Rural Development Grants

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The USDA SBIR program provides competitively awarded grants to qualified small businesses for high-quality research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefits.

Emergency Livestock Relief Program is sponsored by Department of Agriculture. The Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) provides direct financial assistance to livestock producers for losses incurred because of qualifying drought or wildfire in calendar year 2021. Phase 1 provided assistance to eligible livestock producers who faced increased supplemental feed costs resulting from forage losses whose data was on file with FSA due to their participation in the 2021 Livestock Forage Disaster Program. Phase 2 will provide additional assistance to Phase 1 producers who suffered additional eligible losses to winter grazing due to the severe impact drought and wildfires caused during the grazing period in calendar year 2021 that were not covered by Phase 1. This listing is currently active. Program number: 10.148. Last updated on 2026-02-03.

The Horticulture Fund Grant is offered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to advance plant health and support Michigan's horticultural industry through applied research and outreach. Awards of up to $20,000 per project are available, with approximately $70,000 in total annual funding. Eligible applicants include research institutions, extension programs, and academic or outreach organizations in Michigan with projects focused on plant disease, pest management, crop quality, or other horticultural industry priorities. The application deadline is May 1, 2026. Proposals must demonstrate clear benefit to Michigan's horticultural producers and industry.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs - USDA NIFA is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The SBIR/STTR programs at USDA NIFA support research and development that leads to commercialization of innovative technologies. Specific topic areas relevant to forest farming and specialty crops include 'Plant Production and Protection - Biology' which supports enhancing crop production, and 'Management of Natural Resources' which aims to commercialize technologies to manage, monitor, improve, and/or protect natural resources while sustaining farm and forest productivity.

Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) Grant is sponsored by Washington State Department of Commerce. This grant is intended to support small and micro businesses with training, technical assistance, and financing tools to help them grow, stimulate innovation, create social inclusion, and advance sustainability principles. Priority is given to specific sectors including Clean Materials & Clean Tech and Small Scale Manufacturing.

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.

The Massachusetts Food System Collaborative Resiliency Grants is a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources that funds food businesses and nonprofits working to strengthen the resilience of the Massachusetts food system. Projects focused on local food access, supply chain improvements, climate adaptation, and food security initiatives are prioritized. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts-based food businesses and nonprofit organizations. Awards range from $10,000 to $75,000. The deadline for the most recent cycle was February 28, 2026. This program supports efforts to build a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient local food economy across the Commonwealth.

The NOFA-NH Farmer Resilience Fund Mini-Grants are offered by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH) to support organic and transitioning-to-organic farmers in New Hampshire. The program provides up to $250 per certified organic farmer with gross income under $25,000 to help cover organic certification costs, drawing from a $26,000 total pool. Any New Hampshire farmer may also apply for emergency or disaster relief through the fund. Applicants must be current NOFA-NH members. The application deadline is March 1, 2026. The program supports NOFA-NH's mission to advance organic agriculture and strengthen farm resilience across the state.

NOFA-NH Farmer Resilience Fund Mini-Grant is a grant from the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire that funds organic farmers in New Hampshire seeking to build climate resilience. The program supports expenses related to healthy soil practices, on-farm climate resilience measures, new supplies and equipment, soil tests, insect prevention, and NRCS organic cost-share practices. Small-scale certified organic farmers with gross income under $25,000 are eligible for up to $250 in organic certification fee reimbursements. The fund also offers emergency and disaster assistance grants. Funding is provided through a donation from Stonyfield Organic and individual donors.

The Farmer Resiliency Mini-Grants program is offered by NOFA-NH to help small-scale certified organic farmers in New Hampshire offset the cost of organic certification. Awards of up to $250 per applicant reimburse a portion of 2025 organic certification fees. Eligible applicants are certified organic New Hampshire farmers with gross farm income of less than $25,000 per year. The program builds on prior successful grant cycles and reflects NOFA-NH's commitment to supporting organic agriculture in the state. The application deadline was February 15, 2026. Farmers must complete the online application to be considered for reimbursement.

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.

LSTA Grants is sponsored by South Carolina State Library (IMLS via LSTA). The South Carolina State Library funds projects and services through LSTA funding provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. These grants support various initiatives including promoting literacy, improving library services, and providing access to resources in underserved areas, including rural communities. Funds can be used for literacy learning, bookmobile services, and improving access to resources.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a grant from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture that funds projects enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops in Connecticut. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. Funded activities may include research, marketing, food safety education, pest and disease management, and development of new markets. Eligible applicants are Connecticut-based agricultural businesses, nonprofits, universities, and producer associations with projects directly benefiting specialty crop industries. The 2026 application period has opened and is administered through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

Native Food Sovereignty Grant is sponsored by First Nations Development Institute. First Nations awards grants to Native-led organizations to support work that contributes to building a national movement to fulfill a vision of Native communities and food systems that are self-directed, well-resourced, and supported by community policies and systems, focusing on developing tribal food sovereignty. This funding opportunity supports organizations in their community work enacting Tribal Food Sovereignty and has four primary areas of focus: First Foods and Maternal Health, Native Farm to School, GATHER Emerging Organizations and Programs, and Governance of Native Food Systems.

