Opportunity Information: Apply for OPPE 016
The Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers grant (often referred to as the "2501 Program") is a USDA funding opportunity for fiscal year 2021 designed to expand practical, on-the-ground support for underserved farming communities. The program focuses on helping socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, veteran farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers strengthen their ability to own and operate farms and ranches, while also improving their ability to participate fairly in the full range of USDA agricultural, forestry, and related assistance programs. In plain terms, the grant is meant to fund projects that remove barriers to information, training, and program access that can keep these producers from fully benefiting from USDA resources.
Funding is offered as a mandatory grant under CFDA 10.443 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, specifically the DM-Office of Advocacy and Outreach (OPPE). The opportunity was posted on July 26, 2021, with an application deadline of August 25, 2021. Individual awards can be as high as $750,000, and USDA anticipated making around 200 awards, signaling an intent to support a wide range of projects across multiple states and service areas rather than concentrating funds in only a few large initiatives.
Eligible applicants are organizations that already have the capacity and community connections to deliver outreach and technical assistance. That includes community-based and nonprofit organizations (both those with 501(c)(3) status and those without it), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized Tribal governments, and other eligible Tribal organizations. The common thread across these applicant types is that USDA is looking for entities positioned to reach producers who may be overlooked by traditional service delivery and to provide credible education, training, and navigation support that translates into real participation in USDA programs.
The funded activities are centered on outreach, education, and technical assistance in agriculture and closely related areas. Projects may provide training in agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, and agriculturally related services, while also helping producers understand and successfully engage with USDA offerings. This can include practical guidance on what programs exist, how to apply, what documentation is needed, and how to follow through once enrolled. The overall goal is not just general education, but measurable progress toward producers being able to access and use USDA programs and services on equitable terms.
A key feature of this opportunity is the expectation of coordination with USDA partners rather than working in isolation. Grant recipients are expected to work in partnership with OPPE, including staying engaged in OPPE-led events in the applicant's proposed service territory. Recipients are also expected to collaborate with their State Food and Agriculture Council (SFAC), which brings together leadership from three major USDA components operating in each state: the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Rural Development. This emphasis on collaboration signals that USDA wants projects that connect producers directly to the agencies and programs they will actually use, and that build durable relationships and referral pathways instead of one-time, stand-alone workshops.
Overall, this opportunity funds projects that help underserved and beginning producers build knowledge, skills, and confidence while lowering practical barriers to participation in USDA programs. It targets organizations and institutions that can deliver trusted outreach, culturally and locally relevant assistance, and hands-on support that leads to stronger farm and ranch operations and more equitable access to federal agricultural resources.Apply for OPPE 016
- The Department of Agriculture, DM-Office of Advocacy and Outreach in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.443.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 26, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 25, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $750,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 200 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.
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| USAID Feed the Future (FTF): PREMIER - Promoting Innovative and Resilient Agriculture Market Systems Apply for 72065622RFA00001 Funding Number: 72065622RFA00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Mozambique USAID-Maputo Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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| Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program Apply for TM SPRS 21 001 Funding Number: TM SPRS 21 001 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $30,694,746 |
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| Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program Apply for USDA NIFA FASLP 008741 Funding Number: USDA NIFA FASLP 008741 Agency: Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $225,000 |
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| Specialty Crop Block Grant Program – Farm Bill Apply for USDA AMS TM SCBGP G 22 0003 Funding Number: USDA AMS TM SCBGP G 22 0003 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $23,268,871 |
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