RFPs: Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program 2025 (United States)

The purpose of the Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program (SLSNCGP), Assistance Listing 10.511, is to support innovative, education-based approaches to address disaster preparedness and specific responses related to disasters or disaster threats caused by natural, human-made, or technological hazards, or by other factors that contribute to the exposure or vulnerability of a community.

The goals and objectives of SLSNCGP include supporting quality of life in communities across the U.S. by addressing disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation in food and agricultural systems.

Goals

• Combat Climate Change to Support America’s Working Lands, Natural Resources, and Communities
• Ensure America’s Agricultural System is Equitable, Resilient, and Prosperous
• Expand Opportunities for Economic Development and Improve Quality of Life in Rural and Tribal Communities

Priority Areas

• Accelerating Innovative Technologies & Practices
• Driving Climate-Smart Solutions
• Bolstering Nutrition Security & Health
• Cultivating Resilient Ecosystems
• Translating Research Into Action

Topics

• SLSNCGP projects must address at least one of these Topical Areas:
  • Agriculture: Includes but is not limited to row crop and forage health and production; livestock health and production; aquaculture; fruit and vegetable production; food loss and waste; farm and agribusiness management; economics; urban agriculture; farm safety; and agricultural biosecurity.
  • Natural Resources: Includes but is not limited to water; forestry; wood sciences; range; waste management; energy, wildlife; recreation; and environmental education.
  • Community and Economic Development: Includes but is not limited to small business; workforce development; community planning; place making; revitalization; tourism; visioning and strategic planning; leadership development; housing; homeowner education; civic engagement; volunteerism; broadband; and rural life.
  • Family and Consumer Sciences: Includes but is not limited to nutrition; food safety; food loss and waste; nutrition security; health management and wellness; health equity; well-being; mental health; personal and family finance; child development; early childhood education; individual and family relationships; textiles; and hospitality.
  • 4-H and Youth Development: Includes but is not limited to youth development; career exploration; civic engagement; STEM education; and volunteerism.

Types of Grants

• Standard Grant: Supports targeted original scientific Research, Education/Teaching, Extension, or Integrated Projects.
• Planning Grant: Supports early-stage investment in a new, startup project that is aligned with the purpose and priorities of the grant program.

Funding Information

• The anticipated amount available for Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grant Program (SLSNCGP) in FY 2025 is $459,000.
• Standard Grant:
  • Grant Amount: $20,000 – $115,000.
  • Duration: 12-36 Months
• Planning Grant:
  • Grant Amount: $10,000 – $30,000.
  • Duration: 12 months

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants for the for the Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grant Program (SLSNCGP) must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA.
• Applications may only be submitted by 1862 Land-grant Institutions in the 50 states and the U.S. territories, American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. The 1862 Land-grant Institutions may partner with each other as well as with other Land-grant Institutions (e.g., 1890s and 1994s), non- land-grant institutions, and non-governmental organizations within their state or their region on joint proposals.

For more information, visit USDA-NIFA.