Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA HEMS 005355
Apply for USDA NIFA HEMS 005355
- The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.220 Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Grant Program.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 29, 2015 and posted on Jul 29, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 31, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $868,720.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Pursuant to section 1417 of the NARETPA of 1977 (99 Stat. 1548 7 U.S.C. 3152), applications may be submitted by (1) land grant institutions, (2) colleges and universities having significant minority enrollments and a demonstrable capacity to carry out the teaching of food and agricultural sciences, and (3) other colleges and universities having a demonstrable capacity to carry out the teaching of food, and agricultural sciences. Research foundations maintained by an eligible college or university are eligible to submit undergraduate and/or D.V.M. training proposals under this RFA. Applicants should be institutions that confer an undergraduate or D.V.M. degree in at least one of the disciplines in the food and agricultural sciences.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP) is a competitive grant opportunity administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that supports undergraduate scholarships and related training efforts in the food and agricultural sciences. Its central goal is to strengthen and diversify the future workforce in agriculture and food-related scientific and professional fields by helping colleges and universities recruit, support, and graduate students from multicultural and underrepresented backgrounds. By funding institutions rather than individual students directly, the program aims to build sustainable campus-based scholarship and student support models that improve educational access, persistence, and completion in agriculture, food, and allied disciplines.
This opportunity was offered as a discretionary grant under Funding Opportunity Number USDA NIFA HEMS 005355, listed under CFDA 10.220 (Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Grant Program). The program did not require cost sharing or matching, which can make participation more feasible for institutions that may not have additional funds available to meet match requirements. The total estimated funding available for the competition was about $868,720, and the maximum award amount (award ceiling) was $200,000 per grant, indicating that multiple awards could be made depending on proposal budgets and overall competition decisions.
Eligible applicants were higher education institutions with the capacity to teach food and agricultural sciences and to confer an undergraduate degree and/or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree in at least one food or agricultural science discipline. Eligibility was grounded in Section 1417 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act (NARETPA) of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152). Institutions specifically mentioned as eligible included land-grant institutions, colleges and universities with significant minority enrollments and a demonstrated ability to deliver instruction in food and agricultural sciences, and other colleges and universities that can demonstrate that same instructional capacity. The announcement also clarified that research foundations maintained by otherwise eligible colleges or universities could apply, particularly for undergraduate and/or D.V.M. training proposals, which can be useful for institutions that route sponsored projects through affiliated foundations.
In practical terms, MSP grants are intended to help institutions increase multicultural representation in the agricultural sciences pipeline by providing scholarship support and strengthening pathways for student success, such as recruitment, academic support, and professional development activities that contribute to degree completion and entry into the food and agricultural workforce. The program aligns with national workforce needs in agriculture and related industries while also advancing broader educational achievement goals by improving access to and completion of degrees in these fields.
The opportunity was originally posted on July 29, 2015, with an application deadline of August 31, 2015, and it was later archived on September 30, 2015. For technical issues accessing the full announcement, the notice directed applicants to the NIFA Help Desk at 202-401-5048 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, excluding federal holidays).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP)?
The Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP) is a competitive grant opportunity administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). It supports undergraduate scholarships and related training efforts in the food and agricultural sciences.
What is the main goal of the MSP grant program?
The central goal is to strengthen and diversify the future workforce in agriculture and food-related scientific and professional fields by helping colleges and universities recruit, support, and graduate students from multicultural and underrepresented backgrounds.
Who receives the funding under MSP: students or institutions?
MSP funds institutions rather than individual students directly. The intent is to help colleges and universities build sustainable, campus-based scholarship and student support models that improve access, persistence, and completion in agriculture, food, and allied disciplines.
What kinds of activities does MSP support?
Based on the program description, MSP grants are intended to support undergraduate scholarships and related training efforts. They are also intended to strengthen pathways for student success, such as recruitment, academic support, and professional development activities that contribute to degree completion and entry into the food and agricultural workforce.
Which fields or disciplines does MSP focus on?
The program focuses on the food and agricultural sciences and allied disciplines, with an emphasis on preparing students for agriculture and food-related scientific and professional careers.
How does this program relate to workforce needs?
The program aligns with national workforce needs in agriculture and related industries by supporting student success and degree completion in agriculture, food, and allied disciplines, while also advancing broader educational achievement goals through improved access and completion.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this MSP competition?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed for this opportunity was USDA NIFA HEMS 005355.
What is the CFDA number associated with this program?
The opportunity was listed under CFDA 10.220 (Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Grant Program).
Was this a discretionary grant or a formula grant?
This opportunity was offered as a discretionary grant.
Was cost sharing or matching required?
No. The announcement stated that cost sharing or matching was not required, which could make participation more feasible for institutions without additional funds available to meet match requirements.
How much total funding was estimated to be available for this competition?
The total estimated funding available was about $868,720.
What was the maximum award amount (award ceiling) per grant?
The maximum award amount (award ceiling) was $200,000 per grant.
Does the funding information suggest multiple awards could be made?
