About the Youth Educator Grant Program
NCR-SARE recognizes that youth programs are a way to introduce new and exciting farming and ranching options to youth, families, and community members. The Youth Educator program provides opportunities for youth to learn about Sustainable Agriculture (farming and ranching that is ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially responsible). These grants help youth educators encourage youth to try sustainable practices and explore sustainable agriculture as a viable career option.
Outreach to other educators is an important part of this grant. When grantees share about what they learn through their project, they can help other educators feel more equipped to teach about sustainable agriculture.
- Youth Educator Grants are competitive grants for educators to provide programming on sustainable agriculture for youth.
- Youth Educator grants can be up to $6,000.
- The Youth Educator program aims to fuel and share innovation within sustainable agriculture education. This grant funds projects that are either (a) innovative overall, or in their setting, or (b) significantly expand or improve existing programming.
- Projects may last up to 23 months.
- About 18 projects are funded each year. In 2023, NCR-SARE received 69 proposals and selected 18 proposals for funding.
- A sample of the call for proposals is available throughout the year, but you should always consult the current call for proposals when applying.
- The annual portfolio of youth educator grant proposals is reviewed and awarded on the annual timeline.
- Scroll down to view a PowerPoint presentation about completing a proposal for NCR-SARE's Youth Educator grant program.
- Take a look at grants that have been previously funded.
- Review the projects funded in the last grant cycle.
- This NCR-SARE Grant How-To Video Series aims to help more people feel equipped to apply for a SARE grant.
Funding decisions are made by NCR-SARE's regional Administrative Council after receiving feedback from a review committee. The Administrative Council is a collection of farmers, ranchers, university representatives, nonprofit representatives, Extension and NRCS people, other government employees, and agribusiness representatives. This group sets research priorities and recommends projects for funding.
NCR-SARE can provide grant applications, reports from other projects, lists of funded projects, or other sustainable agriculture information.
Before writing a grant proposal, determine a clear project goal and explore previous research. It often helps to contact NCR-SARE, local agriculture groups, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and/or Extension educators to share ideas and invite participation.
Timeline
Timelines are subject to change. Always adhere to the due date listed in the current Call for Proposals.
- Mid August: Call for Proposals Released
- Early November: Proposals Due
- February: Funding Decisions
- Spring: Funds Available to Recipient
Presentation
Personal Contact
A unique aspect of NCR-SARE is our personal contact with grantees involved in the program. Liz Brownlee can answer your questions about the program.
Liz Brownlee
Farmer Rancher and Youth Educator Grant Program Coordinator
Phone: 812-405-5681
Email: brow7263@umn.edu
Recent Grant Projects
Click on the links below to access lists of funded project information. You can also view lists of projects that have been funded in your state.
Professional Development List of 2023 Professional Development Program Projects | Research and Education List of 2023 Research and Education Projects |
Youth Educator List of 2024 Youth Educator Projects | Graduate Student List of 2024 Graduate Student Projects |
Farmer Rancher List of 2024 Farmer Rancher Projects | Partnership List of 2024 Partnership Projects |