NCR-SARE: Graduate Student Grant Program

NCR-SARE: Graduate Student Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: North Central Region SARE
Amount: Up to US $20,000
Last Updated: February 23, 2026

Summary

The NCR-SARE Graduate Student Grant Program funds up to $20,000 for graduate student projects addressing sustainable agriculture in the North Central Region. Established in 2002, it supports Master's and Ph.D. students at accredited institutions. Projects can last up to 36 months, and applicants may receive only one grant during their academic career. The program aims to promote innovative solutions to agricultural challenges and enhance sustainability practices in the region.

Overview

About the Graduate Student Grant Program The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Graduate Student Grant Program supports projects by graduate students that address sustainable agriculture issues and are part of the student’s degree program. NCR-SARE instituted the Graduate Student Grant Program in 2002 for officially registered graduate students (Masters and Ph.D.) enrolled at accredited colleges or universities. Projects must benefit agriculture in the North Central Region. NCR-SARE’s Graduate Student Grant Program is a competitive grant program to fund graduate student projects that address sustainable agriculture issues. A candidate may only receive one NCR-SARE Graduate Student award during her or his graduate student career. Generally: Graduate Student Grant awards can be up to $20,000. Projects may last up to 36 months. Please refer to these guidelines for additional informations.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The student must be officially registered as a graduate student or resident (according to his or her institution’s requirements) at the time the project begins. A student is allowed to receive only one NCR-SARE Graduate Student grant during her or his student career. NCR-SARE funds MAY be used for the following purposes:Supplies, including software.Labor (this includes wages or salary and benefits, other than tuition, for the student or other individuals working on the project).Special reference books not readily available.Farm equipment rental or operating charges.Travel and per diem necessary for the project (use your university rules for travel expenses).Payments for project participants (especially farmers and ranchers) who aren’t drawing salaries or wages from an employer while they’re working on your project.A small amount of overhead or indirect costs; 10% is the maximum rate that may be used.

Ineligibility

NCR-SARE and/or USDA have determined that NCR-SARE funds MAY NOT be used for the following purposes:Payment of tuition.Purchase of books used in the student’s courses.Printing or copying of a thesis or final project paper.Permanent capital improvements (e.g., land, buildings, etc.).Purchase of motorized vehicles.Equipment (see note in budget section)