The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (Sheep Center) solicits competitive grants that are reviewed by the Board of Directors (Board). Grants are awarded for research on new technologies, or knowledge that will improve the efficiency, profitability, and quality of the sheep or goat industry and as seed money for the production and commercialization of new and innovative processes. These grants are evaluated annually against a Strategic Plan developed by the Board and approved by USDA.

The Wool Research, Development , and Promotion Trust Fund, as authorized by the United States Congress in 2000 provides grants to a nationally-recognized council established for the development of the United States wool market. The purpose of the Wool Trust Fund is to assist United States wool producers in improving the quality of wool and providing and assisting producers in the development and promotion of the wool market. The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) represents the nationally­ recognized council, and the funds are received into the Wool Trust Foundation.

ASI receives approximately $2 million annually to fund activities under this program.

As provided under the section 12102 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Farm Bill), the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will request applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2014 Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP) to award grants to at least one national entity whose mission is consistent with the purpose of the grant program. The SPMGP is designed to strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the United States through the improvement of infrastructure, business, resource development and the development of innovative approaches to solve long term needs. Approximately $1.5 million was awarded to the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center for the administration of grants under this program.