Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA F4HN 004329
Apply for USDA NIFA F4HN 004329
- The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Rural Youth Development" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.500 Cooperative Extension Service.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 14, 2013 and posted on Jun 14, 2013.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 15, 2013. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $645,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $258,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Pursuant to 7 U.S.C. Section 7630, only the Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA), the National 4 H Council (4 H), the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), and the National FFA Organization (FFA) are eligible to apply. NIFA will accept only one application from each organization. The application must be developed and submitted by the national office of each respective organization.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Rural Youth Development grant opportunity is a discretionary grant program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under CFDA 10.500 (Cooperative Extension Service). It focuses on the reality that many young people in rural areas face both economic and physical barriers that make it harder to access the care, services, and resources they need for healthy development. The program is designed to reduce those barriers and expand the kinds of supports that help rural youth thrive, not only as individuals but also as contributors to the wellbeing and future of their communities.
At its core, the program aims to broaden participation and opportunity for rural youth by strengthening several key areas. It prioritizes efforts that break down barriers to participation in youth programs and community life, especially barriers tied to geography, transportation, cost, or limited local infrastructure. It also encourages projects that increase opportunities for youth to take part in policy discussions and decision-making processes, helping ensure that rural youth have a voice in the issues that affect their lives. In addition, the grant supports creating safe, welcoming environments for youth activities, which can include improving the spaces and conditions where youth gather and engage in positive development experiences. Another major priority is improving access to information and technology, recognizing that rural areas often face gaps in broadband connectivity, digital literacy, or access to devices and learning tools that are common elsewhere.
Funding for the opportunity was listed with an estimated total of $645,000, with an award ceiling of $258,000 and no stated minimum award amount (award floor listed as $0). The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, which can make participation more feasible for eligible applicants. The funding instrument is a grant, and the funding activity category is listed under agriculture and community development, reflecting the program's connection to Cooperative Extension and broader rural community capacity-building.
Eligibility for this opportunity is highly restricted by statute. Pursuant to 7 U.S.C. Section 7630, only four national organizations may apply: the Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA), the National 4-H Council (4-H), the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), and the National FFA Organization (FFA). NIFA will accept only one application from each organization, and applications must be developed and submitted by the national office of the respective organization. This means local councils, state affiliates, chapters, or independent community organizations are not eligible to apply directly under this specific funding announcement, even if they serve rural youth.
The opportunity was posted on June 14, 2013, with a closing date of July 15, 2013, and it was archived on August 14, 2013. The sponsor agency is NIFA, and the public listing includes a link labeled "Rural Youth Development" for additional information. For access issues with the full announcement, the NIFA Help Desk was provided as a point of contact at 202-401-5048 during standard business hours (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays).
Rural Youth Development Grant (USDA NIFA, CFDA 10.500) - FAQs
What is the Rural Youth Development grant opportunity?
The Rural Youth Development opportunity is a discretionary grant program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under CFDA 10.500 (Cooperative Extension Service). It is intended to address economic and physical barriers that can prevent young people in rural areas from accessing the care, services, and resources they need for healthy development.
Which federal agency sponsors this grant?
The sponsor agency is the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 10.500 (Cooperative Extension Service).
What problem is this program trying to address?
The program is based on the reality that many rural youth face economic and physical barriers that make it harder to access services, care, resources, and opportunities that support healthy development.
What is the overall goal of the Rural Youth Development program?
The program is designed to reduce barriers and expand supports that help rural youth thrive, both as individuals and as contributors to the wellbeing and future of their communities.
What kinds of activities or focus areas does the grant prioritize?
Based on the listing, the program prioritizes efforts that: (1) break down barriers to participation in youth programs and community life, especially barriers tied to geography, transportation, cost, or limited local infrastructure; (2) increase opportunities for youth to participate in policy discussions and decision-making processes; (3) create safe, welcoming environments for youth activities, including improvements to spaces and conditions where youth gather; and (4) improve access to information and technology, including addressing gaps in broadband connectivity, digital literacy, and access to devices and learning tools.
Does the grant specifically address technology access in rural areas?
Yes. Improving access to information and technology is a stated priority, reflecting rural gaps in broadband connectivity, digital literacy, and access to devices and learning tools.
Does the program support youth participation in policy and decision-making?
Yes. The opportunity encourages projects that increase opportunities for rural youth to participate in policy discussions and decision-making processes so youth have a voice in issues that affect their lives.
Are projects aimed at creating safe and welcoming youth spaces included?
Yes. Creating safe, welcoming environments for youth activities is listed as a major priority, and it may include improving the spaces and conditions where youth gather and engage in positive development experiences.
What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?
The listing places the opportunity under agriculture and community development, reflecting its connection to Cooperative Extension and rural community capacity-building.
How much total funding was estimated to be available?
The estimated total funding listed for the opportunity is $645,000.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling listed is $258,000.
Is there a minimum award amount (award floor)?
No minimum award amount is stated. The award floor is listed as $0.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The opportunity states that it does not require cost sharing or matching funds.
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligibility is restricted by statute (pursuant to 7 U.S.C. Section 7630). Only four national organizations may apply: the Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA), the National 4-H Council (4-H), the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), and the National FFA Organization (FFA).
Can local councils, chapters, or state affiliates apply?
No. Applications must be developed and submitted by the national office of the respective organization. The listing explicitly indicates that local councils, state affiliates, chapters, or independent community organizations are not eligible to apply directly under this specific announcement.
How many applications can each eligible organization submit?
NIFA will accept only one application from each of the four eligible national organizations.
What law is cited for the eligibility restriction?
The listing cites 7 U.S.C. Section 7630 as the statutory basis for the eligibility restriction.
When was this opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on June 14, 2013.
What was the closing date for applications?
The closing date listed is July 15, 2013.
Is this funding announcement still open?
No. The opportunity was archived on August 14, 2013, and the application closing date was July 15, 2013.
Where can applicants find additional information about the opportunity?
The public listing includes a link labeled "Rural Youth Development" for additional information.
Who should be contacted if there are access issues with the full announcement?
For access issues with the full announcement, the listing provides the NIFA Help Desk as the point of contact at 202-401-5048.
What are the NIFA Help Desk hours listed for this opportunity?
The listed hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
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