University Funding

Funding for precision ag and data analytics projects

All requests for funding from colleges and universities are accepted and evaluated during an annual, competitive grant process. Online applications are available April 15 to May 31. Each year, the CHS Foundation board of trustees selects new funding priorities. The 2023 funding priorities are data analytics and precision agriculture with a focus on agronomy or ag mechanics/engineering.

Data analytics

The CHS Foundation will consider initiatives that prepare students to collect, analyze and understand data sets to optimize the agricultural supply chain. Priority given to projects that:

• Drive students to innovate and develop new technology
• Prepare students to collect and analyze data from multiple sources
• Expand students’ understanding of data architecture and systems
• Feature collaborative approaches that combine elements of statistics, economics and computer science
• Offer hands-on learning for students

Precision agriculture

The CHS Foundation will consider university and college initiatives that prepare students to design, operate and maintain technology, machinery and systems for agriculture. Priority given to projects that:

• Develop or enhance agronomy, precision agriculture, or ag mechanics/engineering degree programs, curriculum and classes
• Recruit students to pursue degrees and careers in precision agriculture, agronomy, ag mechanics or engineering degree fields
• Drive students to innovate and develop new technology
• Provide students hands-on experiences

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• Applicants can submit one grant application for each priority area; however, no more than one project per applicant will be funded in any year.
• Applicants are not eligible for funding in consecutive years; rather, each applicant may only receive funding every other year at most.
• Indirect/overhead costs will be considered up to a maximum of 10% of overall program budget
• CHS supports national-level and state-level requests within the main CHS trade area: Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming

Ineligibility

• Applications will not be considered for projects related to:
  • Multi-year funding (Funds will only be awarded for one year, regardless of program length)
  • Greenhouse projects
  • General fundraising campaigns— applications must be specifically related to data analytics and precision agriculture with a focus on agronomy or ag mechanics/engineering
  • Operating budget support
  • Construction or renovation projects; the CHS Foundation prefers to fund programming and curriculum projects.
  • Scholarships- as scholarships are already supported through the existing University Partner program.
• CHS does not support:
  • Individuals, individual needs or individual fundraisers
  • Sports teams or athletic requests
  • Medical/disease related causes
  • Groups with religious affiliation
  • Political campaigns, fundraisers or lobbying efforts not endorsed through CHS Government Affairs