Higher Education Challenge Grants Program
Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Assistance Listings: 10.217 -- Higher Education - Institution Challenge Grants Program
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
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
If you have questions about preparing application content, contact grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| FY26-HEC-NOFO-P.pdf | FY26 Higher Education Challenge NOFO | Aug 5, 2026 07:45 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
Closing: October 15, 2026
Award
$5,700,000
Program Funding
36
Expected awards
$150,000
Award Minimum
$750,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
USDA-NIFA-CGP-011315
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Funding instrument type:
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
Category of Funding Activity:
Agriculture
Category Explanation:
History
Version:
1
Posted date:
August 5, 2026
Archive date:
November 14, 2026
