The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships announced the launch of its partnership grants today on its website, www.uvm.edu/ruralpartnerships.
The new Leahy Institute, funded through a multi-year award from the USDA, uses grant funding to support partnerships between ̽̽ and Vermont organizations doing community and economic development work across the state. Funding is meant to support access to research, student engagement, and other ̽̽ services.
“The Leahy Institute gives us new opportunities to engage in our land-grant mission of service to the State of Vermont,” said President Garimella at a kick-off event on Friday, November 10.
The Institute will match ̽̽ faculty and students with Vermont organizations working on impactful solutions to challenges in rural places. The Leahy Institute Seed Grant Program will fund community-based research projects, student internships and service-learning experiences, and a wide-range of university services for Vermont organizations working to address rural challenges.
Grants are available for projects that incorporate research and/or student engagement on generating solutions across the following areas: regenerative agriculture, community schools, transit and housing, remote and co-working practices, resilient energy systems, healthy ecosystems, rural health care access and policy and governance. In addition to the launch of the website, the Leahy Institute is holding four grant information sessions in the coming weeks.
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 12:00-1:00, University of Vermont, Waterman 427A - Click here to register
Thursday, November 16, 11:00-12:00, Microsoft Teams - Click here to register
Monday, November 20, 4:30-5:30, Rutland, The Hub CoWorks - Click here to register
Tuesday, December 5, 11:00 – 12:00, Microsoft Teams - Click here to register
The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships is a collaboration with ̽̽’s Office of Engagement. The team has gathered input from around the state to inform their partnership work. In addition to its Seed Grant program, the Leahy
Institute will also host three engagement initiatives:
Data Services: The Institute, in collaboration with campus partners, will offer economic and workforce data reports, and data-related consultation and assistance. This initiative supports communities working towards grant proposals, strategic planning, and program development, and is available to community partners across the state.
Partnerships for Rural Capacity: The Institute will partner with municipal leaders to support education, professional development, and technical assistance to boost capacity at the local level across rural Vermont.
Student Engagement for a Resilient Vermont: The Institute will coordinate efforts between community organizations and faculty looking to provide project-based learning through courses at ̽̽ and other colleges and universities in Vermont. We are piloting this program in Spring of 2024 with coordination directed toward flood recovery and resilience.
For more information about the Institute and our programs, please visit .
The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships' mission is to provide engagement opportunities and partnerships with ̽̽ for the benefit of our rural places. The Institute will bring financial and technical assistance, access to ̽̽ research, faculty expertise, student projects and internships, and established ̽̽ startup and engagement programs. Together, we will collaborate on impactful solutions that drive positive change for Vermont and beyond.