Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program (US)

The Agriculture and Veteran Employment Grant Program (AgVets), administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), provides funding to nonprofit organizations that help military veterans transition into agriculture through education, workforce training, and employment opportunities. With approximately $2.853 million in available funding and grants ranging from $300,000 to $750,000, the program supports Extension projects that prepare veterans for successful careers in farming, ranching, agribusiness, and agricultural entrepreneurship.

Agriculture and Veteran Employment Grant Program 2026

The Agriculture and Veteran Employment Grant Program (AgVets) is a competitive funding initiative offered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The program supports nonprofit organizations that provide educational programs, workforce training, and career development opportunities to military veterans seeking careers in agriculture.

Through science-based Extension Projects, the program equips veterans with the knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience needed to succeed in farming, ranching, agribusiness, and other agriculture-related careers. In addition to helping veterans transition into civilian employment, the program also contributes to stronger rural communities and improved economic opportunities for military families.

Program Overview

The Agriculture and Veteran Employment Grant Program is designed to expand employment opportunities for military veterans by supporting nonprofit organizations that deliver research-based agricultural education and training.

Program Name: Agriculture and Veteran Employment Grant Program (AgVets)

Administered By: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Funding Type: Competitive Grant

Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations

Total Estimated Funding: $2,853,000

Award Amount: $300,000 to $750,000 per project

Primary Focus: Extension projects that provide agricultural education, workforce development, entrepreneurship training, and employment support for military veterans.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

Help military veterans successfully transition into civilian agricultural careers.
Expand access to farming, ranching, and agricultural business opportunities.
Deliver science-based agricultural education through Extension projects.
Promote agricultural entrepreneurship among veterans.
Increase employment opportunities in rural communities.
Strengthen military families through sustainable career pathways.
Build long-term agricultural skills and leadership.

Why This Program Matters

Many military veterans possess valuable leadership, discipline, and technical skills that translate well to agriculture. However, transitioning from military service to farming or agricultural careers can present challenges, including limited industry knowledge, lack of training, and difficulty accessing professional networks.

The Agriculture and Veteran Employment Grant Program helps address these challenges by funding nonprofit organizations that provide education, mentoring, technical assistance, and career development. These efforts create new employment opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen rural economies across the United States.

Funding Available

The program provides an estimated total funding of $2,853,000.

Eligible projects may request funding ranging from:

Minimum Award: $300,000
Maximum Award: $750,000

Funding supports Extension projects that deliver education, training, and employment-related services for military veterans interested in agriculture.

Eligible Activities

Projects may include a wide range of educational and workforce development activities, including:

Extension Education

Science-based agricultural education
Informal learning programs
Community outreach initiatives
National educational programs

Agricultural Training

Farming practices
Ranching skills
Sustainable agriculture
Farm management
Agricultural technology

Career Development

Employment readiness
Workforce development
Career mentoring
Agricultural leadership
Professional skill development

Agricultural Entrepreneurship

Farm business planning
Agribusiness management
Small business development
Financial planning
Marketing strategies

Educational Delivery Methods

Projects may be delivered through:

Face-to-face training
Online learning
Hybrid education
Certification programs
Workshops
Instructional materials
Digital learning resources
Innovative educational methods

Who Is Eligible?

Lead applicants must:

Be nonprofit organizations.
Submit a letter confirming nonprofit status with the application.
Demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement Extension projects.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

Institutions of higher education
Universities
Community colleges
Individual applicants
Organizations with current or active AgVets awards
Applicants submitting duplicate or multiple proposals

Project Partners and Collaborators

Although only nonprofit organizations may serve as lead applicants, other organizations can participate in funded projects.

Eligible award recipients may collaborate with or subcontract work to organizations that are not eligible lead applicants when such partnerships are necessary for successful project implementation and receive approval from USDA NIFA.

Potential collaborators may include:

Universities
Community colleges
Government agencies
Veteran service organizations
Agricultural organizations
Private sector partners
Community organizations

Expected Project Outcomes

Successful projects should help veterans:

Develop practical agricultural knowledge.
Gain workforce skills for agricultural careers.
Build farming and ranching expertise.
Start agricultural businesses.
Improve employment opportunities.
Strengthen long-term career success in agriculture.
Contribute to sustainable rural economic development.

How the Program Works

The Agriculture and Veteran Employment Grant Program funds nonprofit organizations that deliver Extension education programs specifically designed for military veterans.

Organizations develop practical educational programs that combine research-based knowledge with real-world agricultural training. Participants receive education through workshops, online courses, mentoring, certification programs, demonstrations, and other innovative learning methods that prepare them for careers in agriculture.

How to Apply

Eligible nonprofit organizations should follow these steps:

Confirm that your organization qualifies as a nonprofit.
Obtain a letter verifying nonprofit status.
Review the official funding opportunity and application requirements.
Develop an Extension project focused on agricultural education and employment for veterans.
Define measurable objectives and expected outcomes.
Prepare a detailed project budget within the allowable funding range.
Identify project partners or subcontractors if needed.
Gather all required supporting documents.
Submit one complete application before the application deadline.

Duplicate or multiple submissions are not permitted.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances of success by:

Demonstrating clear benefits for military veterans.
Using evidence-based educational approaches.
Including measurable performance indicators.
Building strong partnerships with veteran and agricultural organizations.
Developing a realistic project timeline.
Preparing a detailed and justified budget.
Showing organizational experience in education or workforce development.
Explaining how the project will create lasting community impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors when preparing an application:

Applying as an ineligible organization.
Forgetting to include proof of nonprofit status.
Submitting duplicate applications.
Requesting funding outside the allowable range.
Providing unclear project goals.
Failing to define measurable outcomes.
Preparing unrealistic budgets.
Not explaining how veterans will benefit from the project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Agriculture and Veteran Employment Grant Program?

The Agriculture and Veteran Employment Grant Program (AgVets) is a USDA NIFA funding program that supports nonprofit organizations delivering agricultural education, workforce training, and employment programs for military veterans.

Who can apply?

Only nonprofit organizations may apply as lead applicants and must include documentation confirming their nonprofit status.

How much funding is available?

The program offers approximately $2.853 million in total funding, with individual awards ranging from $300,000 to $750,000.

Are universities eligible to apply?

No. Universities, community colleges, and other institutions of higher education are not eligible to serve as lead applicants. However, they may participate as project partners or subcontractors when approved by NIFA.

Can individuals apply?

No. Individual applicants are not eligible for funding.

Can organizations with existing AgVets grants apply?

No. Organizations with current or active AgVets awards are not eligible to submit applications under this funding opportunity.

What types of projects are funded?

The program funds Extension projects that provide science-based agricultural education, workforce development, entrepreneurship training, certification programs, instructional materials, mentoring, and career development opportunities for military veterans.

Conclusion

The Agriculture and Veteran Employment Grant Program (AgVets) is an important USDA NIFA initiative that helps military veterans build successful careers in agriculture while supporting the economic vitality of rural America. By funding nonprofit organizations that deliver research-based Extension education, workforce training, and entrepreneurial support, the program creates meaningful pathways into farming, ranching, and agribusiness. Eligible nonprofit organizations with experience in veteran services or agricultural education should develop strong, outcome-focused proposals that demonstrate measurable benefits for veterans, military families, and the broader agricultural sector.