USDA SUN Grant Program 2026 in the USA | Funding for Bioenergy, Agriculture, and Rural Development Projects

The USDA Sun Grant Program 2026 is now accepting applications from eligible land-grant university consortia across the United States. Administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program supports projects that advance bioenergy technologies, strengthen agricultural production systems, promote rural economic growth, and improve collaboration in biomass and bioenergy research.

The Sun Grant Program serves as a national initiative that brings together universities, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that address the nation’s energy, agricultural, environmental, and economic challenges.

Organizations selected under this funding opportunity will receive support to implement projects that contribute to the development and adoption of sustainable biobased energy technologies while strengthening rural communities and enhancing national energy security.

About the USDA Sun Grant Program

The Sun Grant Program (SGP) was established to promote research, education, and extension activities related to bioenergy and biobased products. Through partnerships among universities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, the program seeks to accelerate innovation and practical solutions that benefit the agricultural sector and rural economies.

The initiative supports collaborative efforts that focus on renewable energy development, biomass utilization, sustainable agricultural systems, and economic opportunities generated through biobased technologies.

Under Assistance Listing Number 10.320, NIFA provides funding for projects that align with the program’s strategic objectives and national priorities.

Objectives of the Sun Grant Program

Funded projects should contribute to one or more of the following goals:

 1. Enhance National Energy Security

Projects should support the development, distribution, and implementation of biobased energy technologies that reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and strengthen national energy resilience.

2. Promote Agricultural Innovation

The program encourages initiatives that advance diverse agricultural production systems through the use of bioenergy and biobased product technologies.

3. Support Rural Economic Growth

Applicants are encouraged to develop projects that create economic opportunities in rural communities through bioenergy innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agricultural development.

4. Strengthen Research Coordination

The program seeks to improve coordination and collaboration among USDA agencies, federal partners, land-grant institutions, and research organizations working in bioenergy and biomass development.

Funding Areas

Successful proposals may focus on:

* Bioenergy technology development
* Biomass production and utilization
* Renewable energy systems
* Sustainable agriculture
* Rural development initiatives
* Agricultural innovation
* Research collaboration networks
* Extension and education activities
* Biobased product technologies
* Energy security solutions

 Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must represent a consortium consisting of:

* One 1862 Land-Grant Institution
* One 1890 Land-Grant Institution
* One 1994 Land-Grant Institution

The consortium must include one university from each Sun Grant region and subregion as required by the funding opportunity guidelines.

Applicants should carefully review the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for complete eligibility requirements and application instructions.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

* 1862 Land-Grant Institutions
* 1890 Land-Grant Institutions
* 1994 Land-Grant Institutions

Applications must be submitted through an approved consortium structure as specified by USDA-NIFA.

Why Apply for the USDA Sun Grant Program?

Participating institutions can benefit from:

* Access to federal funding for innovative projects
* Opportunities to strengthen national research collaborations
* Support for renewable energy and agricultural solutions
* Enhanced capacity for bioenergy research and development
* Contributions to rural economic growth and sustainability
* Increased collaboration among universities and government agencies

Application Process

Interested applicants should:

1. Review the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
2. Confirm consortium eligibility requirements.
3. Develop a proposal aligned with Sun Grant Program objectives.
4. Prepare all required documentation.
5. Submit the application before the deadline.

Applicants requiring accommodations or language assistance should contact NIFA no later than ten days before the application closing date.

Application Link

Apply HERE

 Important Dates

Application Opening Date: July 31, 2026
Application Deadline: August 17, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early to ensure timely submission.

Contact Information

Program Contact: Kaushlendra Tingi

Electronic Access Support: grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov (mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov)

Conclusion

The USDA Sun Grant Program 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for land-grant institutions to collaborate on transformative projects that advance renewable energy, agricultural innovation, and rural development across the United States. By supporting research, education, and extension activities in bioenergy and biobased products, the program contributes to a more sustainable and resilient future. Eligible institutions should take advantage of this funding opportunity and submit competitive proposals before the August 17, 2026 deadline.

Discover more Grants opportunities like this on the OFY webpage.