Higher Education Challenge Grants Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Higher Education Challenge Grants Program (USDA NIFA CGP 005716)?

The Higher Education Challenge Grants Program (USDA NIFA CGP 005716) is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). It is designed to strengthen higher education in agriculture by supporting projects that address well-defined educational needs.

Which agency runs this grant opportunity?

This program is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA).

What is the main purpose or goal of this program?

The main goal is to strengthen higher education in agriculture by funding projects that respond to a clear educational need. The educational need should be meaningful at a state, regional, national, or even international level, rather than being limited to a single department or campus.

What kind of educational needs are eligible or expected under this program?

The program expects proposals to be grounded in a well-defined gap or priority in agricultural education. Applicants should clearly explain what the need is and why it matters beyond one institution, showing broader relevance at the state, regional, national, or international level.

Does the program expect projects to be innovative?

Yes. Innovation is described as a central expectation. Projects are intended to use creative or non-traditional approaches to address the identified educational need, and they should go beyond routine curriculum updates.

What does USDA-NIFA mean by "innovation" in this program?

Based on the listing, innovation means proposing approaches that are not simply standard or routine updates. Examples of the types of innovations emphasized include new methods, structures, partnerships, or teaching and learning models. A key theme is that funded ideas should be replicable by others.

Is replicability important for proposals under this opportunity?

Yes. The program emphasizes producing ideas that other institutions or programs can replicate. Proposals are expected to describe approaches that could serve as a blueprint for others.

What role does collaboration play in this grant program?

Collaboration is prioritized. Projects are expected to encourage stronger working relationships within the university science and education community. The opportunity also emphasizes building bridges between universities and the private sector.

Does the program encourage partnerships with the private sector?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly prioritizes building connections between universities and the private sector to enhance overall program quality and leverage additional expertise and resources.

What types of benefits can private sector collaboration provide under this program?

The listing highlights that private sector collaboration can help leverage additional expertise and resources, such as industry input, applied learning opportunities, shared facilities, or co-developed training pathways that strengthen educational outcomes.

Is sustainability required, or is it just a preference?

Sustainability and long-term impact are described as key features of the opportunity. USDA-NIFA is looking for projects whose benefits are likely to outlast the grant period and continue after USDA support ends.

How should applicants address sustainability in their proposals?

Successful proposals typically explain how the work will continue after the grant ends. The listing suggests addressing how the project will be institutionalized, maintained, scaled, or embedded into standard operations so that improvements persist over time.

What is the funding activity category and CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered as a grant under the Agriculture funding activity category. The CFDA number provided is 10.217.

Who is eligible to apply?

The listing shows eligibility as "Others," and notes that clarification is expected in the official eligibility text of the full announcement. Applicants would need to consult the full announcement to confirm eligibility requirements for their organization type.

When was this opportunity posted?

This specific posting was created and posted on February 23, 2016.

What was the application deadline for this posting?

The original and current application deadline listed for this specific posting was April 22, 2016.

Does the listing provide an award ceiling or expected number of awards?

No. The provided listing does not specify an award ceiling or the number of expected awards.

Where can applicants find information on budget limits, typical award sizes, or expected funding levels?

Because the listing does not include an award ceiling or number of expected awards, applicants would need to consult the full official announcement for details on budget limits, typical award sizes, and funding levels.

What makes a strong proposal for this grant based on the listing?

Based on the information provided, a strong proposal would (1) clearly define an agricultural education need with broader relevance beyond a single campus, (2) present an innovative, non-traditional approach rather than routine updates, (3) demonstrate replicability so others can use the model, (4) emphasize collaboration within higher education and with the private sector, and (5) show sustainability with benefits that continue beyond the USDA funding period.