[University of Vermont](https://www.uvm.edu)

February 2024 (Round 1 announcement)

Most awards $10,000–$300,000; total Round 1 funding over $1.7M; projects typically run March 2024–February 2025.

Supports research and capacity-building projects addressing rural challenges in Vermont through partnerships and innovative solutions.

--- ## Description This inaugural grant round from the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships at the University of Vermont funds projects that address key challenges facing Vermont’s rural communities. Supported initiatives span ecosystem restoration, electric grid resilience, educational support, STEM mentorship, infrastructure mapping, agricultural health, food system innovation, refugee resettlement, agroecological transitions, health screening technology, community health worker adaptation, and municipal leadership development. The program emphasizes sustainable impact, scalability, and knowledge sharing, with the goal of strengthening rural Vermont through research, collaboration, and capacity building. --- ## Due Dates - February 2024 (Round 1 announcement; applications were likely due prior to this date) *Note: This was the inaugural round. For future cycles, monitor the [Leahy Institute grants page](https://www.uvm.edu/ruralpartnerships/grants) for announcements and deadlines.* --- ## Funding Amount - Total Round 1 funding: Over $1.7 million awarded across 13 grants. - Individual awards ranged from $10,000 (capacity grants, pilot/partnership planning) to $300,000 (large-scale partnership projects). - Project performance period: Typically March 2024 – February 2025. --- ## Eligibility - Projects must address rural challenges in Vermont. - Applicants may include: - University of Vermont researchers, departments, and centers - Community organizations and nonprofits - Regional commissions and local governments - Private sector partners collaborating with UVM - Partnerships between UVM and external organizations are strongly encouraged. - Projects should demonstrate potential for impact, scalability, and knowledge sharing. --- ## Application Process - Application details and future deadlines are posted on the [Leahy Institute grants page](https://www.uvm.edu/ruralpartnerships/grants). - Past rounds required: - A project proposal outlining objectives, approach, and anticipated impact - Budget and justification - Description of partnership structure (if applicable) - Review criteria emphasize innovation, collaboration, sustainability, and relevance to Vermont’s rural communities. --- ## Additional Information - Both “Partnership” and “Capacity” grants are available, supporting a range of project sizes and readiness levels. - Example funded topics include: riverbank restoration, electric grid resilience, rural education networks, STEM mentorship, wastewater infrastructure mapping, agricultural technology, food system innovation, refugee resettlement, agroecology, healthcare technology, migrant health, and municipal leadership. - See the [list of awarded proposals (PDF)](https://www.uvm.edu/d10-files/documents/2025-12/2023-2024-Leahy-Institute-Funded-Projects.pdf) for examples. --- ## External Links - [Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships grants page](https://www.uvm.edu/ruralpartnerships/grants) - [Grant Round 1: 2024 program details](https://www.uvm.edu/ruralpartnerships/grant-round-1-2024) - [Awarded proposals, Spring 2024 cycle (PDF)](https://www.uvm.edu/d10-files/documents/2025-12/2023-2024-Leahy-Institute-Funded-Projects.pdf) - [Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships homepage](https://www.uvm.edu/ruralpartnerships) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | General inquiries| [UVM Contact Page](https://www.uvm.edu/contact-us) | | Email | admissions@uvm.edu | | Phone | (802) 656-3131 |

Grant Round 1: 2024

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