Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program
🏛 National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for nonprofits serving military veterans pursuing agriculture careers. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other nonprofit organizations. Institutions of higher education cannot be lead applicants, though they may partner on projects. Individuals cannot apply. Organizations with current or prior AgVets awards are ineligible. Subcontractors and partners need not meet eligibility requirements if necessary for project completion.
The program supports training, skills development, and employment placement in farming, ranching, and agricultural business. Projects should connect veterans with meaningful career opportunities in the food and agricultural sector. Rural communities and military families are priority beneficiaries.
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Program description
The USDA and NIFA continue to take a leadership role in assisting veterans who are interested in pursuing careers in agriculture, while also supporting military families in rural America. As military members complete their tours of duty or transition to Veteran status, many return to rural America ready to farm, ranch, and start new businesses. Job and career opportunities can be difficult to locate. Connecting interested military veterans with meaningful employment is key.
The AgVets program, under assistance listing 10.334, focuses on military veterans interested in pursuing careers across the food and agricultural sector and equipping them with the necessary skills, training, and experience that leads to meaningful employment opportunities, and in turn, strengthens farm finances and rural economies.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (including goals, activities, and veteran employment outcomes)
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Proof of nonprofit status (letter attached to Field 12)
- Letters of support from agricultural employers or partners
- Organizational capacity and past performance documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Angela Tatum Policy Specialist
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 0000000000
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.334 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$889,371
-
$889,322
-
$889,247
-
$888,778
-
$886,806
-
$867,034
-
$866,428
-
$866,428
-
$866,381
-
$862,403
Top States by Funding
- CA 3 awards $2.2M
- IN 2 awards $1.8M
- AZ 2 awards $1.8M
- FL 2 awards $1.6M
- MT 2 awards $1.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.334). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $4,169,421 | |
| 2025 | $2,443,448 | |
| 2026 est. | $2,866,640 |
FAQ
Can universities apply as the lead applicant?
No. Institutions of higher education cannot be lead applicants, but they may serve as partners or subcontractors on projects.
Are individuals eligible to apply?
No. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other nonprofit organizations can apply as lead applicants.
Can I apply if I currently have an AgVets grant?
No. Organizations with current or active AgVets awards are ineligible to apply.
What activities does this grant support?
Training, skills development, employment placement, and career development in farming, ranching, and agricultural business for military veterans.
What is the typical funding range?
Individual awards range from $300,000 to $750,000 per project.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate clear connections between your organization, military veterans, and agriculture careers. Show how you will meaningfully employ veterans.
- Partner strategically with agricultural employers, farms, ranches, or businesses to create real job pathways for participants.
- Include letters of support from employers or agricultural partners committed to hiring trained veterans.
- Detail your organization's experience serving military populations or veterans in rural communities.
- Budget carefully for training delivery, job placement support, and long-term employment tracking to show program impact.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying as an institution of higher education (lead applicant) or individual. Unclear connection between proposed activities and veteran employment outcomes. Insufficient employer partnerships or job placement commitments.
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