[National Institute of Food and Agriculture](https://www.nifa.usda.gov)

June 1, 2026 (Full application deadline, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time)

$20,000–$115,000 per award | ~5 awards | Total program funding: $459,564 | 100% match required

Supports innovative, education-based projects to enhance disaster preparedness and response in communities through the Cooperative Extension System.

--- ## Description This program funds projects that develop and deliver innovative, education-based approaches to disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for communities at risk from natural, human-made, or technological disasters. The focus is on leveraging the Cooperative Extension System to enhance community resilience by providing timely, science-based information and educational resources. Projects should address at least one topical area (e.g., agriculture, natural resources, community and economic development, family and consumer sciences, or youth development) and use at least one strategy (e.g., program/resource development, training, communications, disaster planning, or professional development). Proposals are encouraged to demonstrate replicability and scalability, and may build upon or add to existing resources such as the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN). --- ## Due Dates - June 1, 2026: Full application deadline (applications due by 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total program funding: $459,564 - Award range: $20,000 to $115,000 per project - Approximately 5 awards expected - 100% cost sharing or matching required --- ## Eligibility - Only 1862 Land-grant Institutions in the 50 states and U.S. territories (including American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) are eligible to apply. - Applications must be submitted with approval from the Extension Director of the institution. - Eligible institutions can submit proposals on behalf of their own students or faculty and manage the project primarily with their own personnel. - Subcontracts to non-eligible organizations are allowed if necessary for the project. - Collaboration with other Land-grant Institutions (e.g., 1890s, 1994s), non-Land-grant Institutions, and non-governmental organizations within the state or region is permitted. --- ## Application Process - No letter of intent is required. - Applications must be submitted by 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time on June 1, 2026, via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361738). - Proposals should address at least one topical area and one strategy as detailed in the program announcement. - A Data Management Plan (DMP) is required. - A 100% match (cost sharing) is mandatory. - For projects adding to the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Resource Dashboard, applicants are encouraged to coordinate with EDEN executive officers and secure a commitment letter. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should align with USDA priorities, including supporting American farmers, expanding domestic markets, protecting agriculture, promoting soil health, and improving human health through nutrition. - NIFA encourages stakeholder engagement and the involvement of agricultural leaders in the peer review process. - Reasonable accommodation and language access services are available upon request at least 10 days before the deadline. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Full Announcement](https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/smith-lever-special-needs-competitive-grants-program) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361738) - [Previously Funded Projects](http://portal.nifa.usda.gov/enterprise-search/ss/2519) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Program/Content Questions | [grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov](mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov) | | Accessibility/Technical Issues | [grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov](mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov) | | NIFA General Contact | [Contact NIFA](https://www.nifa.usda.gov/contact-us) | ---

Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program

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