Tribal Colleges Extension Program – Capacity Applications
🏛 National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for tribal colleges and universities designated as 1994 Institutions under federal law. Only the 29 eligible tribal institutions listed in the NOFO may apply. Projects must address agriculture, youth development, economic development, healthy lifestyles, natural resources, or other topics important to tribal communities. Extension programs should be informal and community-based.
Applications require participation from the designated tribal college or university. Projects may span multiple topics and target diverse community needs. All applicants must meet federal eligibility requirements by the deadline.
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Program description
The TCEP-CA under assistance listing 10.517, supports informal, community-based extension projects that address agriculture, youths, economic development, healthy lifestyles, natural resources, or other topics important to Tribal communities. This NOFO will begin a new 4-year continuation funding cycle.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (NIFA standard)
- Project narrative/proposal
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of institutional eligibility (1994 designation)
- Letters of support from tribal partners or community leaders
- Proof of nonprofit status (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Catherine Bohnert Grantor
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 816-398-3349
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.517 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$14,551,901
-
$3,424,192
-
$1,087,359
-
$1,065,000
-
$1,065,000
-
$1,065,000
-
$1,065,000
-
$1,065,000
-
$1,065,000
-
$1,065,000
Top States by Funding
- PA 1 awards $14.6M
- MT 18 awards $11.2M
- ND 8 awards $6.2M
- MN 6 awards $5.1M
- SD 5 awards $3.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.517). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $9,555,000 | |
| 2025 | $4,000,935 | |
| 2026 est. | $8,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only the 29 federally-designated 1994 tribal colleges and universities are eligible. Check the NOFO for the complete list of eligible institutions.
What topics can my project address?
Projects can focus on agriculture, youth development, economic development, healthy lifestyles, natural resources, or other topics important to your tribal community.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is August 14, 2026. This is a fixed date with no rolling options.
What is the award amount?
All awards in this cycle are $300,000. There is no variation in funding levels for this program.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing is not required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ensure your institution is on the eligible 1994 tribal college list before investing effort in the application.
- Connect your project directly to tribal community priorities. Describe how extension activities will serve your specific tribal population.
- Emphasize informal, community-based delivery. Show how you'll reach people outside traditional classroom settings.
- Use the 4-year continuation cycle to plan for long-term impact and sustainability of your extension program.
- Partner with tribal organizations, community leaders, and local experts to strengthen your project design and demonstrate broad support.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying from a tribal institution not on the eligible list. Only the 29 designated 1994 colleges qualify. Projects that lack clear connection to actual tribal community needs or priorities. Proposals that treat extension work as formal education rather than informal, community-based learning.
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