Rural Futures Institute issues request for proposals

News for Researchers

Posted February 1, 2017 by jbrehm2

The Rural Futures Institute at the University of Nebraska is accepting applications for 2017 RFI Competitive Awards.

Since 2013, these awards have fostered important discoveries and opportunities for rural people and places. RFI is looking for the next bold, innovative and transdisciplinary research and teaching ideas that offer solutions to challenges and opportunities in rural areas. There are two types of awards: teaching and engagement, and research and engagement.

Teaching and Engagement Awards

Submission deadline: 4 p.m. CST March 1

These awards foster faculty-led community engagement and service learning. The goal is to develop partnerships between higher education institutions and rural communities. Proposals also should encourage student involvement in providing services to meet the community’s needs. Up to five awards, with a maximum of $20,000 each, will be given. Recipients will be notified by May 1, and projects will begin July 1. View the RFP.

Research and Engagement Awards

Submission deadline: 4 p.m. CST March 15

These awards develop research and engagement that address critical challenges and opportunities facing rural Nebraska and the Great Plains. The awards are to function as “seed grants” for projects designed to lay the foundation for larger requests to funding sources external to the University of Nebraska. Up to four awards, with a maximum of $75,000 each, will be given. Recipients will be notified by May 15, and projects will begin July 1. View the RFP.

The projects also stimulate important partnerships and connections, allowing faculty and RFI to expand networks of expertise on behalf of rural communities. Collaboration across disciplines, campuses, fields, organizations and institutions is strongly encouraged.

For more information or to request assistance identifying potential partners for a project, contact Kim Peterson, director of competitive awards and finance, 402-472-9287.


Back to News for Researchers