NEHA-FDA Retail Flexible Funding Model Grant Program Open

The NEHA-FDA Retail Flexible Funding Model (NEHA-FDA RFFM) Grant Program application is now open for Calendar Year 2022! The NEHA-FDA RFFM Grant Program will offer multiple subaward pathways to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) retail food regulatory agencies as they advance conformance with the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards (VNRFRPS) or Retail Program Standards. Through the NEHA-FDA RFFM Grant Program, jurisdictions will be able to apply for substantial funding to help assess, learn, network, and grow, while enhancing their retail food regulation practices. Participation in this program will open the door to forward-thinking retail food safety programs that use sound science and metrics to reduce the occurrence of foodborne illness in their community.

Applicants will be able to request base grant funding for either one- or three-year award cycles depending on previous experience with the Retail Program Standards. Optional grant add-ons will also be available for mentorship, training, capacity building, and special projects. Base grant awards are available between $3,000 and $10,000, with add-on funding up to $100,000 per year. Details and eligibility requirements are available on the NEHA-FDA Retail Flexible Funding Model website.

NEHA’s grant management process is designed to be people-centered with an emphasis on simplicity and accessibility. Applicants to the new NEHA-FDA RFFM Grant Program can expect:

  • enhanced technical assistance and retail subject matter expertise guidance, throughout the grant cycle, in partnership with FDA and experienced retail food subject matter experts;
  • a NEHA-FDA RFFM Mentorship Program in partnership with the National Association of County and City Health Officials; and
  • dedicated educational programs to address advancement and conformance with the Retail Program Standards in partnership with the Conference for Food Protection.

All applicants must register their retail food regulatory program in the NEHA-FDA RFFM Grant Program Portal to be considered for funding. This is necessary even if you have registered in the past for any of the other FDA retail funding programs, as this is a new and separate system. Visit the Retail Grants Page and then click on the “Access the Grant Program Portal” button to begin the simple registration process.

The NEHA-FDA RFFM Grant Program Portal will remain open through November 15, 2021 (7:59 p.m. EST). For the most up-to-date information on the NEHA-FDA RFFM Grant Program, including detailed NEHA-FDA RFFM Grant Guidance, available to download, visit the Retail Grants Page. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found by scrolling down on the website or accessed directly here.

For general questions and technical support related to the grant application process, please feel free to contact the NEHA-FDA RFFM Grant Program support team.

Email: retailgrants@neha.org
Toll-free: (833) 575-2404