FY 2026 SNAP Process and Technology Improvement

The Process and Technology Improvement Grants program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Food and Nutrition Service, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This grant initiative is authorized under Section 11(t) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and is designed to improve the administration of SNAP through modernization efforts. The agency’s goal is to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of SNAP application and eligibility systems by funding technology-driven solutions developed by eligible public and nonprofit entities. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support new projects that leverage technology to improve SNAP operations, particularly in application processing, eligibility determination, and cross-program coordination. Projects must align with at least one of three objectives: modernizing customer service and communication, improving administrative infrastructure and operational efficiency, or enhancing coordination between SNAP and other assistance programs. The program encourages innovation, including the use of automation, artificial intelligence, and digital tools, provided these approaches comply with existing SNAP regulations and do not require waivers. Funding for this program totals up to five million dollars for the fiscal year, with individual awards ranging from twenty thousand dollars to two million dollars. Approximately twelve awards are anticipated. Funds may be used for allowable costs such as personnel, equipment, contractual services, and system development, but must support only SNAP-related activities and cannot fund ongoing operations. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, although applicants must ensure proper allocation if multiple programs benefit from the project. Outreach-related activities are limited to no more than twenty-five percent of total funding. Eligible applicants include state agencies administering SNAP, state and local governments, public and private health or welfare agencies, tribal organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations such as community-based and faith-based groups. Non-state applicants must include a letter of endorsement from the relevant state SNAP agency, while partnerships require letters of commitment. Entities that received awards in the previous two fiscal years are not eligible as lead applicants. All applicants must demonstrate compliance with federal requirements, including registration in SAM and Grants.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and include required federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and others, along with a detailed project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation. The narrative must address project design, organizational capacity, evaluation plans, and alignment with program objectives. Applications are evaluated competitively based on criteria including project design, impact, budget efficiency, and organizational capability, with additional bonus points for innovation, data-driven approaches, and human-centered design. The application deadline is June 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, with an anticipated award announcement in September 2026. The period of performance is expected to run from September 2026 through September 2029. Applicants should plan for quarterly reporting requirements and ongoing performance evaluation. While the program is offered annually subject to funding availability, each cycle requires submission of a new application and compliance with all current requirements.

Ensure strong alignment with SNAP objectives; demonstrate measurable impact and data-driven evaluation; clearly justify budget and cost allocation; emphasize innovative technology solutions; include detailed implementation and sustainability plans