Putting Tribal SovereigntyFunding Opportunities
Grants and funding opportunities are key tools for many Tribes and Tribal producers. However, navigating the list of programs available can be challenging. To help, IFAI staff stay on top of the latest grants and opportunities. Check out the latest list below.
Value-Added Producer Grant
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Description:
This grant assists eligible applicants (e.g., agricultural producers, agricultural producer groups, and farmer and rancher cooperatives, etc.) start or expand value-added activities related to processing and/or marketing of value-added agricultural products. The end goals of the program include generating new products as well as creating and expanding marketing opportunities. There is no stated minimum award; the maximum award is $200,000.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science Program Department of Agriculture
Type of Funding Opportunity: Grant
Agency/Organization: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Deadline: December 31, 2026
Description:
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) supports grants in six AFRI priority areas: Plant Health and Production and Plant Products; Animal Health and Production and Animal Products; Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health; Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment; Agriculture Systems and Technology; and Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities. Research-only, extension-only, and integrated research, education and/or extension projects are solicited in this request for applications. The minimum award is $10,000 and the maximum award is $10,000,000.
Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Programs for FY2026
Type of Funding Opportunity: Loan and Grant
Agency/Organization: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA
Deadline(s):
- First Quarter: September 30, 2025
- Second Quarter: December 31, 2025
- Third Quarter: March 31, 2026
- Fourth Quarter: June 30, 2026
Description:
USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service issued a notice of funding opportunity for REDLG FY26. REDLG Programs enable the promotion of rural economic development and job creation projects by financing eligible Rural Utilities Service (RUS) electric or telecommunications borrowers. Assistance to rural and Tribal areas include business startup costs, business expansion and technical assistance feasibility studies.
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
Type of Funding Opportunity: Loan and Grant
Agency / Organization: USDA Rural Development
Deadline: Open Year Round
Description:
This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. Federally Recognized Tribes are eligible to apply.