Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program

The Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This federal program is authorized under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 and is designed to strengthen the institutional capacity of Alaska Native-serving and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions of higher education. The program reflects USDA priorities to improve agricultural productivity, expand markets, enhance food systems, and prepare a skilled workforce in food, agricultural, natural resources, and human sciences. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support education, applied research, and extension efforts that improve educational outcomes and institutional capabilities in relevant scientific and community development fields. Projects are expected to address educational needs identified by institutions and may include activities such as curriculum development, faculty training, student recruitment and retention, and experiential learning opportunities. The program also emphasizes leadership development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of social and behavioral sciences to address challenges facing agricultural systems and rural communities. Funding under this program supports several project types including education, extension, research, and integrated projects that combine multiple functions. Allowable uses of funds include instructional delivery systems, scientific instrumentation tied to experiential learning, student financial support, and applied research initiatives. However, funds must be used strictly for approved project purposes and must comply with federal regulations, including indirect cost limitations capped at 30 percent of total federal funds awarded. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, which reduces financial barriers for eligible institutions. Eligibility is restricted to accredited public or private nonprofit institutions that meet the statutory definitions of Alaska Native-serving or Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. These institutions must demonstrate specific enrollment thresholds and financial characteristics, including a high proportion of students receiving need-based financial aid. Collaborative applications are permitted and encouraged, allowing multiple eligible institutions to partner with each other and with external entities such as state agencies or private organizations. Students supported through scholarships must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the designated funding opportunity number. Required application components include a project summary, detailed narrative, budget justification, data management plan, and mentoring plan if applicable. Additional attachments may include letters of support, prior award documentation, and responses to previous reviews for resubmissions. Applications are evaluated through a two-step process involving administrative screening followed by peer review based on criteria such as project impact, methodology, institutional capacity, personnel qualifications, and cost-effectiveness. The application deadline for this funding cycle is June 16, 2026, with submissions due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are anticipated to support projects lasting between 36 and 48 months. Funding decisions are made after peer review, and selected applicants may be required to negotiate project scope or budget prior to award. Program contacts are available via dedicated email addresses for both programmatic and administrative inquiries, and applicants are encouraged to engage with program staff when developing proposals. This program is offered annually, with recurring funding cycles aligned to federal fiscal years. Institutions may submit multiple applications under certain limits depending on grant type. The program aims to build long-term institutional capacity and foster innovation in education and applied research, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and skilled agricultural workforce in underserved communities.

Align proposal clearly with FANH priorities and evaluation criteria; demonstrate strong institutional capacity and measurable outcomes; ensure all required components are complete and compliant