Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA FNS FY2021 F2S REGINST
The Farm to School Regional Institute Grant is a FY 2021 discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), created in response to direction in the FY 2021 Agriculture Appropriations Senate Report (S.R. 115-259). That report instructs USDA to use $500,000 to establish at least one cooperative agreement with an established entity, such as an existing regional Farm to School institute, to help build and share practical knowledge on how to develop and strengthen farm to school programs. The overall purpose is not simply to produce materials, but to actively support practitioners through education, training, school-year coaching, and hands-on technical assistance that helps programs take root and stay sustainable over time.
This award is structured as a three-year cooperative agreement, which typically means USDA expects to be substantially involved as a partner during the project period rather than acting only as a funder. The project focus is on training state-level or regional teams, as well as other types of teams that serve specific populations that are not necessarily defined by geography. Examples named in the opportunity include tribal nations and refugee communities. The idea is to prepare these teams to create farm to school institutes that fit the needs of the communities they serve, then support them as they launch and implement their institute model.
The grant builds on earlier investments made in FY 2020, when FNS funded two Regional Farm to School Institute Grants. Those existing grantees provide ongoing training and technical assistance to key partners such as schools and school districts, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers, and nonprofit organizations. The work is intended to strengthen eligible Child Nutrition Program (CNP) operators and help them develop farm to school programs that are robust, sustainable, and integrated into regular operations rather than treated as short-term projects. The eligible CNPs specifically referenced include the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).
In practical terms, this opportunity is meant to replicate and expand the success of the regional farm to school institute model across more parts of the country and across more communities. The funded entity is expected to play a lead role in creating and disseminating information on farm to school program development, while also delivering the kind of continuing support that helps local and regional teams move from planning into execution. A major emphasis is placed on ongoing technical assistance to new institutes as they are created and implemented, reinforcing that the goal is capacity-building and long-term program adoption, not one-time trainings.
Key details from the posting include: the funding opportunity title is Farm to School Regional Institute Grant (Funding Opportunity Number: USDA FNS FY2021 F2S REGINST). The instrument type is a Cooperative Agreement under the Agriculture, Food and Nutrition category (CFDA 10.575). The award ceiling is $500,000, and FNS anticipated making one award. Eligible applicants are nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education). The opportunity was posted May 26, 2021, with an original closing date of July 28, 2021.Apply for USDA FNS FY2021 F2S REGINST
- The Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service in the agriculture, food and nutrition sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Farm to School Regional Institute Grant" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.575.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 26, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 28, 2021. (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 $500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Farm to School Regional Institute Grant (FY 2021) - FAQs
1) What is the Farm to School Regional Institute Grant?
The Farm to School Regional Institute Grant is an FY 2021 discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). It was created in response to direction in the FY 2021 Agriculture Appropriations Senate Report (S.R. 115-259) to support practical, hands-on work that helps communities develop and strengthen farm to school programs.
2) Why did USDA/FNS create this grant opportunity?
The Senate report (S.R. 115-259) instructed USDA to use $500,000 to establish at least one cooperative agreement with an established entity (such as an existing regional Farm to School institute). The intent is to build and share practical knowledge and to actively support practitioners through training, coaching, and technical assistance so farm to school efforts can take root and stay sustainable over time.
3) What is the main purpose of the grant?
The main purpose is capacity-building: helping practitioners develop and strengthen farm to school programs through education, training, school-year coaching, and hands-on technical assistance. The emphasis is on supporting implementation and sustainability, not simply producing materials or conducting one-time trainings.
4) Is this funding a grant or something else?
The funding instrument is a Cooperative Agreement. This structure typically indicates USDA expects to be substantially involved as a partner during the project period rather than acting only as a funder.
5) What is the project period for this opportunity?
The award is structured as a three-year cooperative agreement.
6) How much funding is available?
The award ceiling is $500,000.
7) How many awards did FNS expect to make?
FNS anticipated making one award.
8) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education.
9) Are institutions of higher education eligible?
No. The eligibility specifically excludes institutions of higher education.
10) What types of entities is USDA looking to partner with?
The opportunity references partnering with an established entity, such as an existing regional Farm to School institute, to help build and share practical knowledge and to support the development and strengthening of farm to school programs.
11) What kinds of teams does the project focus on training and supporting?
The project focus is on training state-level or regional teams, as well as other types of teams that serve specific populations not necessarily defined by geography.
12) Does the opportunity include support for non-geographic communities?
Yes. The posting includes examples of teams serving specific populations that are not necessarily defined by geography, including tribal nations and refugee communities.
13) What is meant by the "regional farm to school institute model"?
Based on the description provided, the regional farm to school institute model involves building practical knowledge and providing ongoing training, coaching, and technical assistance to help partners develop farm to school programs that are sustainable and integrated into regular operations.
14) What is expected of the funded entity?
The funded entity is expected to play a lead role in creating and disseminating information on farm to school program development, while also delivering continuing support that helps local and regional teams move from planning into execution. A major emphasis is placed on ongoing technical assistance to new institutes as they are created and implemented.
15) Is the goal to produce written materials and toolkits?
Not primarily. The overall purpose is described as not simply producing materials, but actively supporting practitioners through education, training, coaching, and hands-on technical assistance to promote long-term sustainability.
