Youth Educator Grant

Youth Educator Call for Proposals

There is no open call at this time.

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Open Grant Programs

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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.
  • 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. Joan Benjamin or Liz Brownlee can answer your questions about the program.

Joan Benjamin
Associate Regional Coordinator
Phone: 573-681-5545
Email: BenjaminJ@lincolnu.edu

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 2023 Youth Educator Projects
Graduate Student
List of 2023 Graduate Student Projects
Farmer Rancher
List of 2023 Farmer Rancher Projects
Partnership
List of 2023 Partnership Projects