The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) Graduate Student Grant Program provides competitive funding for graduate students conducting research in sustainable agriculture. Hosted by the University of Minnesota and supported by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the program is open to officially enrolled graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) at accredited colleges or universities in the North Central Region. Since its inception in 2002, the program has helped train and support students whose academic research addresses real-world agricultural sustainability challenges.

Each year, the program awards funding to about 20 projects that contribute to the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of farming and food systems. Students may receive up to $20,000 in funding for research projects lasting up to 36 months. Only one grant per student is permitted during their graduate career. All projects must be integral to the student’s degree program and have tangible benefits for agriculture in the North Central Region.

The 2025 call for proposals opened in April 2025, and all submissions are due by May 29, 2025, at 4:00 PM Central Time. Funding decisions will be made in July 2025, and funds will become available in October 2025. The application process includes a detailed research proposal and budget, and applicants are encouraged to review previously funded projects to strengthen their submissions. While the grant does not require an outreach component, students may benefit from including plans to share results through publications or events.

To support applicants, NCR-SARE provides resources such as how-to videos, webinars, and one-on-one guidance. Betsy Wieland, the Graduate Student Program Coordinator, is available for personal support and can be reached via email or phone.

The grant is an excellent opportunity for graduate students to obtain funding for applied, innovative research while contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture. Proposals must align with SARE’s mission to support practices that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially responsible.