Higher Education Challenge Grants Program
This grant supports colleges in enhancing curriculum, faculty, equipment, and recruitment for advanced degrees in food, agricultural sciences, and veterinary medicine.
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Funder: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Due Dates: October 15, 2026: Full application deadline
Funding Amounts: Total program funding: $5,700,000 | Award range: $150,000–$750,000 | Project period: 36–48 months
Summary: Supports U.S. colleges and universities in strengthening graduate and professional education in food and agricultural sciences, including veterinary medicine.
Key Information: No cost sharing or match required; indirect costs capped at 30% of total federal funds awarded.
Description
This program provides competitive grants to eligible U.S. colleges and universities to strengthen institutional capacity in food and agricultural sciences. The focus is on developing and improving formal master’s, doctorate, and first professional degree-level education (including Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). Projects may address curriculum development, faculty enhancement, scientific instrumentation, and student recruitment and retention, with the goal of preparing a highly skilled workforce for the U.S. food and agricultural sector.
The program encourages innovative, evidence-based academic programs, leadership development, and collaborative initiatives between institutions to maximize resources and impact. Projects must primarily target advanced baccalaureate (third and fourth year), graduate, or DVM-level education, though ancillary benefits to secondary or two-year postsecondary students are allowed.
