Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 003625
Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 003625
- The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (DEG)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.322 Distance Education Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 29, 2011 and posted on Dec 29, 2011.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 1, 2012. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $750,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $750,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Applications may only be submitted by an Eligible Institution. For the purposes of the DEG grants program, an eligible institution means an institution of higher education, as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1995 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)), that is located in an Insular Area and that has a demonstrable capacity to carry out teaching and extension programs in the food and agricultural sciences. Individual land grant colleges and universities, and other institutions that have secured land grant status through Federal legislation, and which are located in Insular Areas are automatically eligible for awards under the DEG grants program, either as direct applicants or as parties to a consortium agreement.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (DEG) is a competitive grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Its central goal is to strengthen the ability of colleges and universities located in U.S. insular areas to deliver strong food and agricultural sciences education by using distance education technologies. In practical terms, the program is meant to help eligible institutions expand or improve resident instruction, curriculum, and teaching programs in agriculture and related disciplines by leveraging online learning, telecommunications, and other technology-enabled approaches that can overcome geographic isolation and limited local resources.
This opportunity falls under the discretionary funding category and uses the standard grant funding instrument. The funding activity category is agriculture education, and it is listed under CFDA 10.322 (Distance Education Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas). The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, which reduces the financial barrier to participation and makes it easier for resource-constrained institutions to apply and implement projects without needing to secure additional non-federal contributions.
The total estimated funding amount for the cycle described in the notice is $750,000. Awards are expected to range from a floor of $70,000 up to a ceiling of $750,000, meaning a single large project could potentially receive the full available amount, or the funds could be distributed across multiple projects depending on NIFA's award decisions and the number and strength of applications received. The opportunity was posted on December 29, 2011, with an application closing date of March 1, 2012, and it was later archived on March 31, 2012, indicating this specific announcement pertains to that historical competition window rather than an open, current solicitation.
Eligibility is limited and highly specific. Applications may only be submitted by an "Eligible Institution," defined as an institution of higher education (as defined under Section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1995, 20 U.S.C. 1001(a)) that is located in an insular area and that can demonstrate capacity to conduct teaching and extension programs in the food and agricultural sciences. Importantly, individual land-grant colleges and universities, as well as other institutions that have obtained land-grant status through federal legislation and are located in insular areas, are automatically eligible. These entities can apply directly or participate as members of a consortium, allowing multiple organizations to collaborate under a shared proposal structure when that approach better fits regional needs and capabilities.
From a program design standpoint, DEG is oriented toward improving formal, postsecondary agricultural sciences education in places where distance, infrastructure constraints, and limited faculty specialization can restrict access to robust coursework and training. While the notice does not list specific project types in the excerpt provided, the stated purpose signals support for efforts like developing distance-delivered courses and degree pathways, modernizing curriculum for online or hybrid formats, upgrading instructional delivery systems, and strengthening teaching capacity through technology that enables high-quality instruction across islands and remote communities. Overall, the program is positioned as a capacity-building investment: it aims to help insular-area institutions deliver stronger agricultural education outcomes by making modern, technology-supported instruction more feasible and more effective.
For applicant support and technical access issues, NIFA provided a help desk contact for those unable to access the full announcement electronically. The notice includes NIFA Help Desk phone support at 202-401-5048 during standard federal business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays). The announcement also indicates there is a channel for questions related to preparing application content, though the provided excerpt cuts off before listing full details for that specific point of contact.
Key identifiers for this specific posting include Funding Opportunity Number USDA NIFA RIGP 003625 and the title "Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (DEG)."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (DEG)?
The Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (DEG) is a competitive grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Its purpose is to strengthen the ability of colleges and universities in U.S. insular areas to deliver high-quality food and agricultural sciences education through distance education technologies.
2. What is the main goal of the DEG program?
The central goal is to improve agricultural and related education in insular areas by helping eligible institutions expand or improve resident instruction, curriculum, and teaching programs using technology-enabled approaches (such as online learning and telecommunications) that help overcome geographic isolation and limited local resources.
3. Which federal agency administers this grant opportunity?
This grant opportunity is administered by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
4. Is this a competitive grant or a non-competitive award?
DEG is described as a competitive grant opportunity, meaning applications are reviewed and selected based on the strength of proposals and NIFA's award decisions.
5. What funding type and grant instrument does DEG use?
The opportunity falls under the discretionary funding category and uses the standard grant funding instrument.
6. What is the CFDA number for this program?
The program is listed under CFDA 10.322, titled "Distance Education Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas."
7. What is the funding activity category for this grant?
The funding activity category is agriculture education.
8. Does DEG require cost sharing or matching funds?
No. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, which can reduce barriers for resource-constrained institutions.
9. How much total funding was estimated for the cycle described in this notice?
The total estimated funding amount for the cycle described in the notice is $750,000.
10. What is the award size range for DEG?
Awards were expected to range from a minimum (floor) of $70,000 to a maximum (ceiling) of $750,000.
