Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 007972
The Children, Youth and Families At-Risk (CYFAR) Sustainable Community Projects grant is a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) funding opportunity designed to strengthen community-based programs that serve children, youth, and families facing elevated risk due to limited resources and unmet basic needs. The core goal is to improve both the quality and the availability of comprehensive, local programming delivered through the Cooperative Extension System. In practical terms, the program backs education-focused projects that help participants build real-life skills and supports that make it more likely they can thrive personally, academically, and economically, and contribute positively to their communities.
CYFAR is grounded in the idea that Land-Grant universities and Extension networks are uniquely positioned to bring evidence-based education, outreach, and community partnerships together in a way that is sustained beyond a short-term intervention. The mission statement emphasizes mobilizing the capacity of the Land-Grant and Cooperative Extension Systems to develop and deliver educational programs that equip at-risk youth and limited-resource families with skills for “positive, productive, contributing lives.” While the opportunity sits within USDA’s broader portfolio (CFDA 10.521) and is categorized under Agriculture as a funding activity area, the focus here is clearly on youth and family development through Extension-led community programming rather than farm production.
Eligibility is narrowly defined. Applications can only be submitted by Extension units at eligible Land-Grant institutions, including 1890 Land-Grant Institutions (with examples listed such as Tuskegee University, Central State University, and West Virginia State University), 1862 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities, the University of the District of Columbia, and 1994 Land-Grant Institutions. A key administrative constraint is that only one application per Land-Grant institution is allowed. The solicitation also makes clear that duplicate or multiple submissions are not permitted; if an applicant submits more than one or submits duplicates, NIFA will disqualify both submissions, so internal coordination at the institution is essential before anything is filed.
Even though the applicant pool is restricted, awardees are allowed to subcontract with organizations that are not themselves eligible to apply, as long as those partners are necessary to carry out the project. This structure supports the typical CYFAR model where Extension serves as the lead organizer and fiscal agent while local nonprofits, schools, youth-serving organizations, health and human services providers, and community coalitions may deliver portions of programming or provide specialized services under subawards or contracts.
The opportunity also addresses how returning or current CYFAR Sustainable Community Projects (SCP) grantees may approach reapplication. Existing grantees can apply for a new project, but if they propose using the same community site, they must provide a justification as required in the Request for Applications (referenced as Part IV, item 167B). In other words, reusing a site is not automatically disallowed, but the applicant must explain why continuing in the same location is warranted and how the proposed work represents a new or justified continuation consistent with the solicitation’s expectations.
A notable feature is the “Center of Excellence” (COE) designation pathway. Only CYFAR SCP Joint Projects may be considered for COE status, and additional requirements apply (also referenced in Part IV, item 167B). While the excerpt does not spell out the COE criteria, the takeaway is that institutions interested in being recognized as a higher-performing or model site must pursue the joint project structure and meet extra standards laid out in the full RFA.
From an administrative standpoint, the notice underscores that failing to meet eligibility criteria by the application deadline can result in removal from consideration or prevent NIFA from making an award. It also points new federal funding recipients to NIFA’s Grants Overview as a recommended primer on how federal awards work, signaling that compliance, proper submission, and grants management readiness matter as much as program design.
The posted opportunity details show it is a discretionary grant (not a formula allocation), with a funding opportunity number of USDA NIFA SLBCD 007972. The original closing date listed is February 19, 2021, and the award ceiling shown is $280,000. The listing also indicates it is administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and is intended to support Extension-led, community-based work that measurably improves outcomes for at-risk children, youth, and families through sustained, comprehensive local projects.Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 007972
- The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Children, Youth and Families At-Risk Sustainable Community Projects" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.521.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2021-01-18.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-02-19. (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 $280,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
CYFAR Sustainable Community Projects (SCP) Grant - FAQs
What is the CYFAR Sustainable Community Projects (SCP) grant?
The Children, Youth and Families At-Risk (CYFAR) Sustainable Community Projects grant is a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) funding opportunity that supports community-based programs serving children, youth, and families facing elevated risk due to limited resources and unmet basic needs. The emphasis is on education-focused, comprehensive local programming delivered through the Cooperative Extension System.
What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?
The core goal is to improve both the quality and availability of comprehensive, local programming delivered through the Cooperative Extension System. Practically, the program backs education and support projects that help participants build real-life skills and supports that increase the likelihood they can thrive personally, academically, and economically, and contribute positively to their communities.
Who runs and administers the CYFAR SCP grant?
The opportunity is administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
What type of grant is this?
This is a discretionary grant (not a formula allocation).
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number listed is USDA NIFA SLBCD 007972.
What is the CFDA number associated with this program?
The opportunity is within USDA's broader portfolio under CFDA 10.521.
Is this an agriculture grant?
The funding activity area is categorized under Agriculture, but the focus of this opportunity is youth and family development through Extension-led, community-based educational programming rather than farm production.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is narrowly defined. Applications may only be submitted by Extension units at eligible Land-Grant institutions, including:
- 1862 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities
- 1890 Land-Grant Institutions (examples mentioned include Tuskegee University, Central State University, and West Virginia State University)
- 1994 Land-Grant Institutions
- University of the District of Columbia
Can nonprofits, schools, or local community organizations apply directly?
No. The application itself must be submitted by Extension units at eligible Land-Grant institutions. However, awardees are allowed to subcontract with organizations that are not eligible to apply, as long as those partners are necessary to carry out the project.
Can an awarded institution partner with organizations that are not eligible applicants?
Yes. The grant allows subcontracting with ineligible-to-apply organizations when they are needed to carry out the project. The CYFAR structure commonly supports partnerships where Extension is the lead organizer and fiscal agent while local nonprofits, schools, youth-serving organizations, health and human services providers, and community coalitions deliver parts of the programming or specialized services under subawards or contracts.
