How To Apply for APHIS Funding: Getting Started

Last Modified: May 19, 2025

New to APHIS funding? Preparing early can help you avoid last-minute surprises or obstacles when you apply.

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Award Process

Applying for an APHIS funding opportunity generally involves these steps:

  1. Search for open opportunities.
  2. Review the funding opportunity to see if you and your organization are eligible for it.
  3. Apply by following instructions in the funding opportunity.
  4. Watch for the release of information regarding awards/spending.
  5. If selected, follow the instructions in your award notification to manage and report on funds.

Get Ready To Apply

These are steps you can take at any time so you're ready to apply when the next funding opportunity opens.

  1. Register your organization with the U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM). You must be registered with SAM to apply for Federal funding, including all APHIS opportunities.
    • Don't wait! It takes at least 10 business days after you submit your registration for it to become active in SAM, plus at least 1 more day until it's available in other Government systems.
    • You can register in SAM at any time, even if you're not applying for funding right away.
  2. Browse successful projects from past funding opportunities. Many of our funding programs publish their spending plans as well as brief descriptions of funded projects. These examples may give you ideas or help you see which funding program is the best fit for your project.
  3. Familiarize yourself with the application method for your funding program. Application methods vary; the funding opportunity will always list its application method. Most require you to set up an account and apply through an online system.* The accordions below include details about these systems.
  4. Review the general application guidance for your funding program. You can find these details in previous opportunities if no opportunities are open right now.

* Exceptions include the National Clean Plant Network and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network funding programs, which accept applications via email.

Application Systems

What To Expect After You Apply

  • If your application package meets the minimum eligibility requirements, it goes through a merit review process. This process is designed to be fair and impartial. A team of experts reviews the applications and scores them. Scores are based on how well the application meets the evaluation criteria (listed in the funding opportunity announcement).
  • The review team makes award recommendations to the agency's awarding official. APHIS (or the awarding agency) considers the review team's recommendations in making final funding decisions.
  • If selected, you will be contacted directly when it's time to begin the cooperative agreements process, if not before.
  • APHIS issues a press release or other public announcement of all funding awards. Most programs also publish a spending plan and list of funded projects each year.

To make sure you receive announcements about open opportunities and awards, sign up for email updates on topics related to your funding program. 

Terms and Conditions

All APHIS funding awards are subject to general terms and conditions for cooperative agreements and grants.

The use of award funds must follow Federal cost principles (2 CFR 200, Subpart E). Additional program-specific cost guidelines (listed in the funding opportunity announcement) may also apply.