Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA CFP 009321

The Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) funding opportunity that supports locally driven efforts to strengthen community food security. The program is designed to help communities build food systems that are more resilient, equitable, and sustainable, with projects centered on a clearly defined community and a clear description of what will be done, who will benefit, and what outcomes will be achieved.

This opportunity offers two grant types. The first, Community Food Projects (CFP), is intended for implementation: it provides a one-time infusion of federal funds to launch or expand a community-based food project that can become self-sustaining after the grant period ends. CFP proposals are expected to lay out concrete objectives, activities, and measurable outcomes that align with the program's core goals around improving community food security. In practice, this can include coordinated efforts such as expanding local food access, strengthening local food supply chains, building community-based agriculture initiatives, or developing programs that address food insecurity through long-term, community-rooted solutions rather than short-term fixes.

The second grant type, Planning Projects (PP), supports the earlier stage work needed to design an effective community food security initiative. Rather than funding full implementation, Planning Projects focus on developing a thoughtful, detailed plan for improving community food security in line with CFPCGP priorities. A strong planning proposal typically centers on assessing local needs and assets, engaging community partners and stakeholders, designing strategies and evaluation approaches, and creating an actionable roadmap that can guide future implementation. Like CFP projects, Planning Projects must be tied to a specific community and must clearly describe the planned activities and intended outcomes of the planning process.

Administratively, the opportunity is listed as USDA NIFA CFP 009321 under CFDA 10.225, with grants as the funding instrument and agriculture as the primary activity category. The award ceiling is $400,000, and the program anticipated making about 25 awards under this solicitation. The notice was created on August 10, 2022, with an original application deadline of October 7, 2022. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with the expectation that applicants consult the additional eligibility guidance in the full announcement for specifics. Overall, this program is geared toward community-based organizations and partnerships that can demonstrate a focused community scope, a realistic plan or implementation strategy, and a pathway to lasting impact beyond the federal funding period.

  • The Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.225.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Aug 10, 2022.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 07, 2022. (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 $400,000.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) FAQs

What is the Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP)?

The Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) is a funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). It supports locally driven projects that strengthen community food security and help communities build food systems that are more resilient, equitable, and sustainable.

What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The program is designed to support community-centered efforts that improve food security through stronger local food systems. Projects are expected to be tied to a clearly defined community and explain what will be done, who will benefit, and what outcomes will be achieved.

What kinds of projects does CFPCGP support?

CFPCGP supports projects aimed at improving community food security by building stronger, community-rooted food systems. Examples described in the opportunity include expanding local food access, strengthening local food supply chains, building community-based agriculture initiatives, and developing programs that address food insecurity through long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

What are the two grant types offered under this opportunity?

This opportunity offers two grant types: (1) Community Food Projects (CFP) grants for implementation and (2) Planning Projects (PP) grants for early-stage planning and design work.

What is a Community Food Projects (CFP) grant?

A Community Food Projects (CFP) grant is intended to fund implementation. It provides a one-time infusion of federal funds to launch or expand a community-based food project that is expected to become self-sustaining after the grant period ends.

What is the expectation for sustainability after the CFP grant ends?

CFP is described as a one-time infusion of federal funds, with an expectation that the project can become self-sustaining after the grant period. Applicants should describe a pathway to lasting impact beyond the federal funding period.

What should a CFP proposal include?

CFP proposals are expected to include concrete objectives, activities, and measurable outcomes that align with the program's core goals around improving community food security. Proposals should clearly define the community served, explain who will benefit, and describe the intended outcomes.

What is a Planning Projects (PP) grant?

A Planning Projects (PP) grant supports earlier-stage work to design an effective community food security initiative. It focuses on developing a thoughtful, detailed plan aligned with CFPCGP priorities rather than funding full implementation.

What types of activities are appropriate for Planning Projects (PP)?

Planning Projects typically focus on assessing local needs and assets, engaging community partners and stakeholders, designing strategies and evaluation approaches, and creating an actionable roadmap to guide future implementation.

Do Planning Projects (PP) need to be tied to a specific community?

Yes. Like CFP projects, Planning Projects must be tied to a specific community and must clearly describe the planned activities and intended outcomes of the planning process.

How important is it to define the community being served?

Defining the community is central to this program. Projects are described as needing a clearly defined community scope, along with a clear description of what will be done, who will benefit, and what outcomes will be achieved.

Who is the funding agency for this opportunity?

The funding agency is the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

What is the listing information for this opportunity (program identifiers)?

The opportunity is listed as USDA NIFA CFP 009321 under CFDA 10.225.

What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is grants.

What is the primary activity category for this program?

The primary activity category is agriculture.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $400,000.

How many awards were anticipated under this solicitation?

The solicitation anticipated making about 25 awards.

When was the notice created?

The notice was created on August 10, 2022.

What was the original application deadline?

The original application deadline was October 7, 2022.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others." Applicants are expected to consult the additional eligibility guidance in the full announcement for specifics.

What kinds of applicants is the program geared toward?

Based on the description, the program is geared toward community-based organizations and partnerships that can demonstrate a focused community scope, a realistic implementation strategy or planning approach, and a pathway to lasting impact beyond the federal funding period.

What does the program emphasize in terms of outcomes?

The program emphasizes clear, measurable outcomes. Proposals should describe what will be done, who will benefit, and what outcomes will be achieved, with objectives and activities aligned to improving community food security.

Does CFPCGP prioritize short-term relief or long-term solutions?

The program description emphasizes long-term, community-rooted solutions rather than short-term fixes, particularly through stronger local food systems and sustainable community food security strategies.

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