Higher Education Challenge Grants Program
Apply on Grants.gov →Application closes October 15, 2026
- Posted
- August 5, 2026
- Closes
- October 15, 2026
- Award ceiling
- $750,000
- Award floor
- $150,000
- Program funding
- $5,700,000
- Expected awards
- 36
- Cost sharing
- No
- Instrument
- Grant
- Assistance listing
- 10.217
- Category
- Agriculture
- Archives
- November 14, 2026
Program funding history
Awards made under Assistance Listing 10.217 across FY2024–FY2026, from public federal spending records.
- FY2024 obligated
- $8.9M
- FY2025 obligated
- $0
- FY2026 (to date) obligated
- $0
- Awards in window
- 94
Top recipients: North Carolina State University, University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc., Arizona State University, University of Tennessee, The Curators of the University of Missouri
Source: USAspending.gov · refreshed August 2026
Synopsis
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).
Who can apply
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
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.
How to apply
Applications go through the official government listing. Grants Radar links you straight to the source — applying is free.
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