Extension Risk Management Education Competitive Grants Program
2026 Request for Applications (RFA) Announcement
North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The North Central Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Center, ncerme.org, in conjunction with the Northeast, Southern, and Western Centers announces a competitive funding opportunity for educational projects designed to help farmers, ranchers, and foresters (producers) improve their economic viability through targeted risk management strategies. The Centers expect to award grants through three program areas – Risk Management Education Projects, Underutilization of Crop Insurance Projects, and Exploratory Projects.
All applications are due by 5 PM, CST, Thursday, November 13, 2025
Eligibility: This announcement seeks applications from qualified public and private groups, organizations, and institutions including land grant colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, other colleges and universities, and other public and private entities with a demonstrated capacity to develop and deliver results/impact-based risk management education projects for agricultural producers and their families. The North Central Center serves Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION PROJECTS
This funding opportunity focuses on risk management educational projects designed to help agricultural producers improve their economic viability through targeted risk management strategies. Proposed programs should address any of the five areas of risk: production, marketing, financial, legal or human. The maximum amount of requested funding shall not exceed $75,000 for 18-month projects to be conducted between April 1, 2026 and September 30, 2027.
UNDERUTILIZATION OF CROP INSURANCE PROJECTS
This funding opportunity is specifically designated for the delivery of risk management education to agricultural producers who underutilize the Federal crop insurance program; with proposed educational programming that aligns with one or more of the five areas of risk: production, marketing, financial, legal or human. The maximum amount of requested funding shall not exceed $100,000 for 18-month projects to be conducted between April 1, 2026 and September 30, 2027.
EXPLORATORY PROJECTS
This funding opportunity focuses on smaller, simplified projects for the purpose of planning, development and piloting efforts that address farmer/rancher risk management education needs and may lead to future projects in the other categories. The maximum amount of requested funding shall not exceed $10,000 for 18-month projects to be conducted between April 1, 2026 and September 30, 2027.
Application Information: All applicants should read the RFA in full and note the requirements of the Project Director Training in section II.E. The complete RFA and details on how to apply can be found on the North Central Center’s website under "Funding” and then “ERME RFA”. All applications must be submitted online through the Results Verification System (RVS). There are application resources within the RVS system to help guide you through the application process.
The North Central Center will conduct an Applicant Webinar on October 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM CDT. Please join us to learn more about the RFA and application process. There is no fee to participate, however please register by sending an email to clockert2@unl.edu. Information on how to join the webinar will be posted on the North Central Center’s website and will also be emailed to registered participants.
Questions or comments regarding the RFA may be directed to Brad Lubben (402-472-2235, blubben2@unl.edu) or Christine Lockert (402-472-2039, clockert2@unl.edu).
