Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA HSI 006951
The Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Education Grants Program is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA). Its main goal is to spark and support innovative education and teaching projects that can measurably improve outcomes for underrepresented students and, importantly, serve as replicable models that other institutions can adopt at a regional or national level. The program sits within the agriculture-related federal assistance area (CFDA 10.223) and focuses on strengthening education pathways tied to the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (often grouped as FANH sciences).
At its core, the program is designed to build stronger pipelines into FANH careers by helping institutions recruit, retain, and support both undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented groups. That includes efforts that prepare students for real-world career opportunities in FANH fields across the United States, whether those careers are in government agencies, industry, nonprofits, or other private-sector employers. In addition to student-focused supports, the program emphasizes raising the quality of postsecondary instruction in these disciplines, which can include improving curriculum, teaching methods, training and professional development for faculty, and other learning innovations that make instruction more effective and more relevant to workforce needs.
Another central theme is expanding access and exposure to FANH careers by creating concrete opportunities that connect students to the field. While the notice does not list specific required activities in the excerpt provided, the stated purpose clearly points toward projects that strengthen career readiness and broaden participation, such as partnerships, experiential learning, or structured pathways that help students move from education into employment. The program also encourages alignment and collaboration between HSIs and other nonprofit organizations so that student academic development and career attainment efforts are coordinated rather than isolated. In practice, this points to projects that build sustainable networks, shared resources, or joint initiatives that support underrepresented students over time.
Eligibility is limited: only institutions that qualify as Hispanic-Serving Institutions may apply, and applicants must meet all requirements in the program's Request for Applications (RFA). To be considered an HSI for this opportunity, an institution must have at least 25 percent undergraduate full-time Hispanic enrollment. The funding instrument is a grant, with an award ceiling listed as $1,000,000. The opportunity was created on September 20, 2019, under funding opportunity number USDA NIFA HSI 006951, with an original closing date of January 30, 2020.Apply for USDA NIFA HSI 006951
- The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Hispanic-Serving Institutions - Education Grants Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.223.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2019-09-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-01-30. (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 $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Education Grants Program (USDA NIFA) - FAQs
What is the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Education Grants Program?
The HSI Education Grants Program is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA). It supports innovative education and teaching projects intended to measurably improve outcomes for underrepresented students and produce models that can be replicated by other institutions regionally or nationally.
What is the main purpose of this grant program?
The program is designed to spark and support innovative education and teaching efforts that strengthen education pathways connected to food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH sciences). A key expectation is that funded projects will generate results that can be adopted by other institutions beyond the original grantee.
Which federal assistance area does this program fall under?
This opportunity sits within the agriculture-related federal assistance area CFDA 10.223.
What subject areas or disciplines does the program focus on?
The program focuses on education pathways tied to food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH sciences).
Who is the intended student population for program impacts?
The program emphasizes measurable improvements for underrepresented students, with a strong focus on recruiting, retaining, and supporting undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented groups as they prepare for FANH careers.
What kinds of student outcomes is the program trying to improve?
Based on the stated goals, the program aims to improve outcomes connected to recruitment, retention, academic support, and preparation for real-world career opportunities in FANH fields for underrepresented students.
How does the program relate to career readiness and workforce needs?
The program is intended to build stronger pipelines into FANH careers by helping students prepare for employment opportunities across the United States. It also emphasizes making postsecondary instruction more effective and more relevant to workforce needs.
What types of employers or sectors are FANH career pathways associated with under this program?
The opportunity description highlights FANH careers across the United States in government agencies, industry, nonprofits, and other private-sector employers.
Does the program support improving teaching and instruction?
Yes. A central theme is raising the quality of postsecondary instruction in FANH disciplines. The description notes examples such as improving curriculum, enhancing teaching methods, and providing training and professional development for faculty, along with other learning innovations.
Are there specific required project activities listed?
The excerpt provided does not list specific required activities. However, the stated purpose points toward projects that strengthen career readiness and broaden participation, potentially through approaches such as partnerships, experiential learning, or structured pathways from education into employment.
Is collaboration encouraged as part of this grant program?
