The 2024 Youth Educator Call for Proposals is now available.
Proposals are due on November 9, 2023 by 4pm Central Time.
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Open Grant Programs
Each grant program has its own timeline. Check to see which programs are open at this time.
Check NowNCR-SARE's Grant Programs
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). Youth Educator grants support projects by youth educators encouraging youth to try sustainable practices and explore sustainable agriculture as a viable career option.
- 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.
- 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.
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
- Download a presentation about applying for a Youth Educator grant either as a basic PDF or an editable PowerPoint presentation (PDF or PowerPoint).
- View a recording of a Youth Educator Grant Writing webinar.
Personal Contact
A unique aspect of NCR-SARE is our personal contact with grantees involved in the program. The Youth Educator Grant Program has a program liaison, Joan Benjamin, who can answer your questions about the program.
- Joan Benjamin, Farmer Rancher Grant Program Coordinator and Associate Regional Coordinator, 573-681-5545, BenjaminJ@lincolnu.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 2022 Professional Development Program Projects | Research and Education List of 2022 Research and Education Projects |
| Youth Educator List of 2022 Youth Educator Projects | Graduate Student List of 2022 Graduate Student Projects |
| Farmer Rancher List of 2023 Farmer Rancher Projects | Partnership List of 2023 Partnership Projects |