Community Planning and Capacity Building Grants is a grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that funds early-stage planning for clean, equitable transportation solutions in communities across California. The program supports outreach, needs assessments, workforce development, and local readiness activities — with a particular focus on Tribal governments, rural communities, schools, and first-time applicants. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, Tribal governments, local governments, and public schools in California. Individual project awards range from $50,000 to $500,000. The most recent application deadline was February 10, 2026.

Rural Community Impact Grant is a grant from Heartland United Way that funds local nonprofit programs serving residents of Hamilton, Howard, Merrick, and rural Hall Counties in Nebraska. Rooted in the long-standing tradition of rural Nebraskans helping one another, the program distributes up to $30,000 annually across four priority areas: Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Only one application per organization is accepted. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in and serving the designated counties. Individual grants range from $250 to $1,500, with awards announced in April 2026.

PlantMap3D Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is sponsored by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). AI-powered program using farm equipment data to optimize fertilizer needs from cover crops, reducing costs and improving soil/water quality in Chesapeake Bay watershed (MD, DE, PA). Primarily for farmers in those states via agribusiness partners.

State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is a grant from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) that funds cybersecurity improvements for state and local government entities across California. Established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, the program is part of a $1 billion nationwide initiative administered jointly by FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Eighty percent of total state allocations must support local governments, and twenty-five percent must support rural areas. Eligible subrecipients include local governments, school districts, special districts, and tribal entities. Funding is allocated in accordance with California's SLCGP Cybersecurity Plan, which was approved by FEMA and CISA in September 2023. California received $7.9 million in first-year funding. Proposals are submitted through Cal OES when Competitive Funding Opportunities are announced on the Cal OES website and State Grants Portal.

The Mississippi INBRE Community Organization Engage Award funds community organizations to build community-academic partnerships addressing Mississippi's top public health challenges. Eligible focus areas include affordable prescription drug access, opioid and fentanyl addiction recovery, veterans' mental health and reintegration, telehealth expansion, and rural and tribal health equity initiatives. Eligible applicants include faith-based organizations, public healthcare systems, school districts, social services agencies, and non-federal government agencies at local, regional, Tribal, or state levels. The program aligns with federal funding priorities, helping Mississippi communities compete for and leverage larger federal health grants.

Capital Grants Program is sponsored by Gates Family Foundation. The Gates Family Foundation provides capital grants for building purchases, construction, expansion, renovation, and land acquisition. The foundation prioritizes projects that address root problems, demonstrate strong community support, and serve rural or low-income areas and communities of color in Colorado. Geographic focus: Colorado Focus areas: Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education, Parks & Recreation, Well-being of children, youth & families

Rural Health Transformation Project 4.4A Chronic Disease Management Navigation and Education Initiative is sponsored by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Chronic Disease Prevention Program. This initiative invites proposals to expand Chronic Disease Management through Navigation and Education across Nebraska's communities. It aims to connect people in need with resources to promote healthy living and strengthen coordination among patients and health systems.

2026 Healthy American Forests Initiative is a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), funded through the U.S. Forest Service (USDA), that supports watershed restoration and vegetation management projects on National Forest System lands. The initiative prioritizes projects that achieve healthy forest ecosystems, robust timber production, and rural economic vitality. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, state and local governments, and tribal nations. Awards range from $250,000 to $2,000,000. The full proposal deadline was March 17, 2026, with awards expected to be announced in early September 2026.

RHTP-4.4A Chronic Disease Management Navigation and Education Initiative is sponsored by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Chronic Disease Prevention Program. This initiative invites proposals to expand Chronic Disease Management through Navigation and Education across Nebraska's communities. It aims to connect people in need with resources to promote healthy living and strengthen coordination among patients and health systems.

Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges (AWT) is a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that funds the development of credentialed training programs at community colleges designed to prepare a technology- and data-savvy workforce for the agricultural industry. Administered through NIFA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Education and Workforce Development program, AWT supports professional development and applied training that builds the next generation of food and agricultural science professionals. The program emphasizes hands-on, career-ready curricula aligned with industry needs. Eligible applicants include community colleges and higher education institutions. Award amounts and deadlines are posted through NIFA's annual funding opportunity announcements.

AFRI Education and Workforce Development: Food and Agricultural Non-formal Education (FANE) is a grant from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) supporting non-formal education programs that cultivate interest and skills in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. Eligible applicants include universities, community organizations, and nonprofits developing programs such as 4-H, extension education, and hands-on agricultural learning experiences. Grants strengthen the pipeline of future agricultural professionals by engaging youth and adult learners outside traditional classroom settings.

