Higher Education Challenge Grants Program
ID: 358310Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA)

Award Range

$30K - $750K

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Agriculture

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358310

Additional Information

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/higher-education-challenge-grants-program
Timeline
    Description

    The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is offering the Higher Education Challenge Grants Program (HEC) for fiscal year 2025, aimed at enhancing the educational capacity of colleges and universities in food and agricultural sciences. This program encourages innovative proposals that address educational needs through creative methodologies, with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the curriculum and faculty capabilities. The total funding available for this opportunity is approximately $5,061,425, with individual awards ranging from $30,000 to $750,000, and applications are due by March 11, 2025. Interested applicants can reach out to NIFA at grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov for further inquiries regarding the application process.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    FY25-HEC-RFA-P.pdf
    The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Higher Education Challenge Grants Program (HEC) for the fiscal year 2025, with an anticipated funding amount of $5,061,425. The application deadline is March 11, 2025. The HEC program aims to strengthen the capacity of colleges and universities to address educational needs in food and agricultural sciences and related fields. It encourages proposals that enhance curriculum, faculty capabilities, and student recruitment, with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Eligible institutions include public or private non-profit colleges and universities with demonstrable capacity in food and agricultural sciences. The program supports various project types, including planning activities and collaborative grants, each with specific funding limits. Priorities include innovative educational practices, leadership skills development, and collaboration with international partners. Applications are evaluated based on their potential to advance the quality of education, proposed methodology, and institutional capability. This funding opportunity aligns with USDA's strategic goals aimed at enhancing the agricultural workforce and ensuring equitable access to education.
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