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Higher Education Challenge Grants Program

Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Assistance Listings: 10.217 -- Higher Education - Institution Challenge Grants Program

Last Updated: August 5, 2026

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

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.

Grantor contact information

Description

NIFA Support Email grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays

Email

If you have questions about preparing application content, contact grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Documents

File nameDescriptionLast updated
FY26-HEC-NOFO-P.pdf
FY26 Higher Education Challenge NOFO
Aug 5, 2026 07:45 PM UTC

Link to additional information

Higher Education Challenge Grants Program

Closing: October 15, 2026

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates.

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:

No

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

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