What we fund
The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships funds project costs associated with engaged partnerships between organizations and the University of Vermont.
Through this funding initiative, UVM joins as partners with Vermont leaders who are working towards impactful solutions to rural challenges in our priority focus areas:
- Regenerative Agriculture
- Community Schools
- Transit & Housing Solutions
- Remote & Co-Working Practices
- Resilient Energy Systems
- Healthy Ecosystems
- Access to Health Care in Rural Areas
- Policy & Governance
View a PDF outlining the first round of grants awarded in February, 2024. These grants, totaling over $1.7 million, are supporting 13 partnership projects around the state.
Organizations may apply for the following funding tiers to support partnership efforts:
- Capacity Grants (Up to $10,000) catalyze partnership and project development. This is the entry track for organizations who have a vision for positive rural impact but need support to develop a relationship with University of Vermont partners.
- Partnership Grants (Up to $250,000) fund research projects, stakeholder engagement initiatives, student internships and service-learning experiences, and business plan development for early-stage start-ups and non-profit businesses working to address rural challenges.
Who is eligible?
The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships accepts applications for partnership projects that involve a Community Partner and a University of Vermont partner.
- Community Partners include all organizations that work within the State of Vermont and who are working to impact Vermont’s rural communities. This includes non-profit and for-profit organizations and government entities.
- University of Vermont Partners include any entity at the University of Vermont (professor, department, institute, etc.) that provides support or direction to a partnership project alongside a community Partner.
- Applications can be submitted by either partner (Community or UVM) and either partner may take the “lead” role in project outcomes and deliverables.
- Capacity Grant applications (see below) do not need a solidified partnership and are intended to catalyze partnership engagement.
How to apply
The University of Vermont uses the InfoReady platform for grant submissions. Applicants will create a user ID and password and will be able to access the Leahy Institute application from the applicant homepage.
Prospective applicants will submit a short Letter of Intent (LOI) in which they will be asked to provide an overview of the project, the goals and outcomes of the endeavor, and the status of a partnership with the University of Vermont.
Leahy Institute Grant Program Documents
RFP Posted (LOI's open for submission) | June 24, 2024 |
LOI submission deadline | September 13, 2024 |
Invited proposals notified | October 15, 2024 |
Proposals due | November 15, 2024 |
Funding announced | December 18, 2024 |
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