Feed the Future Innovation Labs

The Feed the Future Innovation Labs funding opportunity, issued by the U.S. Department of State's Office of Global Food Security, represents a major investment in addressing global food security challenges through scientific research and agricultural development. This program aligns with U.S. foreign policy objectives to combat hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable food systems worldwide. With a significant total estimated funding pool of $64 million and cooperative agreements expected to range between $20 million and $40 million, this initiative will fund up to seven awardees. It is housed under the Assistance Listing 19.017 for Environmental and Scientific Partnerships and Programs, reflecting its strong emphasis on research-driven, collaborative solutions to pressing global agricultural problems. The core objectives of the Feed the Future Innovation Labs are twofold: firstly, to advance agricultural science and research that boosts productivity, addresses threats to agricultural systems, and strengthens food systems to reduce global hunger and malnutrition; secondly, to promote the consumption of nutritious and safe foods by increasing individual and household demand and improving market access and supply chains. These goals support broader outcomes in food safety, dietary quality, and agricultural sustainability. Eligible proposals must align with at least one of these objectives and demonstrate tangible pathways toward meaningful, scalable impact. Only U.S. colleges and universities that meet the eligibility criteria under Section 296(d) of Title XII of the Foreign Assistance Act, as amended, may apply for this opportunity. This restricts eligibility to a specific class of institutions that are equipped with the expertise and infrastructure to conduct global agricultural research. The eligibility notice clearly states that no other entity types may apply, and this exclusivity reinforces the government’s intention to engage institutions with proven research capacity and international development experience. Interested institutions are encouraged to consult the Statement of Interest (SOI) for additional requirements and definitions. The application process follows a two-step structure. Applicants must first review and respond to the Statement of Interest, which outlines all required documentation and program criteria. In response to high interest, the Department of State will release a set of question-and-answer clarifications around March 10, 2026. Accordingly, the SOI deadline has been extended to April 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. There are no pre-application steps such as LOIs or concept papers that affect application advancement; however, the process requires careful adherence to the guidelines in the SOI to ensure eligibility and completeness. Each award will be implemented via a cooperative agreement, indicating a high level of involvement from the federal awarding agency throughout the life of the grant. Applicants can expect active participation from the Office of Global Food Security, including technical assistance, monitoring, and evaluation support. The number of awards is expected to be seven, with significant funding provided per award, likely supporting multi-year projects. However, detailed timelines for award notifications or performance periods are not provided in the current notice. Communication regarding this funding opportunity should be directed to the official program email: [email protected]. No individual grant officer is named in the notice. Additionally, there is no PDF NOFO or application guide linked directly in the announcement; applicants are expected to use the Grants.gov listing and the MyGrants system for official application materials and submission.

Clearly define impact pathways, ensure scalability, and align with U.S. interests for food security and economic gain.