The FFAR New Innovator in Food and Agriculture Research Award supports early-career tenure-track faculty conducting innovative research in food and agriculture, including AI, precision agriculture, and computational approaches. The award provides up to $150,000 per year for up to 3 years ($450,000 total), making it one of the most substantial early-career grants available in agricultural sciences. FFAR's research priority areas include agroecosystems, food systems, production systems, and scientific workforce development — all of which increasingly involve AI and data-driven technologies. Research must directly benefit U.S. agricultural interests. The program follows a nomination-based application process: the nomination period opened February 11, 2026, with nominations due March 18, 2026, and full applications due April 29, 2026. FFAR was established through the 2014 Farm Bill and builds public-private partnerships to match congressional funding with private sources. The foundation supports research addressing major food and agriculture challenges including precision agriculture technologies, crop monitoring systems, and data-driven farm management tools. Note: This award is contingent on funding availability as FFAR has limited programmatic funds remaining.

New York State Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program 2026 is sponsored by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. This program aims to increase schools' purchase of New York farm products by building relationships between schools and New York farm product suppliers. Secondary goals include increasing agricultural education opportunities for students, improving nutrition, and exposing students to new, local, culinary experiences.

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.

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 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.

Accelerate CA Deep Tech Funding Program is sponsored by Accelerate CA (administered by CalOSBA). This program provides non-dilutive funding to science-driven startups in the Greater Sacramento region (California) that are developing solutions to major challenges in agriculture, health, and sustainability. It focuses on early-stage startups at the pre-seed through pre-Series A stage building technology-driven products rooted in research, engineering, or scientific innovation within agrifood tech, health & life sciences, or clean tech sectors.

Accelerate CA Deep Tech Funding Program is sponsored by Accelerate CA. This program provides non-dilutive funding to science-driven startups in the Greater Sacramento region developing solutions in agriculture, health, and sustainability. It supports early-stage startups at the pre-seed through pre-Series A stage with technology-driven products rooted in research, engineering, or scientific innovation, including health and life sciences.

Utah Primary Care Grant Program is a grant from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Primary Care and Rural Health that funds organizations providing primary healthcare to medically underserved and low-income populations across Utah. The program increases access to ambulatory primary care services for low-wage workers, children, the elderly, migrant farmworkers, and the uninsured or underinsured. Eligible applicants include private non-profit and public organizations delivering primary healthcare in Utah. The 2026 application cycle opened March 9 and closed March 31, 2026, with an application orientation held on March 17.

Utah Primary Care Grant Program is a grant from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Office of Primary Care and Rural Health that funds organizations providing primary healthcare to medically underserved populations in Utah. The program supports ambulatory primary care services for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals — including workers with low wages, families without health insurance ineligible for Medicaid or CHIP, and patients needing services not covered by existing insurance. Objectives include improving health outcomes, ensuring care continuity, and expanding organizational capacity to serve target populations. Eligible applicants are private nonprofit and public organizations in Utah providing primary healthcare. The 2026 application cycle closed March 31, 2026.

The World Food Forum Innovation Awards 2026 organized under the FAO World Food Forum recognize and support youth-led agrifood startups tackling challenges in food systems climate and nutrition using innovative technologies including AI precision farming and digital agriculture. Winners receive $17,000 in prize money global exposure through the FAO network and the opportunity to pitch their solutions at FAO headquarters in Rome. The awards support innovative AI-powered solutions across the agrifood value chain including crop monitoring supply chain optimization food safety and nutrition analytics climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food production systems. The program is part of the broader World Food Forum initiative to engage young entrepreneurs in transforming global food systems. This is distinct from the CGIAR AI Hub which funds institutional AI research and from NSF AI-ENGAGE which focuses on US-Quad agricultural AI partnerships.

Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants 2026 is sponsored by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) with EPA, NRCS, and U.S. Forest Service. Funds on-the-ground conservation projects protecting and restoring water quality, species, and habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Includes agricultural runoff management, green stormwater infrastructure, and innovative watershed management approaches.

