability measures. Projects are evaluated based on design, impact, budget efficiency, and organizational capacity. Applications are due by June 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Awards are anticipated to be announced in September 2026, with a performance period extending through September 2029. The program operates on an annual cycle, and future funding opportunities are expected in subsequent fiscal years. Interested applicants are encouraged to begin registration and submission processes well in advance of the deadline.

Align project with SNAP objectives; clearly define measurable outcomes; ensure budget justification is detailed and consistent; demonstrate innovation and scalability; include strong evaluation plan