FY 2026 Mobile Payments Solution for SNAP Authorized Farmers - Cooperative Agreement

The Mobile Payments Solution for SNAP Authorized Farmers cooperative agreement is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture through its Food and Nutrition Administration. The agency oversees numerous nutrition assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides benefits to eligible individuals through Electronic Benefit Transfer cards. This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen the connection between SNAP participants and direct marketing farmers and farmers markets by improving access to modern payment technologies and expanding participation in SNAP-authorized retail environments. The purpose of the program is to support the development and implementation of secure mobile payment systems that enable direct marketing farmers and farmers markets to accept SNAP benefits. The cooperative agreement emphasizes the use of existing, tested mobile applications or similar technologies that can process EBT transactions securely. These systems must meet federal requirements related to transaction security, functionality, and compatibility with current SNAP infrastructure. The program also seeks to expand access to SNAP benefits for consumers by enabling purchases through both in-person and online direct marketing channels. Funding is intended to support a wide range of activities necessary to achieve these objectives. This includes outreach to farmers who are not currently SNAP-authorized, assistance with the authorization process, training on SNAP participation, and technical support for implementing payment technologies. Funds may also be used to cover the cost of providing access to approved mobile transaction applications for up to one year for participating farmers, as well as costs associated with system enhancements and coordination with technology providers. However, funds may not be used for developing entirely untested applications or for certain state-level equipment obligations. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and accredited institutions of higher education located within the United States and its territories. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage a multi-year cooperative agreement, collaborate with federal partners, and deliver technical solutions at scale. Only one application per eligible entity is permitted, and organizations that fail to meet submission requirements or provide required documentation will be deemed ineligible. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and include a complete package of federal forms, a project narrative, budget documentation, and supporting materials such as resumes and letters of commitment. The project narrative must clearly describe the proposed approach, alignment with program objectives, implementation strategy, and evaluation methods. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria including project design, implementation and monitoring, sustainability, budget appropriateness, and staff qualifications. The application deadline is July 31, 2026, with awards anticipated by September 30, 2026. The period of performance is expected to run from September 2026 through September 2029. Awardees will be required to submit quarterly financial and performance reports, participate in regular meetings with the agency, and track key metrics related to outreach, participation, and transaction activity. This opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching funds. The program is part of an ongoing federal effort to modernize SNAP participation and improve access to nutritious food through local agriculture. While not explicitly stated as recurring, similar initiatives have been funded in prior years, indicating potential future opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all requirements and ensure full compliance with submission and reporting expectations to remain competitive.

Ensure strong alignment with program objectives and clearly map activities to required outcomes; provide detailed and justified budget narrative; demonstrate technical capability and sustainability