Opportunity Information: Apply for OPPE 017

The Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers grant opportunity (commonly known as the "2501 Program") is a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative administered through the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE). Its core purpose is to expand access and participation in USDA agricultural, forestry, and related programs for groups that have historically faced barriers, specifically socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, veteran farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers. In practical terms, the program is meant to help these producers strengthen their ability to own and operate farms and ranches, build viable agricultural businesses, and engage on an equal footing with the full suite of USDA services and programs.

The opportunity funds projects that focus on outreach, education, and hands-on assistance. Competitive proposals generally center on training and technical support in areas like production agriculture, agribusiness development, forestry, and other agriculture-related services, along with targeted guidance on how to navigate USDA programs. A notable element is the emphasis on connecting participants directly to USDA resources, including helping them understand eligibility requirements, application steps, and how to make effective use of USDA tools and services. The description also makes clear that youth engagement can be part of the work: projects may include activities aimed at developing socially disadvantaged youth interest in agriculture, which can support longer-term pipelines into farming and agricultural careers.

A distinctive feature of this grant is the expectation of active partnership and coordination with USDA, particularly OPPE. Applicants are expected to work closely with OPPE during the project, participate in OPPE-led events within the proposed service territory, and collaborate with local USDA Service Centers in the state. These Service Centers include the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Rural Development, which are often the key entry points for producers seeking loans, conservation assistance, disaster programs, and rural business support. The collaboration requirement signals that projects should not operate in isolation; instead, they should be structured to connect underserved and veteran producers to on-the-ground USDA staff and programs in a sustained, practical way.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a mandatory grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number OPPE 017) listed under CFDA 10.443. The eligible applicant pool is broad and includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized tribal governments, other tribal organizations, and nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in the nonprofit category). The award ceiling is $750,000, and the agency anticipated making about 50 awards under this announcement. The opportunity was posted on March 10, 2022, with an original closing date of June 8, 2022.

Overall, the grant is designed for organizations that can credibly reach underserved, veteran, and beginning producers, deliver culturally competent and practical education or technical assistance, and demonstrate real coordination with USDA offices so that participants not only receive training, but also successfully engage with USDA programs and services that can support farm and ranch viability over time.

  • The Department of Agriculture, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagements in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) 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 Mar 10, 2022.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 08, 2022. (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 50 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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