Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program

The Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This program is authorized under the Smith-Lever Act and subsequent amendments, which mandate the establishment of extension education programs that serve Tribal communities. The program reflects USDA’s broader mission to strengthen agricultural systems, improve rural economies, and ensure equitable access to research-based knowledge. It is designed specifically to extend land-grant university resources to Federally Recognized Tribes, supporting education, outreach, and applied learning initiatives in Tribal jurisdictions. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish and sustain extension services on Federally Recognized Indian Reservations and Tribal lands. The program aims to address long-standing needs within Tribal communities by delivering nonformal education and outreach activities. These activities may include youth development programs such as 4-H, agricultural productivity improvements, natural resource management, workforce and economic development, and initiatives that enhance human health and well-being. Projects are expected to improve quality of life and economic outcomes while supporting the broader agricultural ecosystem. Funding for this opportunity totals approximately $4 million for the fiscal year, with individual awards fixed at $102,000 per year. Projects operate on a four-year continuation cycle, contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Applicants must prepare annual budgets of $102,000, totaling $408,000 over the full project period. Funds must be used strictly for allowable program activities, and indirect costs are not permitted. Certain expenses such as entertainment, alcohol, incentives, and facility renovations are explicitly disallowed, reinforcing a focus on direct programmatic impact. Eligibility is limited to 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant Colleges and Universities. These institutions may collaborate with Tribal organizations and other partners through subawards when necessary to fulfill project goals. A formal Memorandum of Understanding with the Tribe being served is required, ensuring that projects are grounded in community needs and mutual commitments. While subcontracting is allowed, the primary applicant retains responsibility for project execution. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this program. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the designated funding opportunity number. The application package requires several components, including a project summary, a detailed project narrative, a data management plan, and supporting documentation such as the Memorandum of Understanding. The project narrative must outline objectives, methods, stakeholder engagement, evaluation plans, and a four-year timeline. Applicants must also include detailed budgets and justifications for each project year, ensuring alignment between proposed activities and requested funding. Applications are evaluated through a two-step process that includes administrative screening followed by scientific peer review. Evaluation criteria prioritize the potential impact on Tribal communities, prior experience working with Tribes, the strength of the proposed approach, institutional capacity, qualifications of key personnel, and cost-effectiveness. Review panels include experts from academic, government, and community sectors to ensure relevance and rigor. Successful projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes and a clear plan for sustaining impact beyond the funding period. The application deadline for this funding cycle is June 8, 2026, with submissions due by 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to begin by September 30 of the fiscal year, with project activities commencing shortly thereafter. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle, offering continued opportunities for eligible institutions to apply. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact USDA NIFA program staff via designated email addresses provided in the funding announcement.

Focus on demonstrated Tribal partnerships; align objectives with USDA priorities; provide measurable outcomes; ensure strong evaluation plan