Missouri EATs is a grant-funded initiative administered by the University of Missouri Extension that helps one Missouri community at a time develop a comprehensive food system action plan. Selected communities receive support to build local partnerships, assess food infrastructure needs, and position themselves for future food-related funding opportunities. The program is designed as a capacity-building stepping stone, equipping communities with the planning tools and collaborative networks needed to pursue larger food infrastructure investments. Note that the application deadline was March 20, 2026.

FY26 Food as Medicine Grant Program is a grant from Montgomery County, Maryland's Office of Grants Management providing $750,000 in total funding for healthcare-led programs that screen pediatric patients for food insecurity and deliver medically tailored nutritious food and nutrition education. Eligible applicants include pediatric primary care providers, school-based health centers, food assistance operators, nutrition educators, and local farm partners working together in multi-sector partnerships. Programs must serve Montgomery County households with at least one child aged 0–18 who has a diet-related disease diagnosis. The program addresses critical gaps in nutrition security for underserved families while increasing access to locally produced, culturally relevant food.

The WorKS Public Broadcasting Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce provides up to $500,000 in total funding to promote rural opportunities and community awareness across Kansas. Eligible applicants are licensed public broadcasting radio or television stations serving Kansas communities. The program supports stations in expanding outreach, informing residents about workforce opportunities, and connecting communities to economic development initiatives. Applications were due March 20, 2026. This grant reflects Kansas Commerce's commitment to strengthening rural connectivity and ensuring public media can effectively serve underserved communities throughout the state.

Caribbean Infrastructure Grants is a farm infrastructure funding program from the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) supporting agricultural producers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Grants of up to ,000 are available to individual farmers, ranchers, or cooperatives who have at least three years of farming experience and a minimum of two years operating at their current location. Eligible infrastructure projects may include fencing, irrigation, equipment, and storage improvements that strengthen food production capacity. The program prioritizes food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture in the Caribbean region, helping small-scale producers build resilient farming operations that serve local communities.

Strengthening Rural Communities – Small & Vital is a grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) that supports grassroots, community-led initiatives across remote, rural, and regional Australia. Two funding tiers are available: small grants of up to AUD $10,000 for a broad range of community benefit projects deliverable within 12 months, and larger leverage grants of up to AUD $50,000 focused on building digital skills, confidence, and connectivity infrastructure for adults, deliverable within 18 months. Priority is given to outback and less-resourced communities, First Nations-led initiatives, climate resilience projects, and initiatives supporting a just energy transition. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and assessed quarterly. Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organizations with an ABN or Incorporation Certificate in rural or regional Australia.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Phase I is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Phase I is a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that funds high-quality research by small businesses addressing important scientific problems and o…

The USDA NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Strengthening Agricultural Systems (SAS) program awards large-scale integrated research, education, and extension projects addressing complex agricultural challenges. USDA anticipates awarding 10-12 grants ranging from $2.5 million to $10 million per award. The program supports projects incorporating AI, machine learning, and data science to strengthen food production, agricultural sustainability, and rural community resilience. Projects may address precision agriculture, autonomous systems, climate-smart farming, supply chain optimization, and workforce development in agricultural technology.

Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Passenger Ferry Grant Program, Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Program, and Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program is sponsored by Transportation Department; Federal Transit Administration. In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Information Collection Requirements (ICRs) abstracted below have been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describe the nature of the information collection and their expected burdens. Action: Notice of request for comments. Published in the Federal Register on 2026-02-24. Federal Register document number: 2026-03591.

Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program - Produce Prescription Program is a grant from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture that funds projects demonstrating and evaluating the impact of fresh fruit and vegetable prescriptions for income-eligible consumers. Part of the broader GusNIP initiative authorized under 7 U.S.C. 7517, this program targets food insecurity by connecting healthcare providers with local food systems. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local, state, and tribal governments, and individual healthcare agencies. Awards range from million to million annually in mandatory funding. Projects must show measurable health outcomes and advance the evidence base for produce prescription interventions nationwide.

The USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative is the largest competitive research program in USDA portfolio funded at $445 million annually. The FY2026 cycle includes three tracks: Foundational and Applied Science for investigator-led research covering plant health, animal systems, food safety, bioenergy, and natural resources; Sustainable Agricultural Systems for large-scale transdisciplinary projects addressing food production, climate resilience, and water availability; and Education and Workforce Development allocating $39.7 million for K-14 STEM professional development and agricultural education. AI-relevant areas include AI-driven crop monitoring, precision agriculture, livestock genetics, soil health monitoring, autonomous harvesting systems, and machine learning for agricultural decision support. The March 26 2026 deadline applies to the Strengthening Agricultural Systems track.

