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

August 10, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | October 13, 2026 (Full proposal)

Capacity Grants up to $20,000; Partnership Grants up to $250,000; 12-month project period.

Supports collaborative projects between UVM and Vermont organizations to address rural challenges in key focus areas.

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. --- ## Due Dates - August 10, 2026: Letter of Intent deadline (due by 11:59 PM) - October 13, 2026: Full proposal deadline (due by 11:59 PM) - Award notifications expected before Winter Break 2026 - Project period: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027 --- ## Funding Amount - **Capacity Grants**: Up to $20,000 each, designed to catalyze partnership and project development. No established partnership required at time of application. - **Partnership Grants**: Up to $250,000 each, supporting research projects, stakeholder engagement, student internships/service-learning, and business plan development for early-stage start-ups or nonprofits. Requires an existing partnership between a Vermont community organization and a UVM partner. - **Indirect costs**: Capped at 1% of modified total direct costs. - **Total available funding**: Previous rounds have awarded up to $2.5 million across 16 projects. --- ## Eligibility - **Community Partners**: Any organization working within Vermont to impact rural communities, including nonprofit and for-profit organizations and government entities. Must have active SAM.gov registration (Unique Entity Identifier) before the proposal deadline. - **University of Vermont Partners**: Any UVM entity (faculty, department, institute, etc.) providing support or direction to a partnership project. - Applications may be submitted by either the community or UVM partner, and either may lead the project. - **Capacity Grants** do not require an established partnership at the time of application; Partnership Grants do. --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Intent (LOI)**: Submit via the [InfoReady platform](https://submit.uvm.edu/#freeformCompetitionDetail/2012475) by August 10, 2026. The LOI should include project overview, goals, anticipated outcomes, and partnership status. 2. **Full Proposal**: If invited, submit a full proposal by October 13, 2026. Required elements include detailed project description, measurable goals, impact analysis, student engagement plans, sustainability strategies, budget, and supporting documents. 3. **Budget**: Must comply with [USDA/NIFA federal guidelines](https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/7%20of%2013%20-%20NIFA-21-002%20Section%20VI%20-%20Allowable%20Costs%20-%20pp.%20139-159%20%28508%29.pdf). Eligible costs include salaries, consultant expenses, travel, student stipends, and equipment under $5,000. 4. **SAM.gov**: Community partners must ensure their SAM.gov registration is active by the proposal deadline. 5. **UVM Faculty/Staff**: Coordinate with your Department Chair, Unit Pre-Award Administrator, and/or Business Manager. UVMClick approval is required at the full proposal stage, not at the LOI stage. 6. **Reporting**: Awardees must submit a 6-month progress report and a final report at project close. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should demonstrate a deep understanding of Vermont’s rural challenges, consider underserved communities, and be designed for feasibility and scalability. - Student engagement (internships, service-learning, etc.) is strongly encouraged and often required. - Recipients are expected to participate in Institute events and networking opportunities. - Ineligible costs include fixed equipment, building renovations, entertainment, lobbying, promotional items, and cash incentives. - If denied, applicants may reapply in future annual cycles. --- ## External Links - [Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships Grants Page](https://www.uvm.edu/ruralpartnerships/grants) - [2026 RFP (PDF)](https://www.uvm.edu/d10-files/documents/2026-05/Cycle-4-Leahy-Institute-RFP.pdf) - [InfoReady Application Portal](https://submit.uvm.edu/#freeformCompetitionDetail/2012475) - [USDA/NIFA Allowable Costs Guidelines](https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/7%20of%2013%20-%20NIFA-21-002%20Section%20VI%20-%20Allowable%20Costs%20-%20pp.%20139-159%20%28508%29.pdf) - [Sign up for Leahy Institute updates](https://uvm.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ae9bc301f0b7f106e91d3fc74&id=bd3cef58b3) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------| | Daria Jarani, Program Manager | [djarani@uvm.edu](mailto:djarani@uvm.edu) | (802) 656-3131 | | General UVM Contact | [admissions@uvm.edu](mailto:admissions@uvm.edu) | (802) 656-3131 | | Student Engagement (Kristen Andrews) | [kandrews@uvm.edu](mailto:kandrews@uvm.edu) | | For additional questions, visit the [UVM contact page](https://www.uvm.edu/contact-us).

Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships Request for Proposals Fall 2026

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