The 1890 Facilities Grant Program is a federal funding initiative created to support Historically Black Land-Grant Universities, also known as the 1890 Institutions. These colleges and universities were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890 to provide African Americans with access to higher education in agriculture, science, engineering, and related fields—especially in the Southern United States.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the program provides financial grants to improve and modernize physical infrastructure—including classrooms, laboratories, greenhouses, libraries, and extension centers—across these 1890 Institutions.
What Is the 1890 Facilities Grant Program?
The 1890 Facilities Grant Program helps strengthen the academic and research capacity of historically Black colleges and universities that are land-grant institutions. These grants are used to build, renovate, repair, or modernize facilities, allowing institutions to deliver higher quality education, research, and outreach services.
The funding supports projects such as:
- Renovating agricultural research labs
- Upgrading classrooms with modern equipment
- Building new greenhouses or food science centers
- Expanding distance education capabilities
- Improving accessibility and energy efficiency
The goal is to create a world-class learning environment that prepares students for careers in agriculture, food sciences, environmental science, and rural development.
Why Is It Called “1890”?
The term “1890 Institutions” refers to the colleges and universities created under the Second Morrill Act of 1890. Unlike the original Morrill Act of 1862—which funded land-grant universities mostly for white students—this 1890 legislation ensured that Black students would also have access to land-grant education if states maintained racially segregated systems.
Today, there are 19 officially designated 1890 Institutions, including:
- Tuskegee University
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Florida A&M University
- Southern University and A&M College
- Alcorn State University
These schools continue to play a vital role in training the next generation of Black scientists, engineers, and agricultural leaders.
Why Does This Program Matter?
Many 1890 Institutions have historically faced underfunding and limited infrastructure compared to their counterparts. The 1890 Facilities Grant Program helps correct this imbalance by giving them the tools needed to:
- Attract and retain top faculty and researchers
- Provide students with modern, hands-on learning experiences
- Support community outreach and extension services
- Strengthen rural and urban agriculture programs
- Promote economic growth in underserved communities
This isn’t just an investment in buildings—it’s an investment in people, education, innovation, and equity.
Who Is Eligible for the 1890 Facilities Grant?
Only designated 1890 Institutions are eligible to apply for the grant. The institutions must submit proposals that:
- Describe the infrastructure improvements or facilities to be constructed or upgraded
- Show how the project aligns with the school’s agricultural education goals
- Provide cost estimates and implementation timelines
- Include compliance with federal, state, and local building codes
Each proposal is reviewed by USDA-NIFA, and funds are awarded based on merit, need, and project impact.
How Does the Funding Work?
The program offers competitive grants with the purpose of building or modernizing facilities used for:
- Teaching
- Research
- Community education
- Extension services (supporting local farmers, youth, and families)
The grants may not cover 100% of the project costs, so matching funds or in-kind support may be required. The duration of funding usually spans 1 to 3 years, depending on the size and scope of the project.
Recent Examples of Impact
Thanks to the 1890 Facilities Grant Program, many universities have been able to:
- Build state-of-the-art food safety labs to study crop contamination
- Renovate classrooms to include smart technology and virtual learning tools
- Upgrade animal science barns and agricultural fields for student training
- Create climate-resilient greenhouses for plant research
These enhancements directly improve student outcomes, expand research capacity, and strengthen ties to local communities.