Agriculture Production Resource Opportunity (AgPRO) is sponsored by Texas Agriculture Finance Authority (administered by Texas Department of Agriculture). This competitive grant program provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers in Texas for projects that support the creation, expansion, and long-term sustainability of their operations. Eligible projects may include the purchase of irrigation systems and other agricultural equipment, and improvements to greenhouses. A cost-share is required, varying from 10% to 30% based on the award amount.

N.C. Agriculture Manufacturing and Processing Initiative is a grant from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) that funds the establishment or expansion of value-added agricultural manufacturing and food processing facilities in North Carolina. The program aims to help farmers earn greater returns on raw commodities, strengthen local food supply chains, and increase consumer access to locally produced products. Eligible entities include businesses and organizations seeking to develop or expand qualifying agricultural processing operations in North Carolina; pre-application consultation with NCDA&CS is recommended. A total of $4.3 million was available in the 2026 funding cycle, with applications accepted through April 13, 2026.

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development – Postdoctoral Fellowships (A7201) is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This program area priority helps to develop new scientists and professionals to enter research, education, and/or extension fields within the food and agricultural sciences within the private sector, government, or academia.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program: Plant Production and Protection (Biology) is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This SBIR program supports high-quality research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefits. The Plant Production and Protection (Biology) topic area supports research to enhance crop production and protection through biological approaches, including new methods for plant improvement, pest management, and developing new food and non-food crop plants.

2026 Grant — Thoroughbred Charities of America is a grant from Thoroughbred Charities of America that funds nonprofit organizations supporting Thoroughbred horses and the people who care for them. Over 36 years, TCA has distributed more than million to over 200 Thoroughbred industry organizations. Priority programs include Thoroughbred rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming, and retirement; equine-assisted therapy; Thoroughbred incentive and track-based placement programs; backstretch and farm employee assistance; and equine research. Direct care programs must have a minimum of three registered Thoroughbreds on-site. Eligible applicants are established 501(c)(3) organizations—not first-year or start-up nonprofits—whose missions align with supporting Thoroughbreds. The application deadline is May 1, 2026. Award amounts vary by organization and project.

Strategic Growth Council Factory Built Housing Pilot Program Round 3 Catalyst Grant is sponsored by Strategic Growth Council. The Factory-Built Housing (FBH) Program is designed to support regional strategies that use factory-built housing to expand the supply of affordable, high-quality homes across California. The goal is to create solutions that can be scaled and replicated to move beyond one-off development projects to broader, long-term impact. The FBH Program is funded by a $12,000,000 allocation from the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program to fund two grant types -- Catalyst Grants and Planning Grants. Public Relations Code Section 75210 created the AHSC Program to “implement land use, housing, transportation, and agricultural land preservation practices to support infill and compact development, and that support related and coordinated public policy objectives.” The AHSC Program receives its funding from California’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which is administered in California by the California Climate Investments (CCI) Program. The FBH Program will provide Catalyst Grants of up to $500,000 over a two-year term to help Grantees launch or advance early-stage efforts that build regional knowledge, capacity, networks, and stakeholder support for the production and deployment of factory-built housing in California.Catalyst Grants are ideal for applicants in the early stages of partnership formation, research and analysis, or stakeholder engagement who wish to establish or grow relationships and networks among regional partners, increase regional understanding of factory-built housing solutions and benefits, and/or identify enabling conditions for advancing factory-built housing as an affordable housing solution in their region. Catalyst Grants may fund activities such as:• Conducting research on regulatory, zoning, or land use barriers to factory-built housing production.• Completing market studies to assess regional demand and housing needs.• Identifying and convening public, private, and community stakeholders to form cross-jurisdictional coalitions.• Hosting peer learning exchanges or regional dialogues on factory-built housing opportunities, challenges, and strategies.• Developing preliminary plans, frameworks, or roadmaps to inform future factory-built housing projects and policies. Catalyst projects are expected to result in increased regional capacity, collaboration, and stakeholder support for factory-built housing as a viable affordable housing strategy. Projects should also produce or promote innovative, scalable, and/or replicable strategies for removing barriers to factory-built housing expansion and integrating factory-built housing into local and regional housing plans.

Texas Spay and Neuter Program (TXSNP) is sponsored by Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The Texas Spay and Neuter Program (TXSNP) offers grants to subsidize spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats across Texas. The program aims to make funds available across both urban and rural underserved areas and supports organizations of varying sizes.

AgPro Grant Program is a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture (through the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority) that funds Texas agricultural producers seeking to improve, expand, and strengthen their farming or ranching operations. Awards range from $5,000 to $500,000 for investments in equipment, infrastructure, and operational improvements. Applicants must be Texas producers deriving at least 50 percent of gross income from agricultural products including crops, livestock, forestry, hydroponics, nursery stock, or aquaculture. Cost-sharing is required. Created by the Texas Legislature in 2025, the program aims to maintain agricultural businesses, preserve agricultural land use, and foster supply chain resiliency. The FY 2026 deadline is May 14, 2026.

