Higher Education Challenge Grants Program

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). Program Details National Institute of Food and Agriculture is a federal agency that offers the Higher Education Challenge Grants Program grant program to support arts and cultural programs and education programs. This funding opportunity is available nationally and is administered by National Institute of Food and Agriculture through Grants.gov. Organizations seeking funding for arts and cultural programs and education programs should review the details below and confirm their eligibility before preparing an application. Eligibility Eligible applicants include eligible organizations. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply and to review the full program guidelines before submission. Because eligibility rules and funding priorities can change between cycles, applicants should always confirm the current requirements with National Institute of Food and Agriculture or on Grants.gov before investing time in an application. Funding and Timeline Funding available: $150K – $750K. Applications are due by October 15, 2026. Applicants should allow sufficient time to gather required documentation, including organizational information, project descriptions, budgets, and supporting materials as specified in the program guidelines. Submitting a complete application well ahead of the deadline reduces the risk of disqualification on technical or administrative grounds. Program Focus This grant supports arts and cultural programs and education programs. This grant is associated with NAICS industry classifications: 111, 112, 541712, 115, 611310. Organizations operating in these sectors are encouraged to review eligibility. Funded projects are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with the program's stated objectives. Grant recipients may be required to submit progress reports and final evaluations as a condition of the award, and to retain records for audit and compliance purposes. How to Apply Eligible organizations can apply through Grants.gov. Create a free organization profile on GrantRegister to see whether this grant matches your organization's NAICS code, entity type, location, and focus area, and to receive a weekly digest of every open grant you qualify for. GrantRegister maintains a complete, authoritative registry of US federal, state, and foundation grant opportunities — matched automatically to your organization profile and delivered every Monday.

Eligibility

• Funded by USDA-NIFA
• Programs related to higher education

Award details

Award range: $150K – $750K. Applications close on October 15, 2026.

Categories

Arts Culture · Education