Agricultural Education Grant Resources

Federal Grant Portals

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

The USDA's primary source for agricultural education funding opportunities, including workforce development, school-based agriculture programs, STEM agriculture initiatives, and community education projects.

Apply and search opportunities:
https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities

Learn how to apply:
https://www.nifa.usda.gov/apply-grant

Grants.gov

The official federal grant portal where educators, schools, nonprofits, and educational organizations can search and submit applications for thousands of federal grants.

Search grants:
https://www.grants.gov

USDA grant opportunities:
https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-making-agencies/u-s-department-of-agriculture-usda

School Garden & Farm-to-School Funding

USDA Farm to School Grants

Supports school gardens, agricultural education, nutrition programs, local food sourcing, greenhouse projects, and hands-on agricultural learning.

Program information:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/f2s/farm-school-grant-program

Agricultural Science & STEM Education Funding

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)

Supports projects that develop the next generation of agricultural professionals through education, workforce development, and innovative teaching programs.

Funding opportunities:
https://www.nifa.usda.gov/search-grant

State-Level Agricultural Education Grants

Most state Departments of Agriculture offer agricultural literacy grants, school garden funding, STEM agriculture initiatives, and youth agriculture programs.

Find your state's Department of Agriculture:
https://www.nasda.org/about-nasda/state-departments-of-agriculture

Before You Apply

Many grant programs require:

  • A clearly defined educational project

  • Budget estimates

  • Student impact goals

  • Administrative approval from your school or district

  • Registration through Grants.gov for federal applications

Tip: Projects involving hydroponics, greenhouse education, environmental science, food systems, agricultural technology, and workforce development often align well with current funding priorities.