Putting Tribal SovereigntyFunding Opportunities
Grants and funding opportunities are key tools for many Tribes and Tribal producers. However, navigating the list of programs available can be challenging. To help, IFAI staff stay on top of the latest grants and opportunities. Check out the latest list below.
Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program 2026
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
Deadline: October 16, 2026
Description:
The SCMP supports collaborative multi-state partnerships to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through competitively funded projects. A multi-state partnership is a project that implements activities with measurable outcomes that benefit two or more U.S. States and/or Territories along with non-profit entities. The focus is to address regional or national level specialty crop issues, including, but not limited to, food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets. Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments are among the eligible participants.
Bison Production and Marketing Grant Program
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
Deadline: Letter of Intent due June 29, 2026; Full Application due August 10, 2026
Description:
This program provides competitive grants to support bison producers, businesses, and eligible entities in expanding production capacity, improving processing and infrastructure, strengthening market access, and increasing consumer demand for bison products. Funds will support activities across the value chain, including production, regenerative grazing systems, processing, business development, marketing, and education related to bison food products and byproducts.
Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Deadline: August 7, 2026
Description:
Funding is available to make “loans and grants and provide other assistance to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.” Funding will be divided into two separate competitions: (1) for Very Small Processors and Small Processors; (2) Intermediate Processors. $60 million in program funding is available with a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum of $2 million. Eligible applicants include For-Profit Organizations, Nonprofit organizations, Producer-Owned cooperatives, Tribes, and Tribal Entities.
Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Deadline: December 31, 2026
Description:
This program supports the development of research capacity at Tribal colleges in the areas of agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. The objective is to prepare students to be competitive with other students for agricultural-related careers in the private sector, government, and academia. Approximately $11.5 million program funding is available, with a minimum award of $150,000 and a maximum award of $2.5 million.
Community Facilities Program Disaster Repairs Grants
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA Rural Housing Service
Deadline: Applications accepted continually
Description:
This grant is open to eligible participants to repair essential community facilities damaged by Presidentially Declared Disasters that occurred in Calendar Year 2022. USDA’s Rural Development Office will accept applications on a continual basis for the state where the project is located. There is available program funding up to $50 million, and 30 awards are expected to be given. Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments are among the eligible participants.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science Program Department of Agriculture
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Deadline: December 31, 2026
Description:
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) supports grants in six AFRI priority areas: Plant Health and Production and Plant Products; Animal Health and Production and Animal Products; Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health; Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment; Agriculture Systems and Technology; and Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities. Research-only, extension-only, and integrated research, education and/or extension projects are solicited in this request for applications. The minimum award is $10,000 and the maximum award is $10,000,000.
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
Type of Funding Opportunity: Loan and Grant
Agency / Organization: USDA Rural Development
Deadline: Open Year Round
Description:
This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. Federally Recognized Tribes are eligible to apply.