§ Federal grant opportunity · USDA-NIFA-CGP-011315
Higher Education Challenge Grants Program
National Institute of Food and Agriculture is accepting applications for Higher Education Challenge Grants Program. The deadline is October 15, 2026 and the published award range is $150K – $750K.
Key facts
- Funder
- National Institute of Food and Agriculture
- Application deadline
- October 15, 2026
- Award range
- $150K – $750K
- Eligibility
- Eligibility Requirements Land-grant Institutions and other colleges and universities having a demonstrable capacity to carry out the teaching of food and agricultural sciences and confer a graduate degree in at least one discipline or area of food and agricultural sciences are eligible to apply. Institutions offering degrees should be accredited by an agency or association recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Research foundations maintained by an eligible college or university are eligible. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. Individuals are not eligible to apply for these grants to support their own graduate education.
- Geography
- United States
- Focus areas
- Agriculture
- Opportunity number
- USDA-NIFA-CGP-011315
Program overview
The purpose of HEC, under assistance listing 10.217, is to strengthen institutional capacities, including curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation, and student recruitment and retention. The HEC program is focused on developing and improving formal master’s or doctorate degree-level food and agricultural sciences education and first professional degree-level education in veterinary medicine, such as a doctorate in veterinary medicine (DVM).
How to apply
- Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
- Read the full funding opportunity announcement from National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
- Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
- Submit before October 15, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.
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