11. Could a single award receive the full $750,000?
Yes. Based on the stated ceiling of $750,000 and the total estimated funding of $750,000, a single large project could potentially receive the entire amount, although funds could also be distributed across multiple projects depending on award decisions and application quality.
12. When was this funding opportunity posted, and what was the application deadline?
The opportunity was posted on December 29, 2011, and the application closing date was March 1, 2012.
13. Is this announcement still open for applications?
No. The notice was archived on March 31, 2012. That indicates this particular posting refers to a historical competition window rather than an open, current solicitation.
14. Who is eligible to apply for the DEG program?
Eligibility is limited to an "Eligible Institution," defined as an institution of higher education (as defined under Section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1995, 20 U.S.C. 1001(a)) that is located in an insular area and can demonstrate capacity to conduct teaching and extension programs in the food and agricultural sciences.
15. Are land-grant institutions in insular areas eligible?
Yes. Individual land-grant colleges and universities, as well as other institutions that have obtained land-grant status through federal legislation and are located in insular areas, are automatically eligible.
16. Can applicants apply as part of a consortium?
Yes. Eligible entities may apply directly or participate as members of a consortium, allowing multiple organizations to collaborate under a shared proposal structure when that approach fits regional needs and capabilities.
17. What kinds of activities or projects does the DEG program support?
While the excerpt does not list specific project types, the stated purpose indicates support for efforts that strengthen distance-delivered agricultural education. Examples consistent with the notice's purpose include developing distance-delivered courses and degree pathways, modernizing curriculum for online or hybrid delivery, upgrading instructional delivery systems, and strengthening teaching capacity through technology to improve access across islands and remote communities.
18. What education level or program area is DEG focused on?
The program is oriented toward improving formal, postsecondary food and agricultural sciences education delivered by colleges and universities in insular areas, especially where geography and limited local resources restrict access to robust coursework and training.
19. What problem is this program designed to address in insular areas?
The program is designed to help overcome barriers such as geographic isolation, infrastructure constraints, and limited faculty specialization by making technology-supported instruction more feasible and effective.
20. What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this specific posting?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed in the notice is USDA NIFA RIGP 003625.
21. What is the official title of this funding opportunity?
The title is "Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (DEG)."
22. Where can applicants get help if they cannot access the full announcement electronically?
NIFA provided a help desk contact for those unable to access the full announcement electronically.
23. What is the NIFA Help Desk phone number and hours?
The NIFA Help Desk phone number is 202-401-5048. Support is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays.
24. Is there a contact for questions about preparing application content?
The notice indicates there is a channel for questions related to preparing application content, but the excerpt provided cuts off before listing the full details for that point of contact.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NIFA RIGP 003625) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Higher Education Challenge (HEC) Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA CGP 003668 Funding Number: USDA NIFA CGP 003668 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Malawi Local Capacity Development Initiative Apply for APS 612 12 000001 Funding Number: APS 612 12 000001 Agency: Malawi USAID Lilongwe Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Capacity Building Grants for Non Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA) Apply for USDA NIFA NLGCA 003809 Funding Number: USDA NIFA NLGCA 003809 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate Fellowship Grants Apply for USDA NIFA HEP 003849 Funding Number: USDA NIFA HEP 003849 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $262,000 |
| Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program Apply for USDA NIFA HEMS 003871 Funding Number: USDA NIFA HEMS 003871 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Aligning and Elevating University Based Low Income Nutrition Education Apply for USDA NIFA EXCA 003872 Funding Number: USDA NIFA EXCA 003872 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Higher Education Challenge Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA CGP 003954 Funding Number: USDA NIFA CGP 003954 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Secondary Education, Two Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K 12 Classroom Challenge Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA SAECP 003955 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SAECP 003955 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 004068 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 004068 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $850,000 |
| Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP) Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 004030 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 004030 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $2,800,000 |
| Children, Youth and Families at Risk Sustainable Community Projects Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 004088 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 004088 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $160,000 |
| Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (DEG) Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 004090 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 004090 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Capacity Building Grants for Non Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program Apply for USDA NIFA NLGCA 004248 Funding Number: USDA NIFA NLGCA 004248 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| National Needs Graduate Fellowship Grant Program Apply for USDA NIFA HEP 004338 Funding Number: USDA NIFA HEP 004338 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $262,500 |
| Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program Apply for USDA NIFA HEMS 004337 Funding Number: USDA NIFA HEMS 004337 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 004414 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 004414 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $110,000 |
| Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (DEG) Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 004413 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 004413 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $70,000 |
| Higher Education Challenge Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA CGP 004425 Funding Number: USDA NIFA CGP 004425 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Secondary Education, Two Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K 12 Classroom Challenge Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA SAECP 004424 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SAECP 004424 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Children, Youth, and Families At Risk (CYFAR) Sustainable Community Projects Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 004490 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 004490 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $175,000 |
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