16) How does this opportunity relate to earlier FNS investments?
The grant builds on earlier FY 2020 investments when FNS funded two Regional Farm to School Institute Grants. Those grantees provide ongoing training and technical assistance to partners, and this FY 2021 opportunity is intended to replicate and expand the success of that model across more communities and parts of the country.
17) Who are the key partners mentioned for farm to school institute work?
The opportunity references key partners such as schools and school districts, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers, and nonprofit organizations.
18) What programs are intended to be strengthened through this work?
The work is intended to strengthen eligible Child Nutrition Program (CNP) operators and help them develop farm to school programs that are robust, sustainable, and integrated into regular operations.
19) Which Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs) are specifically referenced?
The eligible CNPs specifically referenced are the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).
20) What does "integrated into regular operations" mean in this context?
In the context provided, it means farm to school programming is intended to become part of standard, ongoing operations for eligible Child Nutrition Program operators rather than being treated as a short-term or stand-alone project.
21) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this posting?
The Funding Opportunity Number is USDA FNS FY2021 F2S REGINST.
22) What is the CFDA number and category?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 10.575 in the Agriculture, Food and Nutrition category.
23) When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on May 26, 2021.
24) What was the original closing date?
The original closing date was July 28, 2021.
25) What is the big-picture outcome this grant is aiming for?
In practical terms, the opportunity is meant to replicate and expand the regional farm to school institute model across more parts of the country and communities, with an emphasis on ongoing support that helps teams launch and implement institute models that fit their communities and remain sustainable over time.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition
Next opportunity: Digital Forensic Center Evaluation
Previous opportunity: Emerging Markets Program
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 FNS FY2021 F2S REGINST
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA FNS FY2021 F2S REGINST) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Farm to School Grant Apply for USDA FNS 2022 F2S Funding Number: USDA FNS 2022 F2S Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Apply for USDA AMS 10182 LFPA0000 22 0001 Funding Number: USDA AMS 10182 LFPA0000 22 0001 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Team Nutrition Training Grant Apply for USDA FNS CN 2022 TNTG Funding Number: USDA FNS CN 2022 TNTG Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| SNAP Fraud Framework Implementation Grant Apply for USDA FNS SNAP FFIG 2022 Funding Number: USDA FNS SNAP FFIG 2022 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| FY22 WIC FMNP Benefit Delivery Modernization Grants Apply for USDA FNS WIC FMNBP 22 Funding Number: USDA FNS WIC FMNBP 22 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) Apply for USDA AMS 10185 CPLFS000 22 0001 Funding Number: USDA AMS 10185 CPLFS000 22 0001 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY22 Community Innovation and Outreach (CIAO) Cooperative Agreement Apply for USDA FNS WIC CIAO 2022 Funding Number: USDA FNS WIC CIAO 2022 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Development and Implementation of Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards and Sub-Grants for School Food Authorities Apply for USDA FNS 2023 HMI Funding Number: USDA FNS 2023 HMI Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $47,000,000 |
| Development and Implementation of School Food System Transformation Challenge Sub-Grants Apply for USDA FNS CN 2023 SFSTC Funding Number: USDA FNS CN 2023 SFSTC Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $50,000,000 |
| SNAP EHIP 2023 Apply for USDA FNS SNAP EHIP FY 2023 Funding Number: USDA FNS SNAP EHIP FY 2023 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $25,000,000 |
| USAID Comprehensive Action for Climate Change Initiative (“CACCI”) Apply for 7200AA23RFA00004 Funding Number: 7200AA23RFA00004 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $49,000,000 |
| Team Nutrition Training Grants 2023 Apply for FNS CN TN 2023 Funding Number: FNS CN TN 2023 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY23 WIC Enrollment via State-Level Referral Data Matching with SNAP and Medicaid Apply for USDA FNS WIC ENROLLMENT 2023 Funding Number: USDA FNS WIC ENROLLMENT 2023 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| FY23 Review of Produce Safety University Apply for USDA FNS FS REVIEWPSU 23 Funding Number: USDA FNS FS REVIEWPSU 23 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture Apply for 7200AA21RFA00012 Funding Number: 7200AA21RFA00012 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $34,500,000 |
| FY 2024 SNAP Process and Technology Improvement Grant Apply for USDA FNS SNAP PTIG 2024 Funding Number: USDA FNS SNAP PTIG 2024 Agency: Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| FY24 Behind the Tray-Food Science for School Meals Apply for USDA FNS FSFORSCHOOLMEALS 24 Funding Number: USDA FNS FSFORSCHOOLMEALS 24 Agency: Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| WIC State Agency General Infrastructure Grants Apply for USDA FNS WIC INFRASTRUCTURE 24 Funding Number: USDA FNS WIC INFRASTRUCTURE 24 Agency: Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Engaging in APEC to Reduce Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade Apply for USDA FAS 10960 0200 10 17 0001 Funding Number: USDA FAS 10960 0200 10 17 0001 Agency: Foreign Agricultural Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Direct Certification Improvement Grant Apply for USDA FNS CN 24 DC Funding Number: USDA FNS CN 24 DC Agency: Food and Nutrition Service Category: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
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 FNS FY2021 F2S REGINST", 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.