How many applications can a single Land-Grant institution submit?
Only one application per Land-Grant institution is allowed.
What happens if an institution submits more than one application (or duplicates)?
Multiple or duplicate submissions are not permitted. If an applicant submits more than one application or submits duplicates, NIFA will disqualify both submissions. The notice highlights the importance of internal coordination at the institution before anything is filed.
What is the award ceiling listed for this opportunity?
The posted award ceiling shown is $280,000.
What was the original closing date listed?
The original closing date listed is February 19, 2021.
What kinds of projects does CYFAR SCP support?
The opportunity supports Extension-led, community-based projects that strengthen programming for children, youth, and families at risk due to limited resources and unmet basic needs. Supported projects are education-focused and intended to build real-life skills and supports, with an emphasis on sustained, comprehensive local programming.
What role do Land-Grant universities and Cooperative Extension play in CYFAR?
CYFAR is grounded in the idea that Land-Grant universities and Extension networks can bring evidence-based education, outreach, and community partnerships together in a way that is sustained beyond a short-term intervention. The mission emphasizes mobilizing Land-Grant and Cooperative Extension capacity to develop and deliver educational programs that equip at-risk youth and limited-resource families with skills for positive, productive, contributing lives.
Can current or past CYFAR SCP grantees apply again?
Yes. Existing grantees may apply for a new project.
If a returning grantee wants to use the same community site, is that allowed?
Reusing the same community site is not automatically disallowed, but if a current or returning CYFAR SCP grantee proposes using the same community site, they must provide a justification as required in the Request for Applications (referenced as Part IV, item 167B).
What is the "Center of Excellence" (COE) designation pathway?
The opportunity includes a pathway for a "Center of Excellence" (COE) designation. Only CYFAR SCP Joint Projects may be considered for COE status, and additional requirements apply (also referenced in Part IV, item 167B). The excerpt does not list the specific COE criteria, but it indicates that COE interest requires pursuing the joint project structure and meeting additional standards described in the full RFA.
What does the notice say about meeting eligibility criteria by the deadline?
The notice emphasizes that failing to meet eligibility criteria by the application deadline can result in removal from consideration or prevent NIFA from making an award.
Does the opportunity provide any guidance for new federal funding recipients?
Yes. It points new federal funding recipients to NIFA's Grants Overview as a recommended primer on how federal awards work, signaling that compliance, proper submission, and grants management readiness are important.
What is the overall purpose of CYFAR SCP in community terms?
The program is intended to strengthen community-based programs and measurably improve outcomes for at-risk children, youth, and families by supporting sustained, comprehensive local projects delivered through Cooperative Extension.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture
Next opportunity: Non-Human Primate Developmental Genotype-Tissue Expression (NHP dGTEx) Project (U24 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
Previous opportunity: Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants 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 NIFA SLBCD 007972
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NIFA SLBCD 007972) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Food Safety Outreach Competitive Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA FSMA 008138 Funding Number: USDA NIFA FSMA 008138 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Equipment Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA OP 008139 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OP 008139 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Alfalfa Forage Research Program (AFRP) Apply for USDA NIFA OP 008140 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OP 008140 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| RFI - Soybean Value Chain Research Innovation Lab Apply for USAID RFI SOYBEAN Funding Number: USAID RFI SOYBEAN Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Resiliência Integrada na Nutrição e Agricultura (RESINA) Apply for 72065621 RFI RESINA Funding Number: 72065621 RFI RESINA Agency: Mozambique USAID-Maputo Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $29,500,000 |
| FY21 Tribal Nations Wild Cervid CWD Opportunities Apply for USDA APHIS 10028 WSNWRC00 21 0009 Funding Number: USDA APHIS 10028 WSNWRC00 21 0009 Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY21 Farmed Cervid CWD Management and Response Activities Apply for USDA APHIS 10025 VSSPRS00 21 0108 Funding Number: USDA APHIS 10025 VSSPRS00 21 0108 Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY21 Wild Cervid CWD Management and Response Activities Apply for USDA APHIS 10028 WSNWRC00 21 0008 Funding Number: USDA APHIS 10028 WSNWRC00 21 0008 Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Soybean Value Chain Research Apply for 7200AA21RFA00018 Funding Number: 7200AA21RFA00018 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $30,000,000 |
| Animal Health Systems Facilitating Trade within the African Union Apply for USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 21 0026 Funding Number: USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 21 0026 Agency: Global Programs Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FARM OF THE FUTURE Apply for USDA NIFA OP 008501 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OP 008501 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $3,936,000 |
| Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022 - Fostering District and Farmer Water Saving Partnerships Apply for R21AS00553 Funding Number: R21AS00553 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I Apply for USDA NIFA SBIR 008541 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SBIR 008541 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $181,500 |
| Centers of Excellence at 1890 Institutions Apply for USDA NIFA 1890COE 008561 Funding Number: USDA NIFA 1890COE 008561 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program Apply for USDA NIFA NLGCA 008581 Funding Number: USDA NIFA NLGCA 008581 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Guinea Local Works Program Apply for RFI 675 21 04 Funding Number: RFI 675 21 04 Agency: Guinea USAID-Conakry Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Food Safety Outreach Competitive Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA FSMA 008641 Funding Number: USDA NIFA FSMA 008641 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $550,000 |
| Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities (AgrAbility) Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 008682 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 008682 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $735,360 |
| Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA TCEG 008681 Funding Number: USDA NIFA TCEG 008681 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $130,000 |
| Specialty Crop Research Initiative Apply for USDA NIFA SCRI 008661 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SCRI 008661 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
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 NIFA SLBCD 007972", 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.