Coordinating Agricultural Development & Innovation (CADI) Uzbekistan Exchanges: Promotion of U.S. Distilled Spirits is sponsored by Foreign Agricultural Service. Design and deliver a 1-2 week training program for nine mid- to senior-level Uzbek private sector actors from firms involved in importation, marketing, and sales of distilled spirits to promote U. S. distilled spirits exports to Uzbekistan.

AgPro Grant Program (Agriculture Production Resource Opportunity) is a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) that funds Texas agricultural producers seeking to improve, expand, and strengthen their farming or ranching operations. Created by the Texas Legislature in 2025 under the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, AgPro supports strategic investments in equipment, infrastructure, and operational capacity to foster supply chain resiliency and business growth. Awards range from $5,000 to $500,000; recipients must provide a cost-share contribution and funding is reimbursement-based. Eligible applicants must be Texas agricultural producers deriving at least 50% of gross income from crops, livestock, forestry, hydroponics, nursery stock, or aquaculture. The application deadline was May 14, 2026.

MAHA Elevate (Make America Healthy Again: Enhancing Lifestyle and Evaluating Value-based Approaches Through Evidence) is a grant from CMS through the Innovation Center that funds 3-year cooperative agreements to test evidence-based, whole-person functional or lifestyle medicine interventions for Original Medicare beneficiaries. The program provides approximately $100 million total for up to 30 awards focused on preventing and addressing chronic disease through nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social connection. All proposals must incorporate a nutrition or physical activity component, and three awards are reserved for dementia-focused interventions. Eligible applicants include private medical practices, health systems, ACOs, FQHCs, rural health clinics, community-based organizations, state and local governments, tribal programs, and senior living communities. The voluntary model launches September 1, 2026, with a NOFO released in early 2026. Contact mahaelevate@cms.hhs.gov for more information.

ACRE3 Technical Report funding requests is a precursor grant from the Colorado Department of Agriculture that funds technical site assessments and reports for agricultural producers in Colorado exploring irrigation and hydropower project feasibility before applying for implementation grants. This technical report phase is the first step in the ACRE3 program process, allowing producers to evaluate whether their operations are suitable for irrigation system upgrades or small-scale hydropower development. Colorado agricultural producers are eligible to apply; completion of a technical report is a requirement before applying for ACRE3 implementation grants. There is no specified award amount; applications must be submitted by May 15, 2026.

MAHA ELEVATE (Make America Healthy Again: Enhancing Lifestyle & Evaluating Value-based Approaches Through Evidence) Model is sponsored by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This voluntary, three-year service delivery model tests evidence-based, whole-person functional or lifestyle medicine approaches to care not currently covered under Medicare. It aims to collect quality and cost data to inform future interventions promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and ultimately reduce spending in Original Medicare.

The Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) is a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education that funds rural school districts to improve the quality and delivery of education for students in rural areas. The program includes the Small Rural School Achievement (SRSA) component for districts too small to compete effectively for other federal grants, and the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program for rural districts with higher concentrations of low-income students. Eligible applicants are rural local educational agencies meeting federal size and locale criteria. Awards support instructional programs, technology, professional development, and other educational activities.

Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Program is a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) that funds commercial projects to increase the production, processing, and marketing of produce in urban areas across the Commonwealth. Priority areas include soil management, land acquisition, farm equipment, marketing and distribution, green infrastructure, innovative growing technologies like aquaponics and vertical farming, and organic farming transitions. Projects must represent long-term capital investments and foster youth development, small business development, and job training. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public or nonprofit educational or public health institutions, and established urban farmers with more than three years of commercial urban farming experience. Recent awards ranged from $20,000 to $30,000. Backyard produce or livestock raised for personal consumption is not funded.

Innovation Challenge (Global Grant Program) is sponsored by Global Resilience Partnership. The Innovation Challenge is a competitive global grant program that supports locally driven innovation to address interconnected global risks. It focuses on strengthening resilience in vulnerable communities while promoting sustainable ecosystems, inclusive growth, and adaptive innovation in rapidly changing environments. Focus areas include agriculture, urban resilience, disaster risk reduction, and technology innovation.

Massachusetts Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health (MA FRESH) Grant is sponsored by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The MA FRESH Grant supports licensed early education programs, schools, and school districts to procure local food, provide food system education, and connect food education to community meal programs, addressing food insecurity through local sourcing and education.

