OpenFederal grantUSDA-NIFA-CGP-011315

Higher Education Challenge Grants Program

National Institute of Food and AgricultureCloses Oct 15, 2026(2 days left)$150,000 – $750,000

Does this fit your business?

This is a federal program for colleges and universities, not businesses: it funds land-grant institutions and other accredited schools that confer graduate degrees in food and agricultural sciences, including master's, doctorate, and DVM programs. Money goes toward curriculum, faculty development, scientific instrumentation, and graduate student recruitment and retention. If you are a small business, a sole proprietor, or an individual student, do not apply; for-profit entities and individuals,

Best for
Land-grant institutions, Accredited colleges and universities with graduate programs in food and agricultural sciences, Research foundations maintained by an eligible college or university
Not for
For-profit businesses, including small businesses and sole proprietors, Individuals seeking support for their own graduate education, Institutions without a graduate degree program in food and agricultural sciences
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Arts & CultureLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants.
0
Worth Exploring
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Education & TrainingLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants.
0
Worth Exploring
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Environment & ConservationLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants.
0
Worth Exploring
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Finance & BankingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Food & BeverageLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Healthcare & BiotechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
ManufacturingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Social Services & NonprofitLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants.
0
Worth Exploring
Technology & SoftwareLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for
Curriculum development, Faculty development, Equipment, Student recruitment, Infrastructure
Who can apply
Colleges and universities, Other applicants (see eligibility)
Award range
$150,000 – $750,000

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 2026-10-15.
How much funding can an applicant receive?
Awards range from $150,000 to $750,000. The total program funding is $5,700,000, with about 36 awards expected.
Who can apply for this grant?
Land-grant institutions and other accredited colleges and universities with a demonstrable capacity to teach food and agricultural sciences and confer a graduate degree in at least one food and agricultural sciences discipline may apply. Research foundations maintained by an eligible college or university are also eligible. Individuals are not eligible to apply for grants to support their own graduate education.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
No. Only land-grant institutions, accredited colleges and universities with graduate programs in food and agricultural sciences, and research foundations maintained by such institutions may apply. Individuals are not eligible.
Can a nonprofit apply?
The facts do not say. The eligibility text names land-grant institutions, accredited colleges and universities with graduate capacity in food and agricultural sciences, and research foundations maintained by eligible institutions, but it does not state whether nonprofits generally may apply.

Summary

Grants to land-grant institutions and other accredited colleges and universities with graduate programs in food and agricultural sciences to strengthen institutional capacity, including curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation, and student recruitment and retention at the master's, doctorate, and DVM levels.

About this grant

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).

Who can apply

Our reading of the listing: for-profit businesses are not eligible for this one.

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.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Agriculture
  • Education
  • Higher ed

Program contact

Angela Tatum Policy Specialistgrantapplicationquestions@usda.gov0000000000

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