NCR-SARE's 2024 Research and Education Grant Call for Preproposals is now available online at https://northcentral.sare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant/Research-and-Education-Grant/.
NCR-SARE’s Research and Education (R&E) program supports sustainable agriculture innovators with competitive research and education grants. Individual grants range from $50,000 to $250,000.
Deadline
The Research and Education Program preproposals deadline is October 5, 4pm Central.
Research and Education Zoom Session
A Research and Education Grant and Partnership Grant application Zoom webinar will take place on September 6 at 10am Central. NCR-SARE intends to record the Zoom session and post it online. Register for the Zoom online at: https://umn.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwofuCvpjgrHd2qxzN1oDALYb7JGwxQs6H6#/registration
About Research and Education Grants
We anticipate that roughly $4.0 million will be available to fund approximately 16 grant projects, with individual grants not to exceed $250,000 total for projects lasting up to three years (36 months). In 2023, NCR-SARE received 139 preproposals, invited 37 to be developed into full proposals, and selected 17 R&E proposals for funding. The average size of funded grants was $234,000, and grant lengths ranged from 24 to 36 months.
For the 2024 funding cycle of the R&E Grant Program, NCR-SARE will again be accepting preproposals for long-term projects. Recognizing that some research/extension systems work is complex and requires collaborative interdisciplinary work that takes many years to complete, applicants will indicate that they are applying under the long-term option. The long-term option allows for additional funding in subsequent 3-year cycles with satisfactory progress. See the Call for Preproposals for details.
NCR-SARE will accept online submissions for the Research and Education Grant Program using our online submission system. More information about the online submission system can be found in the call for preproposals.
Funding Decisions
NCR-SARE administers each grant program with specific goals, audiences, and timelines. Funding considerations are based on how well the applicant presents the problem being addressed, its relevance to sustainable agriculture in the 12-state North Central region, farmer-rancher engagement in the project, and how well it aligns with NCR-SARE's goals.
Funding decisions are made by a regional Administrative Council (AC), with review from a Technical Committee. The Administrative Council is a collection of producers, university representatives, nonprofit group interests, Extension and NRCS people, other government employees, and agribusiness representatives. This group sets research priorities and recommends projects for funding.
Questions?
For questions or additional information regarding the R&E Grant Program, contact Beth Nelson.
Beth Nelson, Ph.D.
Regional Coordinator and Director of Research and Education Programs
Phone: 612-626-4436
Email: bethnelson@umn.edu