Next ACRE Grant

Compeer Financial's Next ACRE Grant supports the growth and advancement of agriculture education in rural communities by funding high school and middle school agriculture classrooms. The program is rooted in the belief that experiential, hands-on learning through access to modern agricultural equipment, technologies, and facilities significantly enhances student engagement and long-term interest in agricultural careers. Compeer Financial envisions agriculture classrooms as incubators where future professionals and community leaders emerge with practical skills and industry insight, ultimately contributing to vibrant and thriving rural economies. The Next ACRE Grant specifically aims to equip agriculture educators with the tools and infrastructure necessary to deliver dynamic and meaningful instruction. The grant supports two main areas: the acquisition of hands-on learning equipment and technology for agriculture classrooms, and the development or renovation of non-traditional classroom spaces such as greenhouses, livestock barns, and vocational shops. These investments allow schools to maintain up-to-date learning environments that reflect the evolving demands and innovations within the agricultural sector. Applicants eligible for the grant must offer agriculture classes at either the middle or high school level and be located within or directly serving the 144-county region defined by Compeer Financial. Geographic restrictions are strictly enforced, as the organization prioritizes direct service to its constituent communities. Furthermore, the program gives preference to new programs, new teachers, and high school-level applications, signaling a strategic focus on expanding agriculture education access and capacity where it is most needed. The application period for the Next ACRE Grant opens annually on July 1 and closes on August 15. Awards are capped at $7,500 per recipient, with funds required to be spent during the upcoming academic year. Notifications of award decisions are provided approximately six weeks after the application deadline. Grant recipients are obligated to submit a report by May 1 of the following year to maintain eligibility for future funding opportunities. Applicants who fail to meet reporting requirements risk being disqualified from subsequent grant cycles. The grant operates on a recurring annual cycle, with past recipients becoming eligible to reapply after a two-year gap (e.g., 2024 recipients may reapply in 2027). Compeer Financial emphasizes transparency and fair distribution of funds by limiting repeat applications, thereby allowing broader access across their service territory. Applications not aligned with the grant’s intent—such as those requesting funding for textbooks, printed materials, or debt coverage—are deemed out of scope. Interested applicants may direct inquiries to Compeer Financial’s grant team by email at [email protected] or via phone at 844-426-6733. All awards must be implemented within the school year immediately following the application cycle, reinforcing the grant’s commitment to timely impact in agricultural education delivery.

Priority is given to high school-level, new programs or new teachers.