MA Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health (FRESH) — Fund Code 0710 (FY27) is sponsored by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This state-funded competitive grant program encourages National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Child Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) sponsors to start or expand their capacity to grow or procure local food and educate students, teachers, school nutrition professionals, and staf…

MA Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health (MA FRESH) — Fund Code 0710 is sponsored by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office for Food and Nutrition Programs. This state-funded competitive grant program encourages National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Child Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) sponsors to start or expand their capacity to grow or procure local food and educate students, teachers, school nutrition professionals, and staf…

The Global Resilience Partnership Innovation Challenge includes a TECH4Resilience track specifically focused on AI-driven humanitarian preparedness, with emphasis on Southeast Asia. The challenge funds innovative solutions across three thematic areas: RAIN Rural Challenge (nature-positive agricultural solutions with priority for East Africa), RISE Urban Challenge (grassroots solutions for informal urban environments), and TECH4Resilience Challenge (AI-driven humanitarian preparedness). In addition to funding, selected projects receive mentoring, networking access, capacity building through a Virtual Leadership Academy, and 12-month implementation support. Over 50% of beneficiaries must be women and youth. Applications must be submitted in English with one proposal per organization.

Resiliency Grants (Round 6) is sponsored by Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Food Assistance. This program provides flexible funding to hunger relief organizations to support current and vital organizational needs, increase client access to food, reduce client barriers, and respond to community need. It aims to make significant improvements to the hunger relief network.

ADOPT Facilitator Support Grant: Round 8 is sponsored by Innovate UK (co-funded by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)). Provides funding to farming, growing or forestry businesses based in England to engage an external Project Facilitator. This support helps in developing strong applications for the Full ADOPT Grant competitions.

Watershed Restoration and Protection Program – Pennsylvania is sponsored by Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. The program's overall goal is to restore and maintain restored stream reaches impaired by nonpoint source polluted runoff, ultimately removing these streams from the PA Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP's) Impaired Waters list. This is accomplished through the implementation of watershed-based Best Management Practices (BMPs) for agriculture, stormwater, streambank and channel restoration, and BMP repair/upgrade/operation and maintenance of existing practices.

Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program is sponsored by CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). This federally funded grant program allows California to provide local and rural fire departments with minor firefighting, training, communications, and safety equipment for their volunteer firefighters. The program has a 50/50 match provision.

Delta Health Care Service Grant Program is sponsored by USDA – Rural Business-Cooperative Service. Eligible applicants are a consortium/group of three or more entities that are Regional Institutions of Higher Education, Academic Health and Research Institutes, and/or Economic Development Entities, located in the Delta Region, with at least one year of prior experience in addr…

Grants (The International Foundation) is a grant from The International Foundation that funds nonprofit organizations working in the Global South across agriculture, education, environment, and health. Operating in select regions of Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia, TIF supports impactful programs that address human needs and foster sustainable community development. US-based nonprofits are eligible to apply. The 2026 grant cycle follows a multi-stage process: eligibility evaluation, letter of inquiry, and full application, with award notices issued in August through September 2026. Only one proposal per organization per cycle is accepted, and prior grantees must have fully closed previous awards before reapplying. Grant terms run through December 2027.

Delta Health Care Services Grant Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business-Cooperative Service. Provides funding to address unmet health needs in the Mississippi Delta Region through cooperative efforts among healthcare professionals, institutions, and other entities to improve healthcare access and services, including potential support for transport and logistics solution…

Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) is sponsored by Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Global UGRAD Program places small cohorts of participants at a broad range of colleges and universities, including community colleges, land-grant institutions, rural campuses, and Senior Military Institutions, giving participants a 'real American' experience in small towns a…

ANR - NRF Intelligence artificielle pour les biotechnologies is sponsored by French National Research Agency (ANR) and Korean National Research Foundation (NRF). This call promotes collaboration between French and Korean academic researchers to explore and develop AI applications in biotechnology, including bioinformatics and genomics, personalized medicine, precision agriculture, and drug discovery.

Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. The FMPP funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets, which can include educational components. While not solely focused on education, projects can incorporate educational initiatives related to healthy eating or agricultural practices.

Texas Rural Women Grant is a grant from Texas Woman's University Center for Women Entrepreneurs that funds women-owned small businesses in rural Texas counties. The program encourages and enables rural small businesses to undertake new and innovative projects, fostering economic development in underserved communities. Eligible applicants are women-owned businesses located in rural Texas counties with populations under 50,000, established before June 19, 2023. Ten awards of $10,000 each are available for a total of $100,000. The application deadline is June 5, 2026.

Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) is sponsored by USDA. The FMPP helps improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. The money goes to the organization running the market, not to individual vendors. Funds can be used to build a website, run SNAP-matching programs, buy shared equipment, or market the season opening.

Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Pilot/Feasibility Projects Academic Track is sponsored by Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health. Grants for academic/scientific investigators and those newly interested in agricultural safety and health research. Funding supports projects addressing occupational hazards relevant to farmers and farm workers in the Great Plains region, with a focus on work-related stress and mental health, prevention of slips, trips, and falls, equipment/tool safety, and chemical safety.

The 2026 International Joint Initiative for Research Harnessing Disruptive Technologies to Address Global Challenges is a multi-country collaborative funding program coordinated by Canada's IDRC and the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF). The initiative funds international research teams applying disruptive technologies including AI, machine learning, and data science to address global development challenges. Project teams must secure funding from at least three participating organizations and include researchers from Canada and at least one country outside the IDRC consortium. Participating countries include Canada, Ghana, Indonesia, Namibia, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, with each national funding agency setting its own eligibility criteria and maximum grant amounts. The mandatory Notice of Intent was due March 3, 2026, with Letters of Intent due June 9, 2026. This initiative specifically supports research partnerships between the Global North and Global South, leveraging AI and emerging technologies for development impact in areas such as health, agriculture, climate, and governance.

Rural Health Transformation Program - Adoption of a Statewide Closed-Loop Referral System is sponsored by Vermont Agency of Human Services (sub-grant from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services). This subrecipient grant opportunity focuses on procuring, implementing, and managing a digital closed-loop referral platform that facilitates communication among healthcare providers, mental health services, substance use disorder services, and social service providers in Vermont. The goal is to connect patients with community supports, reduce service duplication, and improve accountability.

Rural Health Transformation Tuition Benefit Program is sponsored by Vermont Department of Health, Agency of Human Services and VSAC (funded by a federal grant). This program supports Vermont's rural healthcare workforce by offering tuition benefit awards to individuals pursuing education in eligible health-related fields. Recipients must commit to working in a Vermont healthcare setting, serving a rural community for 5 years after degree completion.

Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) - THRIVE initiative (Arkansas) is sponsored by Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) / Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This program aims to modernize rural healthcare delivery by expanding telehealth access, strengthening emergency medical response systems, and deploying remote patient monitoring technologies.

The USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) 2026 provides $175 million in annual funding for research addressing the needs of the specialty crop industry, with a groundbreaking new $20 million set-aside for mechanization and automation research. For the first time, the SCRI Notice of Funding Opportunity explicitly funds AI-driven automation technologies to help specialty crop growers reduce labor costs, which have been among the most persistent financial pressures in fruit, vegetable, tree nut, and horticulture production. Priority areas include data-driven predictive tools using artificial intelligence, robotics, sensor technologies, precision agriculture, improved mechanization technologies that delay or inhibit ripening, decision support systems, management of quarantine pests, and cybersecurity for agricultural systems. The funding increase was enabled by the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, more than doubling the previous SCRI budget from $80 million to $175 million per year. Applications are due by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on June 15, 2026. This represents the largest federal investment specifically targeting AI and automation in specialty crop agriculture.

Revenue Cycle Management and Billing Technical Assistance for Rural Local Health Departments and Area Agencies on Aging is sponsored by Garrett County Health Department. Provides technical assistance to improve efficiency in local agency operations, focusing on revenue cycle management and billing for rural health departments and area agencies on aging.

Rural Health Transformation Program - Perinatal and Pediatric Behavioral Health Teleconsultation and Education Project is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Health. This inaugural funding opportunity of the Rural Health Transformation Program supports the use of technology to expand access to behavioral health education and consultation services, designed to improve health outcomes for women, infants, and children in rural communities.

Farmed Cervid Chronic Wasting Disease Management and Response Activities Funding Opportunity FY 2026 is sponsored by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This funding opportunity from APHIS aims to control and prevent chronic wasting disease (CWD) in farmed cervids (e. g. , deer and elk). The grants support projects that help states, tribes, universities, and other entities in managing and responding to CWD.

Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) (Tennessee) - Perinatal and Pediatric Behavioral Health Teleconsultation and Education is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Health. This grant opportunity, part of the Tennessee Rural Health Transformation Program, focuses on initiatives related to perinatal and pediatric behavioral health teleconsultation and education to improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural areas.

The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program - Nutrition Incentive Program is sponsored by National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Funds projects to increase purchase and consumption of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants through incentives at point of purchase, addressing food security and nutrition in underserved communities.

Industrial Renovation for Opportunity and New Economic Development (IRONED) Pilot Program is sponsored by Kansas Department of Commerce, Office of Rural Prosperity. This program helps rural Kansas communities revitalize underused industrial and manufacturing buildings and prepare them for new or expanding businesses. Grants support projects in the planning phase that preserve and bring new economic activity to underutilized, vacant or dilapidated industrial and manufacturing facilities, and are intended to close financing gaps.

