USDA SUN Grant Program 2026 in the USA | Funding for Bioenergy, Agriculture, and Rural Development Projects
The USDA Sun Grant Program 2026 accepts applications from eligible land-grant university consortia to fund bioenergy, agricultural, and rural development initiatives. Administered by NIFA, the initiative seeks to advance renewable energy and strengthen rural economies.
Overview
The USDA Sun Grant Program 2026 is a national initiative designed to promote research, education, and extension activities related to bioenergy and biobased products. Administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program fosters partnerships among universities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to address national energy, agricultural, environmental, and economic challenges. Funded projects contribute to enhanced national energy security, agricultural innovation, rural economic growth, and strengthened research coordination.
Eligibility
Applicants must represent a qualified consortium structure that includes:
- One 1862 Land-Grant Institution
- One 1890 Land-Grant Institution
- One 1994 Land-Grant Institution
The consortium must also include one university from each Sun Grant region and subregion as outlined in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
Benefits
Selected institutions gain access to federal funding and resources that provide the following advantages:
- Support for innovative bioenergy and biomass research projects
- Opportunities to expand national research collaborations and academic networks
- Enhanced capacity for renewable energy development and agricultural solutions
- Direct contributions to rural economic growth and community sustainability
How to Apply
Interested applicants should carefully follow the formal application steps:
- Review the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) guidelines.
- Confirm that your institution meets all consortium and regional requirements.
- Develop a comprehensive proposal aligned with Sun Grant Program objectives and prepare all necessary documentation.
- Submit the completed application through the official portal before the closing date.
Applicants needing accommodations or language assistance must contact NIFA at least ten days prior to the application deadline.
Deadline
The application deadline is August 17, 2026.