Higher Education Challenge Grants Program
USDA-NIFA Posted USDA-NIFA-CGP-011315
Close Date:
October 15, 2026
30 days remaining
Description
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).
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.
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.
Actions
Funding Details
- Award Floor
- $150,000.00
- Award Ceiling
- $750,000.00
- Total Estimated Funding
- $5,700,000.00
- Expected Awards
- 36
Key Dates
- Posted
- August 5, 2026
- Closes
- October 15, 2026 30d
- Archive Date
- November 14, 2026
Agency Information
- Agency Name
- National Institute of Food and Agriculture
- Agency Code
- USDA-NIFA
- Funding Instrument
- Other