Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships Request for Proposals Fall 2026
UVM’s Leahy Institute funds collaborative research on rural Vermont challenges in areas like agriculture, energy, health, and policy, supporting sustainable solutions through academic-community partnerships.
Funder: University of Vermont
Due Dates: August 10, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | October 13, 2026 (Full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Capacity Grants up to $20,000; Partnership Grants up to $250,000; 12-month project period.
Summary: Supports collaborative projects between UVM and Vermont organizations to address rural challenges in key focus areas.
Key Information: Community partners must have active SAM.gov registration by proposal deadline.
Description
The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships at the University of Vermont funds collaborative research and engagement projects that address pressing rural challenges in Vermont. The program aims to amplify and develop partnerships between UVM faculty, staff, students, and Vermont organizations or communities, with a focus on sustainable and scalable solutions. Projects must align with one or more of the Institute’s priority areas: regenerative agriculture, resilient energy systems, community schools, healthy ecosystems, transit and housing solutions, access to rural healthcare, remote and co-working practices, and policy and governance. The Institute offers two grant types: Capacity Grants to catalyze new partnerships, and Partnership Grants to fund established collaborative initiatives.
