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

September 2026 (initial application deadline, projected)

Capacity Grants: $20,000 | Partnership Grants: up to $250,000 | Total pool approx. $2M; one-year projects

Supports university-community partnerships to address Vermont’s urgent rural challenges through collaborative, innovative projects.

Program targets rural Vermont; projects must involve both UVM and community partners.

--- ## Description This grant program, offered by the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships at the University of Vermont, is designed to launch or expand university-community partnerships that tackle Vermont’s most pressing rural challenges. The initiative funds collaborative projects between academic researchers and community organizations, aiming to drive impactful change and strengthen rural communities across the state. Focus areas include, but are not limited to, healthcare, environmental resilience, economic development, agriculture, education, housing, transportation, energy, and social services. Grants are intended to foster applied research, technical assistance, and innovative solutions that address critical needs in Vermont's rural regions. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (initial application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Capacity Grants: $20,000 (for planning, project design, and partnership development) - Partnership Grants: up to $250,000 (for research, technical assistance, and collaborative work) - Typical total funding pool: approximately $2 million per round - All grants are one-year awards --- ## Eligibility - Projects must involve a partnership between the University of Vermont and at least one Vermont-based community organization (public, private, or nonprofit). - Eligible applicants include UVM faculty, researchers, and staff collaborating with community partners. - Partnerships should address rural challenges relevant to Vermont communities. - Both new and existing collaborations are welcome. - Projects must be based in or directly benefit rural areas of Vermont. --- ## Application Process - Review program details and focus areas on the [Leahy Institute’s Grants page](https://www.uvm.edu/ruralpartnerships/grants). - Prepare a proposal outlining the rural challenge, proposed solution, partnership structure, and anticipated impact. - Submit the application by the projected deadline (September 2026); confirm updated dates on the program site. - Select the appropriate grant type (Capacity or Partnership) based on project scope and readiness. - Proposals are evaluated for innovation, partnership strength, alignment with rural priorities, and potential for impact. - Contact the Leahy Institute for guidance or questions before submission. --- ## Additional Information - Past funded projects have addressed topics such as rural healthcare access, climate resilience, agricultural innovation, data-driven community assessments, and nonprofit capacity building. - The program encourages projects that provide experiential learning opportunities for students and build long-term capacity within Vermont communities. - Awards are competitive; applicants are encouraged to demonstrate clear community engagement and measurable outcomes. --- ## External Links - [Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships – Grant Program Overview](https://www.uvm.edu/ruralpartnerships/grants) - [Grant Round 3: 2026 Program Page](https://www.uvm.edu/ruralpartnerships/grant-round-3-2026) - [Recent News and Announcements](https://www.uvm.edu/ruralpartnerships/news/leahy-institute-now-accepting-applications-fund-university-community) - [Awarded Proposals – Fall 2025 (PDF)](https://www.uvm.edu/d10-files/documents/2026-01/Cycle-3-Awarded-Proposals-01.12.26.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | Web Contact | |---------------------|------------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------| | James Rea | Communications Coordinator | james.rea@uvm.edu | | | | Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships | Program Office | | | [Contact UVM](https://www.uvm.edu/contact-us) | | University of Vermont | General Inquiries | admissions@uvm.edu | (802) 656-3131 | |

Grant Round 3: 2026

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