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agriculture · USDA-NIFA

Higher Education Challenge Grants Program

National Institute of Food and Agriculture · USDA-NIFA-CGP-011315

52 days left

Award Range

$150K$750K

Total Program Funding

$5.7M

Expected Awards

36

Deadline

October 15, 2026

What This Grant Funds

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). 


Attachments

Who Can Apply

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.

Eligible Applicant Types

Other (see NOFO for details)

Funding Details

Minimum Award
$150K
Maximum Award
$750K
Total Program Funding
$5.7M
Expected Number of Awards
36
Cost Sharing Required?
No
Funding Instrument
grant

Key Dates

Posted: August 5, 2026
Application Deadline: October 15, 2026 (52 days remaining)

Agency Contact

NIFA Support Email grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays

grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov