Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) issued a Request for Partners to identify organizations that could be included as subgrantees in its application to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This initiative is part of a federally authorized program designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. The DOEE, through its Urban Sustainability Administration, intends to assemble a portfolio of local projects that can be submitted collectively to USDA for funding consideration. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that strengthen the specialty crop sector within the District of Columbia. Eligible projects must align with at least one of several objectives, including promoting and marketing specialty crops, advancing research and development for producers, improving access and availability of these crops, and addressing broader systemic challenges faced by growers. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes that benefit the broader industry rather than individual organizations, ensuring that funded initiatives contribute to long-term sector growth and resilience. Funding for this opportunity originates from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, with DOEE acting as the intermediary administrator. The total funding pool available for subgrants is $263,012, contingent upon USDA awarding funds to DOEE. Individual project requests must fall between $25,000 and $75,000. The grant period is expected to span two years and eight months, beginning in December 2026 and ending in September 2029. Funds are typically disbursed on a reimbursement basis, although limited advance payments may be approved under specific circumstances. Eligibility for this opportunity includes a broad range of entity types. Applicants may include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status, faith-based organizations, government agencies, universities and educational institutions, and private enterprises. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, provide required documentation such as financial statements and certifications, and comply with both District and federal regulations. Projects must be implemented within the District of Columbia and demonstrate clear benefits to the local specialty crop sector. The application process requires submission through the DOEE Grants Management System. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive proposal that includes a project narrative, work plan, budget and budget narrative, organizational background, and supporting documentation. Additional requirements include letters of support from partners, proof of good standing, tax documentation, and registration in the federal System for Award Management. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process based on criteria such as project feasibility, organizational capacity, budget justification, and alignment with program goals. Applications opened on April 10, 2026 and will close on May 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants may participate in optional informational sessions prior to submission, and questions may be submitted via email up to seven days before the deadline. DOEE expects to notify applicants of award decisions within six to twelve weeks following the application deadline. If selected, successful applicants will become subgrantees under DOEE’s broader USDA grant application, and funding will only be awarded if the federal application is approved.

Ensure the project demonstrates measurable industry-wide impact rather than benefiting a single organization; align clearly with specialty crop competitiveness goals; provide a detailed and justified budget; include strong evidence of organizational capacity and qualified personnel