Research Grants in Regenerative Agriculture

The funding opportunity titled "Research Grants in Regenerative Agriculture" is offered by the Greenacres Foundation, which is based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Established in 1988, the foundation's mission is to preserve land for educational and recreational purposes, reflecting the legacy of its founders, Louis and Louise Nippert. Greenacres operates across three properties in Ohio and Indiana, focusing on conservation, education, and cultural appreciation. The purpose of these research grants is to support projects that enhance understanding of regenerative agricultural practices. These practices aim to produce beneficial outcomes for soil, land, water, climate, and the welfare of farmers and ranchers. The foundation is particularly interested in systems-level research that addresses knowledge gaps in regenerative agriculture. Desired outcomes include improving soil health, enhancing agricultural resilience, advancing perennial and pasture-based food systems, integrating livestock into cropping systems, and understanding the impact of production practices on food nutrient density. The funding scope for these grants ranges from $100,000 to $400,000. Projects funded by these grants are expected to lead to publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, which must be open access. Eligible applicants include researchers, graduate students, and extension professionals from domestic non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Projects should align with the Greenacres mission and involve knowledge sharing with landowners, farmers, or ranchers. Translational research projects that involve both researchers and practitioners are prioritized, and projects should ideally be completed within 36 months of receiving funding. The application process involves two steps. Initially, applicants must submit a one-page Letter of Intent (LOI) that outlines the research question, its significance, the proposed approach, and an estimated budget. Indirect costs are not covered by the grant and should not be included in the budget estimate. The LOI should also indicate if the applicant wishes to use Greenacres' land for research. The foundation reviews all LOIs within two weeks of the submission deadline, and selected applicants will be invited to submit a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) within two months. The timeline for the Letter of Intent submission is not currently open, with the next anticipated opening in late 2025. Applicants are encouraged to join the Greenacres mailing list for updates on future opportunities. The foundation provides a scoring rubric for the LOI, which applicants are advised to review before submission. Preferred browsers for submission include Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. For inquiries, applicants can contact Greenacres Foundation at 8255 Spooky Hollow Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242, or by phone at (513) 891-4227. Additional questions can be submitted through the contact form on their website.

Applicants are advised to review the scoring rubric for the LOI before submission.