Yes. With an estimated total of about $868,720 available and an award ceiling of $200,000 per grant, the description indicates that multiple awards could be made depending on proposal budgets and overall competition decisions.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants were higher education institutions with the capacity to teach food and agricultural sciences and to confer an undergraduate degree and/or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree in at least one food or agricultural science discipline.
What types of institutions were specifically mentioned as eligible?
The announcement specifically mentioned land-grant institutions; colleges and universities with significant minority enrollments and a demonstrated ability to deliver instruction in food and agricultural sciences; and other colleges and universities that can demonstrate the same instructional capacity.
Can a university-affiliated research foundation apply?
Yes. The announcement clarified that research foundations maintained by otherwise eligible colleges or universities could apply, particularly for undergraduate and/or D.V.M. training proposals.
Why might an institution apply through a research foundation?
The notice indicated this could be useful for institutions that route sponsored projects through affiliated foundations.
What legal authority was cited for eligibility?
Eligibility was grounded in Section 1417 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act (NARETPA) of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152).
When was this opportunity originally posted?
The opportunity was originally posted on July 29, 2015.
What was the application deadline?
The application deadline was August 31, 2015.
When was the opportunity archived?
The opportunity was archived on September 30, 2015.
Where should applicants go for technical help accessing the full announcement?
For technical issues accessing the full announcement, applicants were directed to the NIFA Help Desk at 202-401-5048.
What were the NIFA Help Desk hours mentioned in the notice?
The help desk hours were Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays.
Browse more business programs for Higher Education
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture
Next opportunity: Rivers End Drought Related Influences on Stream Drying in the Western United States
Previous opportunity: Advancing Informal STEM Learning
USGrants.org 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 HEMS 005355
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NIFA HEMS 005355) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Request for Information USAID/Bangladesh Feed the Future Strengthening Agriculture Production and Market Systems (SAPMS) Apply for RFI 388 15 00099 Funding Number: RFI 388 15 00099 Agency: Bangladesh USAID Dhaka Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $25,000,000 |
| Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) Project Areas FY 2016 Apply for CEPD 2016 22 Funding Number: CEPD 2016 22 Agency: Farm Service Agency Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $22,500,000 |
| Mathematics Curriculum Development for DoDEA Worldwide Department of Defense Schools Apply for USDA NIFA EXCA 005376 Funding Number: USDA NIFA EXCA 005376 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $315,000 |
| Wood Education and Resource Center Competitive Grants Program for Fiscal Year 2008 Apply for USDA FS WERC 2008 Funding Number: USDA FS WERC 2008 Agency: Forest Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Federal State Marketing Improvement Program Apply for USDA AMS FSMIP 2008 Funding Number: USDA AMS FSMIP 2008 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2008 WIC Special Project Grant Program Apply for USDA FNS WISP O8 Funding Number: USDA FNS WISP O8 Agency: Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS Apply for USDA NRCS ME 08 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS ME 08 01 Agency: Vermont State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| FY 2008 Pacific Islands Area Conservation Innovation Grants Funding Opportunity Apply for USDA NRCS HI 08 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS HI 08 01 Agency: Hawaii State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| USAID Horticulture CRSP Apply for M OAA EGAT PEP 09 706 Funding Number: M OAA EGAT PEP 09 706 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| Small Minority Producer Grant Apply for RDBCP 08 03 SMPG Funding Number: RDBCP 08 03 SMPG Agency: Business and Cooperative Programs Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $175,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants Caribbean Area Component FY 2008 Apply for USDA NRCS PR 08 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS PR 08 01 Agency: Florida State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| New York Component Conservation Innovation Grant Apply for USDA NRCS NY 08 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NY 08 01 Agency: New York State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Global Livestock Climate Change CRSP DRAFT Apply for M OAA EGAT DHWA 0802 DRAFT Funding Number: M OAA EGAT DHWA 0802 DRAFT Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Kansas State Component Apply for USDA NRCS KS 08 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS KS 08 01 Agency: Kansas State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants FY 2008 Florida State Component Apply for USDA NRCS FL 08 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS FL 08 01 Agency: Florida State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Farmers Market Promotion Program Apply for USDA AMS FMPP 2008 Funding Number: USDA AMS FMPP 2008 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Strengthening Labor Law Compliance in the Agricultural Sector in Guatemala Apply for SGA 08 02 Funding Number: SGA 08 02 Agency: OASAM Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $940,000 |
| 1890 Land Grant Institution Rural Entrepreneurial Outreach and Development Initiative Apply for RDBCP 08 04 1890 Funding Number: RDBCP 08 04 1890 Agency: Business and Cooperative Programs Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $115,000 |
| Farmer to Farmer Program (FTF) Leader with Associates (LWA) Cooperative Agreements Apply for M OAA EGAT 605 Funding Number: M OAA EGAT 605 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| Request for Proposals, Endangered Species Act Compliance Services for Farm Bill Programs Apply for USDA NRCS HI 08 04 Funding Number: USDA NRCS HI 08 04 Agency: Hawaii State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $45,000 |
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
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.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "USDA NIFA HEMS 005355", 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.