Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

The overall goal of the 2501 Program is to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, veteran farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers with owning and operating farms and ranches and in participating equitably in the full range of agricultural, forestry, and related programs offered by USDA. In partnership with the OPPE, eligible entities may compete for funding on projects that provide education and training in agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, agriculturally related services, and USDA programs, and to conduct outreach initiatives designed to accomplish those goals. This partnership includes working closely with OPPE, attend OPPE-led events in your proposed service territory, and collaborate with USDA Service Centers located in your state (Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Rural Development).

Any community-based organization, network, or coalition of community-based organizations with documented evidence of working with and on behalf of socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers during the 3-year period preceding this application cycle and does not or has not engaged in activities prohibited under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; an 1890 or 1994 institution of higher education (as defined in 7 U.S.C. § 7601); a Hispanic-Serving Institution of higher education (as defined in 7 U.S.C. § 3103); American Indian tribal community colleges and universities and Alaska Native cooperatives colleges; other institutions of higher education with documented experience in providing agricultural education or services to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers; Indian tribes or national tribal organizations with documented experience in providing agricultural education or services to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers; organizations or institutions that received funding under 7 U.S.C. § 2279(a) with respect to projects that the Secretary considers similar to projects previously carried out by the organization or institution under this subsection.

A farmer or rancher who is a member of one or more of the following groups whose members have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities: African-Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asians, and Pacific Islanders. Beneficiaries also include military veterans. The Secretary of Agriculture will determine on a case-by-case basis whether additional groups qualify under this definition.

Eligible entities whose proposals meet the threshold criteria stated in the Notice of Funding Opportunity will be reviewed. Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by a Review Panel which rates the qualification of applicants and the merit of proposals. Funding decisions will be based on the Panel's ranking scores of each proposal. Final funding decisions will be made by the designated approving official.

Proposals must be received by the deadline indicated on the Notice of Funding Opportunity posted on www.grants.gov. Proposals received after the posted deadline will not be considered for funding.