Tribal Colleges Extension Program Special Emphasis
🏛 National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Tribal Colleges and universities designated as 1994 Institutions by federal legislation. Applicants must be one of the 29 eligible institutions listed by NIFA. This program funds informal, community-focused extension pilot projects at these colleges.
Pilot projects may address emerging community needs like agricultural productivity, food systems, workforce development, public health, or youth leadership. Projects should engage Tribal youth and prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders.
No cost-sharing is required. Applications must be submitted by the institution itself, not by individuals or outside partners.
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Program description
The TCEP-SE under assistance listing 10.517, provides informal, community-focused extension pilot projects at 1994 Institutions. Pilot projects may focus on community needs that address emerging issues such as agricultural productivity, improving food systems, community vitality, workforce and economic development, public health and well-being, engaging Tribal youths, and preparing the next generation of Tribal agriculture leaders.
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/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Institutional eligibility verification
- Letters of support from community partners
Program contact
- 👤 Joseph Perez Lead Policy Analyst
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 202-445-5402
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
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$14,551,901
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$6,114,388
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$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 19 awards $11.3M
- ND 8 awards $6.2M
- OH 2 awards $6.1M
- MN 6 awards $5.1M
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 | $10,507,410 | |
| 2025 | $6,127,578 | |
| 2026 est. | $3,811,800 |
FAQ
Who can apply for TCEP-SE?
Only the 29 federally designated 1994 Tribal Institutions are eligible. Your college must be on NIFA's official list to qualify.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is typically November 2 of the funding year. Check the specific NOFO for exact dates and submission time.
What types of projects does this fund?
Pilot projects addressing agricultural productivity, food systems, workforce development, public health, community vitality, and Tribal youth engagement are supported.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No. This grant does not require matching funds or cost-sharing from your institution.
What is the typical funding range?
Awards typically range from $50,000 to $200,000 per project, with total program funding around $1.5 million.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Show deep community engagement. Describe how Tribal youth, elders, and community leaders informed your project design.
- Connect to strategic priorities. Frame your project around agricultural productivity, food sovereignty, or workforce development that NIFA emphasizes.
- Build on existing assets. Highlight your college's current extension programs, partnerships, or infrastructure to support the pilot.
- Keep it pilot-focused. Clearly explain what you will learn, test, or evaluate during the project period.
- Demonstrate sustainability. Explain how successful results could continue or scale beyond the grant period.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying from an institution not on the official 1994 list. Only the 29 designated Tribal Colleges are eligible. Proposing projects that lack clear extension or community education focus. NIFA expects informal, accessible programming—not formal degree programs. Failing to show Tribal youth engagement or leadership development components.
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