The Call for 2026 Northeast SARE Graduate Student Research Grant proposals is now available. Approximately $750,000 has been allocated to fund projects for this grant cycle. Awards of up to $30,000 are available, depending on the complexity of a project. Proposals are due no later than 4:00 p.m. EST on September 29, 2026.
The Northeast SARE Graduate Student Grant program supports applied research projects that advance sustainable agriculture in the Northeast. These grants are designed to help graduate students develop grant writing and project management skills, while supporting research and outreach implementation, and addressing real-world challenges faced by farmers and food systems.
Projects funded through this program must demonstrate relevance to farmer needs and contribute to one or more of Northeast SARE’s legislated priorities:
1. Maintain and enhance the quality and productivity of the soil;
2. Conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat;
3. Maintain and enhance the quality of surface and ground water;
4. Protect the health and safety of persons involved in the food and farm system;
5. Promote the well-being of animals; and
6. Increase employment opportunities in agriculture.
Graduate Student Grant projects should build on existing knowledge while exploring new ideas or adaptations (innovation) that have the potential to benefit farmers and food systems. Proposals must include outreach activities that share findings beyond the research team, ensuring that results are accessible and actionable for agricultural communities.
Projects must be led by a graduate student having completed their first term (semester, trimester, quarter etc) at an accredited institution and include a faculty advisor. The work proposed should be clearly defined as part of the student’s research effort, even if connected to a larger project.
Northeast SARE staff will be hosting 4 Q&A sessions for potential applicants. Registration is available at https://northeast.sare.org/GraduateStudentQA, where all session recordings and questions will be posted
• Tuesday, September 1, 2026 from noon – 1pm ET
• Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from noon – 1pm ET
• Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from noon – 1pm ET
• Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from noon – 1pm ET
Northeast SARE covers the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.