Yes. The program encourages alignment and collaboration between HSIs and other nonprofit organizations so that efforts supporting students' academic development and career attainment are coordinated rather than isolated. The description suggests this may involve sustainable networks, shared resources, or joint initiatives.
Who is eligible to apply for this funding?
Eligibility is limited to institutions that qualify as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and that meet all requirements described in the program's Request for Applications (RFA).
How is an institution defined as an HSI for this opportunity?
To be considered an HSI for this opportunity, an institution must have at least 25 percent undergraduate full-time Hispanic enrollment.
What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $1,000,000.
Which federal agency and sub-agency offer this grant?
This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number provided is USDA NIFA HSI 006951.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on September 20, 2019.
What was the original closing date for applications?
The original closing date listed is January 30, 2020.
What does it mean that this is a "discretionary" grant opportunity?
The description identifies the program as a discretionary grant opportunity, meaning it is a competitive funding opportunity administered by the agency under its grantmaking authority (as described in the opportunity notice).
Do applicants have to follow any additional application requirements?
Yes. Applicants must meet all requirements in the program's Request for Applications (RFA), in addition to meeting the HSI eligibility threshold described in the opportunity information.
What makes a project a good fit based on the program description?
Based on the information provided, strong-fit projects are those that (1) measurably improve outcomes for underrepresented students, (2) strengthen pathways into FANH education and careers, (3) enhance the quality and relevance of postsecondary instruction, and (4) produce replicable models that other institutions can adopt at a regional or national level.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture
Next opportunity: U.S. Agency for International Development/Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance/Office of Food for Peace Annual Program Statement for Multi-Year International Emergency Food Assistance
Previous opportunity: Bioinformatics Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellowship in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (F32)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for USDA NIFA HSI 006951
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NIFA HSI 006951) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Higher Education Challenge (HEC) Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA CGP 006950 Funding Number: USDA NIFA CGP 006950 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Input into Planning for USAID/Lebanon Office of Economic Growth on Agriculture and Rural Empowerment Programming Apply for RFI 268 19 EG 01 Funding Number: RFI 268 19 EG 01 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 006910 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 006910 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions Apply for USDA NIFA ICGP 007010 Funding Number: USDA NIFA ICGP 007010 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative Apply for USDA NIFA ICGP 007012 Funding Number: USDA NIFA ICGP 007012 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Request for Information - Food Security and Resilience Apply for 72052120RFI00001 Funding Number: 72052120RFI00001 Agency: Haiti USAID-Port Au Prince Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2020 Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program Apply for USDA NIFA BFR 006970 Funding Number: USDA NIFA BFR 006970 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Apply for USDA NIFA WAMS 007011 Funding Number: USDA NIFA WAMS 007011 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Foundational and Applied Science Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 007052 Funding Number: USDA NIFA AFRI 007052 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA BRAP 007072 Funding Number: USDA NIFA BRAP 007072 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP) Apply for USDA NIFA VSGP 007172 Funding Number: USDA NIFA VSGP 007172 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Special Research Grants Program - Aquaculture Research Apply for USDA NIFA SRGP 007192 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SRGP 007192 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| FY 2020 FY2021 SBIR Phase II RFA Apply for USDA NIFA SBIR 007194 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SBIR 007194 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $650,000 |
| Food Safety Outreach Competitive Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA FSMA 007213 Funding Number: USDA NIFA FSMA 007213 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Education and Workforce Development Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 007252 Funding Number: USDA NIFA AFRI 007252 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| USAID/Tanzania Horticulture Activity RFI Apply for RFI 720621 20 HORT Funding Number: RFI 720621 20 HORT Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $39,000,000 |
| Regional Food System Partnerships Apply for USDA AMS TM RFSP G 20 0009 Funding Number: USDA AMS TM RFSP G 20 0009 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA TCRGP 007272 Funding Number: USDA NIFA TCRGP 007272 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program Apply for USDA NIFA SCRI 007332 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SCRI 007332 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Community Food Projects Program Apply for USDA NIFA CFP 007312 Funding Number: USDA NIFA CFP 007312 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $400,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "USDA NIFA HSI 006951", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.