The Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH), authorized under Section 1419B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, aims to support eligible institutions in education, research, and community development within the fields of Food, Agricultural, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences (FANH). With an emphasis on educational equity and institutional capacity-building, the program aligns with USDA’s strategic goals to promote equity in agriculture, climate-smart solutions, and nutrition security, among others. Activities funded through the program include curriculum development, faculty enhancement, student mentoring, research, and leadership training, fostering collaboration and resource sharing among institutions and partners.

The ANNH program addresses critical educational and societal needs by supporting projects that enhance learning opportunities for underrepresented students and promote sustainable practices and innovation in FANH. Institutions are encouraged to include components such as leadership skill development, experiential learning, and the integration of social sciences to tackle real-world challenges like food security, health disparities, and poverty. The program also supports global engagement and allows for partnerships with international organizations, provided the projects primarily benefit U.S. interests.

Eligible projects can be categorized as education, extension, research, or integrated efforts, with each focusing on FANH-related goals such as improving instructional methods, promoting agricultural literacy, and fostering community engagement. Standard grants support individual institutions, while collaborative grants require partnerships to enhance program impact through resource sharing and collective expertise. Each grant type has specific requirements, such as the inclusion of a logic model for integrated projects or the demonstration of measurable outcomes for extension projects.

The FY 2025 funding pool is approximately $5.49 million, with awards ranging from $150,000 to $1.5 million, depending on the project type and scope. Grants are available for a duration of 36-48 months and must commence by September 30, 2025. Eligible applicants include independent branch campuses, state system branches, and collaborations among institutions, provided they meet specific accreditation, enrollment, and funding criteria. Documentation demonstrating eligibility, such as certification letters or Title III awards, must be submitted with applications.

To apply, institutions must address the program’s priorities, such as enhancing educational equity, preparing students for FANH careers, and developing innovative teaching methods. Applications must specify the project type and include detailed plans, metrics for outcomes, and alignment with USDA goals. Resubmitted and renewal applications must provide responses to prior reviews and include progress reports. Collaborative applications must delineate roles and fund distribution among partners.

Applications for FY 2025 are due by March 27, 2025. Prospective applicants should consult the program materials available on the NIFA website for additional guidance, including information on webinars and application resources. Institutions new to federal funding are encouraged to review NIFA’s Grants Overview for assistance in understanding the federal award process.