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a grant from the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) that funds systemic, long-term improvements to healthcare in rural communities across Missouri. Established by Public Law 119-21, this five-year, $50 billion federal investment addresses hospital closures, healthcare worker shortages, and poor health outcomes in rural areas. Missouri's DSS leads the state application alongside the Department of Health and Senior Services and Department of Mental Health. Funded activities span five strategic goals: prevention and chronic disease management, rural health network sustainability, healthcare workforce development, community health hubs, and healthcare technology adoption. Eligible applicants include rural healthcare organizations, hospitals, clinics, community-based organizations, local public health agencies, and other rural health providers in Missouri, with Hub Anchor applicants serving approximately 3–5 county regions. The total Missouri allocation is $216,276,817.66, with a deadline of June 18, 2026.

The Supporting AFR100 Programme - Direct Beneficiary Grants (DBG) scheme is sponsored by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This program aims to strengthen locally led forest and landscape restoration and restoration-based livelihoods and value chains in selected landscapes in Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The MGFSP assists agricultural agencies or departments in eligible states and territories to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food-insecure communities. This is achieved through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations.

Micro-Grants for Food Security Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) assists agricultural agencies or departments in eligible states and territories to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food insecure communities through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operat…

Rural Post Secondary and Economic Development Grant Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Education (via Department of Labor). The purpose of the RPED Grant Program is to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students through development of career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region.

Rural Post Secondary and Economic Development Grant Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education. The purpose of this program is to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students through the development of career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region.

AgrAbility - Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The AgrAbility program works to increase the likelihood that individuals with disabilities, including veterans, and their families engaged in the agricultural enterprise will become more successful. The program supports the provision of assistive technology.

Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program (RPED) is sponsored by U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of the RPED Grant Program is to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students through the development of career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region.

FY27 Rural Support Grant is sponsored by Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA). The Illinois Department on Aging is soliciting to competitively grant for services under the FY2027 Rural Support Grant, aiming to enhance the quality of life for older adults in rural Illinois by addressing specific challenges such as transportation, technology access, and volunteer recruitment.

Open Data Framework Program is sponsored by National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA. This program aims to build frameworks for neutral and secure data repositories and cooperatives where producers, universities, and nonprofit entities can store and share data to foster agricultural innovation, technological progress, production efficiencies, and environmental st…

Community Connect Grants is sponsored by USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS). This program provides financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide, on a "community-oriented connectivity" basis, broadband service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety benefits in t…

Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative (AG2PI) Research Projects is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This initiative focuses on collaborative science to build a community of researchers across both crops and animals to expand knowledge concerning genomes and phenomes of importance to U.S. agriculture. It supports research to study agriculturally significant crops and animals in production environments, fill knowledge gaps in agricultural crop and animal genetics and phenomics, identify and understand relevant genes, and enhance genetic improvement. These goals require interdisciplinary approaches combining advanced computing, automated high-throughput phenotyping and genotyping, and climatic modeling.

Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs is sponsored by USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service. This program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA offers zero-interest loans to local utilities, which they pass to local businesses for job creation and retention. Grants are also provided to establish Revolving Loan Funds.

Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program in Texas is a grant program from USDA Rural Development Texas that funds rural job creation and retention through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities, which pass them to local businesses for projects that create and retain employment in rural areas. USDA also provides grants that utilities use to establish Revolving Loan Funds for additional rural job-focused projects. Eligible applicants are current or former Rural Utilities Service electric or telecommunication borrowers and not-for-profit utilities eligible under the Rural Electrification Act. Applications are accepted quarterly, with the 2026 fourth quarter deadline of June 30, 2026. The USDA Rural Development Texas office administers the program.

Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) Program is a priority designation from the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that gives funding priority to rural development projects that support implementation of multi-jurisdictional regional economic development plans.

EV Fleet Program is sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). PG&E's EV Fleet program helps fleets easily and cost-effectively install charging infrastructure and acquire electric vehicles. It includes incentives, rebates, site design and permitting, construction, and activation. PG&E will construct, own, and maintain electrical infrastructure up to the customer's meter.

Call for Proposals to Support Small-Scale Development Projects (Slovakia Small Grants 2026) is sponsored by Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation. This program supports flexible and locally driven development initiatives that respond directly to the needs of communities in Tanzania across sectors such as quality education, healthcare and social care, good governance, sustainable agriculture, environmental sustainability, a…

Rural Hospital Upgrades and Emergency Care Services Grant is sponsored by North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS). This funding opportunity helps rural hospitals upgrade clinical equipment, strengthen emergency and specialty care services, and keep healthcare closer to home for North Dakotans. Eligible projects include MRI, CT, and ultrasound equipment, emergency and trauma stabilization tools, surgical technology, and more.

