Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

 

The overall goal of the 2501 Program is to assist socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers in owning and operating farms and ranches while increasing their participation in agricultural programs and services provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program will assist eligible community-based and non-profit organizations, higher education institutions, and tribal entities in providing outreach, training, education, and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers.

Active 10.443 Departmental Management, Department of Agriculture B - Project Grants Not applicable. Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, Section 2501, Public Law 101-624, 7 U.S.C. 2279 Organizations that may apply: Any community-based organization, network, or coalition of community-based organizations with documented evidence of working with and on behalf of socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers during the 3-year period preceding this application cycle and does not or has not engaged in activities prohibited under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; an 1890 or 1994 institution of higher education (as defined in 7 U.S.C. SS 7601); a Hispanic-Serving Institution of higher education (as defined in 7 U.S.C. SS 3103); American Indian tribal community colleges or Alaska Native cooperatives colleges; other institutions of higher education with documented experience in providing agricultural education or services to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers; Indian tribes or national tribal organizations with documented experience in providing agricultural education or services to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers; organizations or institutions that received funding under 7 U.S.C. SS 2279(a) with respect to projects that the Secretary considers similar to projects previously carried out by the organization or institution under this subsection. A farmer or rancher who is a member of one or more of the following groups whose members have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities: African-Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asians, and Pacific Islanders. The Secretary of Agriculture will determine on a case-by-case basis whether additional groups qualify under this definition. Applicants must have the financial, legal, administrative, and operational capacity to carry out the objectives of the program by having experience in agriculture. Costs will be determined in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and as incorporated by USDA regulations (7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, 3019). Community-based organizations should provide a current certification of non-profit status in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and have dated Articles of Incorporation for at least 3 years prior to application. Preapplication coordination is required. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Formal proposals should be submitted as outlined in the Funding Opportunity Announcement posted on www.grants.gov. A review panel that is independent of the OPPE Grants Staff will use a point system to rate each proposal, awarding a maximum of 100 points. Each proposal will be reviewed and numerically scored by at least two members of the Independent Review Panel. The Panel will rank all applications submitted and forward their recommendations to the designated approving official. Funding decisions are based on the Panel's recommendations to the designated approving official who will make final determinations. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines From 30 to 60 days. Proposals must be received by the deadline indicated on the Funding Opportunity Announcement posted on www.grants.gov. Proposals received after the posted deadline will not be considered for funding. Notice of action taken on proposals will generally be within 90 days of the date of the proposal submission deadline or prior to September 30 of each fiscal year. Grant-making decisions are not appealable. Neither renewal nor supplemental grants will be issued. Proposals must address a minimum of two or more of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary's priority areas such as 1.Assist socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers in owning and operating successful farms and ranches; 2.Improve participation among socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers in USDA programs; 3.Build relationships between current and prospective farmers and ranchers who are socially disadvantaged or veterans and USDA's local, state, regional, and National offices; 4.Introduce agriculture-related information to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers through innovative training and technical assistance techniques; and 5.Introduce agricultural education targeting socially disadvantaged youth, and/or socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers, in rural and persistent poverty communities. Please review the Funding Opportunity Announcement on www.grants.gov for more explicit information on selection criteria. 2501 organizations extend OPPE’s outreach efforts to connect with and assist socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers. They play a critical role in identifying and addressing the factors and challenges experienced by socially disadvantaged groups while also providing training, education, and technical expertise. These organizations help to ensure socially disadvantaged groups and veterans are able to equitably participate in the full range of USDA programs in an effort to help improve their ability to start and maintain successful agricultural businesses. Not applicable. Not applicable. Per 2 CFR 200.333, financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records must be retained for at least three years following the submission of the final expenditure report or, if any litigation, claim, or audit is pending, records must be retained until resolution or final action occurs. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. Per the Funding Opportunity Announcement posted on www.grants.gov, grants are awarded for up to one year. Grant payments and drawdown procedures will be administered electronically via EFT. None/Not specified. Kenya Nicholas
Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0601
Washington, DC 20250-9600 US
2501Grants@osec.usda.gov
Phone: 202-720-6350 http://www.outreach.usda.gov/grants/index.htm 12-9913-0-1-999 (Project Grants) FY 18$200,000.00; FY 19 est $750,000.00; FY 20 est $750,000.00; FY 17$9,000,000.00; FY 16$9,000,000.00; - $50,000 to $750,000 Average is $250,000 to $750,000 per award 7 U.S.C. SS 7601; 7 U.S.C. SS 3103; 7 U.S.C. SS 2279, 7CFR 2500 and 2 CFR part 200 "Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards"