Renewable Resource Extension Act National Focus Fund Projects

The Renewable Resources Extension Act National Focus Fund Projects program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This program is authorized under the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 and is designed to strengthen extension efforts that address forest and rangeland renewable resource challenges across the United States. The agency’s broader mission emphasizes improving agricultural productivity, protecting natural resources, and supporting landowners, producers, and communities through science-based education and outreach. This funding opportunity reflects those priorities by focusing on scalable, high-impact extension programming that can be replicated across regions. The primary purpose of this program is to enhance the sustainability and management of forest and rangeland systems by ensuring that scientific research is translated into practical applications for landowners and managers. Projects must focus on national or regional priorities, specifically supporting tree planting and reforestation efforts or addressing the control and management of invasive animal species such as feral pigs. These priorities aim to mitigate threats including wildfire, pests, drought, and land fragmentation, while promoting long-term ecological and economic benefits such as improved timber production, livestock management, and ecosystem services. Funding under this program is relatively limited, with approximately 300000 dollars available in total and individual awards ranging from 130000 to 150000 dollars. Only two awards are anticipated. Projects are expected to span a 24-month performance period and must focus on extension activities rather than research alone. Allowable uses of funds include education, training, outreach, and technical assistance efforts that directly support forest and rangeland stakeholders. However, strict funding restrictions apply, including a prohibition on indirect costs and tuition remission, and costs typically classified as indirect cannot be reallocated as direct expenses. Eligibility is restricted to specific institutional categories, including land-grant universities and other state-supported institutions with forestry programs, provided they work in cooperation with Cooperative Extension Services. Project Directors must hold an authorized extension appointment. The program is not open to individuals or general nonprofits outside of these institutional frameworks. Applicants must also comply with federal registration requirements, including maintaining active registrations in systems such as SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons prior to submission. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, following detailed guidance provided in the NIFA Grants Application Guide. Required components include a project narrative with defined sections such as objectives, methodology, stakeholder engagement, evaluation plan, and data management plan. The narrative is limited to twelve pages and must demonstrate measurable outcomes and impacts. Applications undergo a two-step review process consisting of an administrative screening followed by a scientific peer review evaluating criteria such as project merit, relevance, feasibility, and personnel qualifications. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, and no letter of intent is required. Awards are expected to be issued before the end of the federal fiscal year. While the program does not explicitly state a recurring cycle, it is tied to annual federal appropriations and may be reissued in future years. For questions, applicants may contact program staff via the designated program email inbox.

Ensure strong stakeholder involvement measurable outcomes and clear replication potential aligned with extension goals