Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships
Description
The purpose of the NNF program, Assistance Listing 10.210, is to provide funding to support new graduate (master’s, DVM, or doctoral) student training and completion of degree programs to develop human capital to participate in meeting the mission of the USDA to increase the pipeline of domestic agricultural students. The NNF program offers funding for eligible full-time students pursuing graduate studies at the master’s, DVM, or doctoral levels within the food and agricultural sciences. The NNF program awards institutional grants to offer funding for eligible full-time students pursuing graduate studies at the master’s, DVM, and/or doctoral levels within the food and agricultural sciences. Fellows must be new graduate students (‘new’ is defined in Part III A); and citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. Awards made by the NNF program are specifically intended to support graduate programs that engage outstanding students who are citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States of America to pursue and complete their degrees in areas where there is a need for the development of scientific and professional expertise in the food and agricultural sciences. NNF awards invest in graduate training and relevant experiential learning for individuals who demonstrate their potential to successfully complete graduate degree programs in disciplines relevant to the mission of the USDA.
Eligibility
See official grant page for eligibility requirements
Industry Tags
About This Grant
The purpose of the NNF program, Assistance Listing 10.210, is to provide funding to support new graduate (master’s, DVM, or doctoral) student training and completion of degree programs to develop human capital to participate in meeting the mission of the USDA to increase the pipeline of domestic agricultural students. The NNF program offers funding for eligible full-time students pursuing graduate studies at the master’s, DVM, or doctoral levels within the food and agricultural sciences. The NNF program awards institutional grants to offer funding for eligible full-time students pursuing graduate studies at the master’s, DVM, and/or doctoral levels within the food and agricultural sciences. Fellows must be new graduate students (‘new’ is defined in Part III A); and citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. Awards made by the NNF program are specifically intended to support graduate programs that engage outstanding students who are citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States of America to pursue and complete their degrees in areas where there is a need for the development of scientific and professional expertise in the food and agricultural sciences. NNF awards invest in graduate training and relevant experiential learning for individuals who demonstrate their potential to successfully complete graduate degree programs in disciplines relevant to the mission of the USDA.
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling
- $705,000
- Award Floor
- $78,000
- Estimated Total Program Funding
- $14,000,000
- Expected Number of Awards
- 28
Eligibility Overview
This opportunity from National Institute of Food and Agriculture is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Agriculture are especially encouraged to review the requirements.
Federal grant opportunities like this one are typically open to a range of applicant types. Common eligible organizations include:
- Nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations
- Small businesses and startups (especially for SBIR/STTR programs)
- State, local, and tribal governments
- Colleges, universities, and research institutions
- Individuals (for select programs in education, arts, and research)
Eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. Always review the official listing before investing time in an application.
How to Apply
- 1
Review the full opportunity
Read the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this National Institute of Food and Agriculture program on its official page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363559).
- 2
Confirm eligibility
Check that your organization meets every requirement set by National Institute of Food and Agriculture — applicant type, location, registration status, and any prior-award restrictions.
- 3
Prepare required documents
Gather your budget narrative, needs statement, organizational details, SAM.gov registration, and any required certifications.
- 4
Submit before the deadline
This opportunity closes on October 15, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early — portal systems are often slow near closing time.
Grant Writing Tips
Proposals for agriculture programs such as those from National Institute of Food and Agriculture are competitive — these tips can strengthen your application:
- ✓Start your application at least 4 weeks before the deadline — rushed proposals score lower.
- ✓Tailor your needs statement to match the funder's stated priorities, using their exact language where possible.
- ✓Have a colleague outside your team review your budget narrative before submitting — fresh eyes catch errors reviewers penalize.
More Grants from National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships?
This opportunity from National Institute of Food and Agriculture is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Agriculture are especially encouraged to review the requirements. Always confirm the full eligibility criteria on the official listing before applying.
How much funding does Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships provide?
Award amounts for Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships range from $78,000 to $705,000.
When is the deadline for Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships?
The application deadline for Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships is October 15, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
How do I apply for Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships?
Apply for Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships through the official grant page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363559). Confirm your eligibility and prepare your application materials before the deadline.
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