The 2027 Research Grant Program by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania funds applied research to inform rural policy and address key challenges in rural economic, health, agricultural, and environmental sectors.
Funder: Center for Rural Pennsylvania
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Letter of Intent) | September 2027 (Full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Up to $60,000 for one-year applied research grants; mini grants up to $18,000 for nine-month projects.
Summary: Funds applied research to inform rural policy and strengthen Pennsylvania’s rural communities in economic, health, and agricultural areas.
Key Information: Only faculty at Penn State, PASSHE universities, or University of Pittsburgh regional campuses are eligible to apply.
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania’s annual research grant program supports applied policy research and local strategy identification to inform legislative and programmatic decisions affecting rural and small communities across Pennsylvania. The initiative encourages interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration to address pressing rural challenges in economic development, health and wellness, agriculture, and the environment. Projects may address targeted topics set by the Center’s Board or propose open topics aligned with the Center’s core research areas, aiming to generate actionable insights and policy recommendations that enhance the vitality and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s rural regions.