Rural Business Development Grant Program - Rural Transportation Systems is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service. This program provides competitive funding for technical assistance and training to improve rural transportation systems, supporting logistics, passenger, and freight movement in rural areas. The grants aim to improve economic conditions in rural areas by enhancing the operation of rural transportation systems through problem-solving activities like market research, product/service improvement, and feasibility studies to assist in transportation needs.

Make it Minnesota Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program is sponsored by Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). This program helps Minnesota consumer packaged goods (CPG) food, beverage, or pet food companies, cooperatives, or Tribal entities grow by matching their investments in a variety of high-impact marketing activities. It reimburses 50% of eligible marketing investments, with specific exceptions for store demos, booth space at Minnesota Pavilion events, and “Walk the Floor” mentorships.

Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2026 is sponsored by Agriculture Department; Rural Business-Cooperative Service. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites applications for loans and grants under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs (REDLG or Programs) for fiscal year (FY) 2026, subject to the availability of funding. This notice is being issued prior to the passage of a FY 2026 Appropriations Act, which may or may not provide funding for this program, to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the Agency time to process applications within FY 2026. Based on FY 2025 appropriated funding and current budget situation, the Agency estimates that approximately $50,000,000 for Loans and $10,000,000 for Grants will be available for FY 2026. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made available through appropriations. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications. Action: Notice. Published in the Federal Register on 2025-09-15. Federal Register document number: 2025-17770.

New Hampshire J-1 Visa Waiver Program is sponsored by New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, New Hampshire Rural Health & Primary Care. Offers a J-1 Visa waiver to foreign physicians who commit to serving for 3 years in an eligible area of New Hampshire, allowing them to remain in the United States.

USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. This grant helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other and the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. It can support the use of telemedicine and telehealth, which is relevant for a hospital offering specialized services like audiology and ENT in a rural setting.

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program is sponsored by USDA Rural Development Florida State Office. This program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) in Florida. These MDOs then use the funds to support the startup and growth of microenterprises through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund and offer training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro-entrepreneurs. Funds for ultimate recipients can be used for working capital, debt refinancing, purchasing equipment and supplies, and improving real estate.

The NSF SBIR/STTR Agricultural Technologies topic funds small business innovation in AI-powered precision agriculture across ten subtopics including Precision Agriculture (AG8), animal and crop genomics, food safety and quality, agricultural sensors, and farm automation. The Precision Agriculture subtopic specifically targets AI and machine learning for variable-rate application, crop health assessment via remote sensing or ground-based sensors, automated scouting systems, yield prediction models, and decision support systems for farming operations. The program seeks disruptive technologies that address challenges in food production, sustainability, and agricultural productivity through computational approaches.

Growing Rural Opportunities for Wellbeing (GROW) Grant Program is sponsored by Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). This program provides competitive regional grants focused on improving health in Indiana's rural communities, addressing issues such as maternal and infant health, access to care, nutritious food availability, chronic disease prevention, and rural health workforce development.

Mississippi Education Policy Fellowship is a grant from Mississippi State University Social Science Research Center that funds an eight-month professional development fellowship for education policy leaders in Mississippi. Fellows gain deep knowledge of local, state, and national education policy, with a focus on rural education contexts and advocacy skills. The priority application deadline is July 1, 2026 for the 2026–2027 cohort. Eligible applicants are educators, administrators, nonprofit leaders, and professionals with a direct interest in education policy from early childhood through higher education and workforce development. Program tuition and travel costs are typically covered by the Fellow's sponsoring organization.

Grants for Food Assistance and Nutrition Education Initiatives is sponsored by Unspecified (found via The Grant Portal). This funding opportunity is focused on addressing food insecurity and related community needs. The organization's mission to empower women through sustainable farming and skills development directly contributes to food security and could include nutrition education.

Anschutz Family Foundation Community Grants is a program from the Anschutz Family Foundation that funds Colorado nonprofits working in crisis intervention, family self-sufficiency, and mental health services. The foundation supports organizations serving both rural and urban Colorado communities. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tax-supported public entities operating in Colorado. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation accepts applications twice annually, with deadlines on January 15 and July 1. First-time applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry before applying.

Telehealth Equipment Expansion is sponsored by Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence. This initiative seeks to expand access to high-quality healthcare services by strengthening telehealth infrastructure across rural, underserved, and medically vulnerable communities in Tennessee. It provides funding for essential telehealth technology to reduce geographic, transportation, and provider access barriers and support innovative models of care delivery.

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.