The Center’s funding opportunities support new and ongoing regional research, extension, and integrated activities and enhance the ability of the North Central Region’s (NCR) thirty-four land-grant institutions to positively influence the quality of life in the region’s rural areas.
Four Funding Opportunities
Small Grants 2026
This seed grant supports research and/or Extension projects that positively influence the quality of life in rural areas of the North Central Region. Small Grants offered once a year.
Open / Deadline: March 16, 2026, 5pm ET / Funding limit: $20,000 / Time limit: One year
Fellows Program 2026
NCRCRD Fellows collaborate with the Center to pursue research and/or outreach projects that benefit the North Central Region.
Open: Proposals accepted on a rolling basis / Funding limit: $25,000 / Time limit: One year
Fellows Program 2026 RFP
Current & Past Fellow Projects
Extension Collaboration and Implementation Grants 2026
This grant assists North Central Region land-grant institutions to implement an Extension program from a land-grant institution in another state within the region.
Open: Proposals accepted on a rolling basis / Funding limit: $5,000 / Time limit: One year
North Central Region Thematic Working Groups 2026
This grant seeks to facilitate multi-state regional and enduring collaboration that leads to relevant regional outputs. A minimum of six North Central states must be represented.
Open: Proposals accepted on a rolling basis / Funding limit: $50,000 / Time limit: Three years
Past and Current Grants
Thematic descriptions and current and past grants are shared on the following three Thematic Area pages. Current and past NCRCRD Fellows and their projects are shared on Fellows web page.