Funder Tool Kits: USDA

​Pivot database (USDA saved search) - find, track and share current/anticipated funding opportunities

NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide The guide provided is meant to serve as an example. Refer to and follow the Grants.gov Application Guide provided in the application package on Grants.gov for the specific funding opportunity of interest.

USDA NIFA RFAs - search for a grant opportunity

RFA List - list of USDA competitive RFAs

RFA Calendar - listing of upcoming RFAs

USDA Funding Programs - NIFA programs are the mechanism by which USDA pursues the mission to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. Some programs administer funding and offer leadership while others focus on national leadership and collaboration. For more information on a particular program, use the site’s search tool. Additional details can also be found here: USDA Program Charts. 

Grants.gov (USDA search) - Browse current/forecasted USDA funding opportunities.

• USDA solicitations are typically posted on Grants.gov as well as on the agency-specific funding opportunity websites listed below. If pursuing a USDA funding opportunity, it is wise to subscribe to receive email updates for that opportunity, as it is not unusual for one or more amendments to be posted between the original release date and the due date.

USDA Grant Writing Webinar Series - Includes Grant Writing Tips/Essentials, Peer Review Process, and more.

USDA Funder Overview

NIFA Grant Training Guide - NIFA is committed to providing the guidance you need to navigate all stages of the grant process. Selected items from the guide are included below:

• Grant Writing Tips for Success
• Logic Model Planning 

NIFA Higher Education Challenge Grants Planning Guide

SDA/NIFA Grants Process Lifecycle - From submission through award closeout, divided by primary funding mechanism.

NIFA Peer Review Process

Grant Mechanisms - NIFA supports research, education, and extension activities through three primary grant mechanisms: competitive grant, capacity grant, and non-competitive grant.

• Applying for a grant consists of three steps: (1) Search for a funding opportunity, (2) Determine whether you and your organization are eligible for the funding opportunity you’ve identified, (3) Apply for a grant.
• Each of the three steps varies slightly based on the type of funding for which you apply. Differences in procedures for the primary funding mechanisms are noted in the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide and the specific RFA.
• For additional information, see the Appy to NIFA website and the FAQs on applying for a grant.

Grants Modernization and the new ezFedGrants System - NIFA is using ezFedGrants, a web-based system, to support this initiative. EzFedGrants is a grants and financial management system used by several USDA agencies.

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Annual Report (2018 is most current report) - Selections from the report are included below:

• NIFA 2018 - 2022 Strategic Plan
• Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) - Information and impacts
• Science Emphasis Areas
• Selected Impact Reports by Emphasis Area
• NIFA Annual Report Archives

NIFA: How We Work - Information on the three-pronged strategy to integrate research, education, and extension 

USDA NIFA Topics - The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) supports research, educational, and extension efforts in a wide range of scientific fields related to agricultural and behavioral sciences. To address contemporary agricultural challenges, we seek to catalyze transformative discoveries and enhance education and engagement.

NIFA Challenge Areas - NIFA supports research, education, and extension in five challenge areas. These challenge areas include childhood obesity, food safety, changing climate, sustainable bioenergy, and water for food production.  This page provides details on each of these areas and their strategic goals.

NIFA Organizational Structure - Includes offices, institutes, and divisions 

USDA Resources - This website houses a large volume of supporting materials, including a wide range of forms, webinars, reports, and other resources. Also at this website is the agency’s primary events calendar.

USDA NIFA Impacts - See featured success stories on USDA-funded research activities. Highlights groundbreaking discoveries and societal impacts of partners’ work. More examples of success stories are featured in NIFA’s Fresh from the Field newsletter and on Twitter, #NIFAImpacts