AFRI Strengthening Agricultural Systems is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This program supports fully integrated research, education, and extension projects that aim to develop and improve agricultural practices to strengthen the U.S. food and agricultural system, increase agricultural production, and enhance farmer prosperity. Projects should address current and future food and agricultural challenges with a focus on economic viability, quality of life for farmers and society, and efficient resource use.

Fiscal Year 2026 AmeriCorps VISTA Request for Concept Paper is sponsored by AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps VISTA provides full-time members to nonprofit organizations, faith-based and other community organizations, as well as public agencies, to create and expand programs that bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty. VISTA members strengthen and support these organizations by improving infrastructure, expanding community partnerships, securing long-term resources, and developing activities that build long-term sustainability for overcoming poverty. This includes support for program development or volunteer recruitment, but VISTA members are restricted from direct services. Potential priority areas include Economic Opportunity, Healthy Futures, Education, Veterans and Military Families, and Environmental Stewardship, with additional consideration for projects addressing racial equity in rural communities, Indian Country, and areas of deep poverty. The application process is conducted at the state level and is a two-phase process starting with a concept paper.

USDA NIFA's flagship competitive grant program for large-scale, multi-million-dollar agricultural systems transformation. The Strengthening Agricultural Systems (SAS) program funds Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP) grants of $2.5M-$10M over up to 60 months, requiring fully integrated research, education, and extension components. Program code A9201 targets new agricultural product markets, plant/animal pest and disease solutions, and diet-related chronic disease interventions. Projects must align with USDA priorities including farmer profitability, market expansion, invasive species protection, soil health, and precision nutrition. NIFA anticipates awarding 10-12 grants under this program code. Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-010653.

The long-term goal of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Strengthening Agricultural Systems (SAS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to help transform the U.S. food and agricultural system to increase agricultural production while enhancing farmer prosperity. Achieving this goal will require transdisciplinary approaches to address current and future food and agricultural challenges within the context of the economic viability of farm operations, quality of life for farmers and society as a whole, and the most efficient use of resources. NIFA is soliciting applications to support:1. At least one of the following Strengthening Agricultural Systems sub-priorities:a. New Uses and Expanding Markets for Agriculture and Forestry Productsb. Solutions to Pests and Diseases of Plants or Animalsc. Combating Food and Diet-Related Chronic Diseases2. Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Food and Agricultural SciencesSee AFRI SAS NOFO for details. Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011677. Assistance Listing: 10.310. Funding Instrument: G. Category: AG. Award Amount: $1M – $10M per award.

Hardship Assistance Fund is sponsored by CCOF Foundation. Provides direct financial disaster assistance grants for hardship related to extreme weather or climate impacts to organic farmers and ranchers in California. These are reimbursement grants for expenses incurred. Organic operations will be prioritized, but applications from non-certified organic operations are accepted.

HIV Community Wellness Initiative is a grant from First Nations Health Authority that funds HIV prevention, testing, treatment, health promotion, education, capacity-building, and resource development in First Nations communities in British Columbia. The initiative supports land-based First Nations and Indigenous-led non-profit organizations serving First Nations communities whether urban, rural, or remote. Awards of up to CAD$20,000 are available. The deadline for the current funding cycle is March 27, 2026. Projects must address HIV-related health needs within First Nations populations and align with the First Nations Health Authority's communicable disease and public health mandate for culturally safe and community-led wellness initiatives.

Youth Conservation Program is a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation that funds workforce development projects preparing young people for careers in environmental conservation and sustainability. Administered under the Green Jobs for Youth — Skills Training program, the grant aims to expand access to equitable workforce opportunities for youth in environmental justice communities through skill-building, mentorship, and job placement in sectors such as clean energy, sustainable agriculture, waste reduction, and conservation. Total funding available is $4,000,000 across a 36-month contract period. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit and tribal organizations in New York State. Applications were due January 28, 2026, with anticipated awards by June 30, 2026.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants is sponsored by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This grant provides funding to small businesses in rural areas for energy efficiency improvements. For a cafe or tea shop, this can include upgrading high-energy equipment like refrigeration, HVAC, or lighting systems to reduce operational costs.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.