The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is accepting applications for the Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program (SLSNCGP). This program supports projects that help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and critical incidents. Activities focus on providing science-based risk information, educational experiences, and resources to mitigate losses and facilitate recovery efforts.

Grants range from $10,000 to $115,000, with an estimated total funding of $459,000 available. Applications are due by February 13, 2025. Cost-sharing or matching funds are required. Eligible applicants are 1862 Land-grant Institutions located in U.S. states and territories, including American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, the Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Awardees may partner with non-eligible organizations or other Land-grant Institutions (e.g., 1890s and 1994s) as subcontractors or collaborators.

Projects should focus on applied scientific programming that addresses public needs during emergencies, including risk communication, educational programming, and opening new communication channels to enhance community resilience.