Research Grants in Regenerative Agriculture

The Greenacres Foundation, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a private nonprofit organization established in 1988. Its mission is to preserve natural landscapes for the enjoyment and education of future generations. The foundation operates across three distinct sites: Indian Hill, OH; Lewis Township in Brown County, OH; and Michaela Farm in Oldenburg, IN. Greenacres emphasizes conservation, regenerative agriculture, and public education, aligning its operations with the foundational values of land preservation, ecological research, and cultural enrichment. The foundation seeks research proposals that explore the field of regenerative agriculture, with an emphasis on holistic and systems-level investigations that address knowledge gaps in this evolving area. Regenerative practices are those that contribute positively to ecosystem health—benefiting soil, water, climate, livestock, and the well-being of farmers and ranchers. Funding is intended for research that culminates in peer-reviewed, open-access publications and contributes to broader scientific and practical understanding. Translational research projects, especially those involving collaboration between academic researchers and agricultural practitioners, are strongly encouraged and prioritized. For the 2026 grant cycle, Greenacres is offering research awards ranging from $100,000 to $400,000. Projects are preferred to be completed within a 36-month period from the funding date. Specific priority research topics include nutrient density of food linked to ecosystem services, reduction of inputs via integrated crop-livestock systems, herbicide-free perennial weed control, and non-chemical methods for reducing biting insects in livestock. One special focus area, for which full proposals (not preceded by a Letter of Intent) are required, investigates the nutritional value that soil biology adds to food crops—particularly secondary metabolites like ergothioneine that may benefit human health. The application process follows a two-step procedure. First, applicants must submit a one-page Letter of Intent (LOI) describing the research question, methodology, and budget. The LOI window opens January 5, 2026, and closes February 2, 2026. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal, which is due April 20, 2026. For proposals addressing the soil biology outcome, applicants may bypass the LOI stage and submit full proposals directly. Proposals should be submitted as a single PDF, include a cover sheet and detailed narrative addressing required sections, and follow the specified outline provided in the RFP. Required attachments include a curriculum vitae, letters of collaboration, and an IRS tax-exempt determination letter. Greenacres does not cover indirect costs, and applicants must clearly itemize all project expenses. Equipment purchased with grant funds is considered Greenacres property unless otherwise specified. Research teams may apply to use Greenacres' own agricultural lands but must submit a land use form four weeks before the proposal deadline and ensure that all personnel pass an FBI background check. All deliverables must include at least one open-access peer-reviewed publication and annual progress reports. Grant recipients are expected to present findings in Cincinnati and consent to Greenacres’ use of institutional logos for project materials. Final reports must be submitted 90 days before project end. The foundation provides a detailed rubric to evaluate proposals and emphasizes scientific rigor, practical applicability, and clear dissemination strategies in its review process.

Prioritize translational research with both researchers and practitioners; all publications must be open access; indirect costs are not allowed.