Incentive Grants for Agricultural Education Programs (Grades 5-12)
ISBE's grant supports and enhances Illinois grades 5–12 agricultural, food, and natural resources education programs by funding quality improvements and alignment with state standards.
Funder: Illinois State Board of Education
Due Dates: June 30, 2026 (FY26 application deadline projected)
Funding Amounts: Funding amounts vary annually; typical awards in recent years have ranged from $20,000–$40,000 per grantee.
Summary: Supports and incentivizes achievement and quality in local agricultural, food, and natural resources education programs (grades 5–12) in Illinois.
Key Information: Funds must supplement, not replace, local resources; application is via ISBE’s IWAS system.
Description
This grant program, administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), is designed to support and enhance local Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) programs at the middle and high school levels (grades 5–12) throughout Illinois. The purpose is to incentivize achievement and quality in approved AFNR programs by providing funding that supplements local resources, rather than replacing them. Funding can be used to improve both existing and newly developed programs, ensuring alignment with state agricultural education standards and administrative rules.
