1890 Institution Teaching, Research, and Extension Capacity Building Grants Program

Background
The 1890 Capacity Building Grants (CBG) Program, under Assistance Listing Number 10.216, is designed to enhance the institutional teaching, research, and extension capacities of eligible institutions through cooperative programs with Federal and non-Federal entities. This program supports Executive Order 14283, which aims to promote excellence and innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The primary goals of the program include advancing the professional workforce in food and agricultural sciences, strengthening linkages among 1890 Universities and other entities, and enhancing the quality of education, research, and extension programs.

Grant Details
The 1890 CBG Program invites applications for FY 2026 and FY 2027 to strengthen education, research, and Extension capacity at 1890 Land-grant Universities. Projects should align with USDA Secretary’s Memorandum on Departmental Research Priorities including increasing profitability for farmers, expanding markets for U.S. agricultural products, protecting American agriculture from invasive species, promoting soil health, and improving human health through precision nutrition. Eligible institutions may submit applications for up to sixteen Standard/Collaborative Grants, three Professional Development Grants, and one Workshop Grant per institution in each fiscal year. The anticipated funding for FY 2026 is approximately $56 million and $28 million for FY 2027.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include the following 1890 Land-grant Universities: Alabama A&M University, Alcorn State University, Central State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Langston University, Lincoln University (MO), North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State University, Southern University and A&M College, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, Virginia State University, West Virginia State University. Faculty may not serve as Project Directors on more than two active projects.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for grants can range from 12 to 36 months.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant program is approximately $56 million for FY 2026 with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $750,000 depending on the type of grant: Standard Grants (up to $300K), Collaborative Grants (up to $500K), Professional Development Grants (up to $150K), Workshop Grants (up to $50K).

Place of Performance
The grants will be performed at eligible institutions across the United States that are designated as 1890 Land-grant Universities.