20237050038913

The University of Vermont (UVM) Institute for Rural Partnerships (IFRP-VT) will enable and elevate innovations and research for the challenges facing rural regions. It aims to develop community partnerships to address these challenges through targeted programming in critical areas of need and opportunity facing rural communities. These areas include key drivers of rural economic resiliency such as agriculture, energy, transportation & housing, healthcare, workplace transitions, environment, education, and policy & governance.

Guided by an Innovation Works Board of experts, the IFRP-VT will support university faculty and facilities that team with early-phase rural community-driven initiatives, non-profits pursuing rural development, and early-stage startups that are likely to have a significant impact on rural communities. This support will be provided through a series of innovative and research impact grant awards. The IFRP-VT will go beyond conducting research at a distance by providing technical assistance, access to research facilities, faculty expertise, student internships, and established UVM startup and engagement programs to non-UVM entities. This will allow the IFRP-VT to become true partners in rural development.

The institute will leverage new and existing network ties, disseminating practices that work through regional and national conferences, and partnering with the Northeastern Regional Rural Development Center. It aligns with the USDA requested IFRP-VT priorities, as it will dedicate resources to researching the causes and conditions of challenges facing rural areas and develop community partnerships to address these challenges. Additionally, the institute aligns with goals 2, 3, and 5 of the USDA strategic goals for FY 2022-2026.

Goal 2 of the USDA strategic goals is to ensure America's agricultural system is equitable, resilient, and prosperous. The IFRP-VT anticipates the significant inclusion of small- to medium-sized farmers supported by its program. This farming demographic is highly represented in the Northern New England region. Small/medium farms are more likely to adapt to new technologies and ideas to stay competitive and seek new, sustainable farming practices. Investment in small/medium farms is also likely to directly impact nearby rural economies and communities, which aligns with the institute's first funding priority.

Goal 3 of the USDA strategic goals is to foster an equitable and competitive marketplace for all agricultural producers. The IFRP-VT will prioritize IRI projects that address the needs of underserved communities and populations. This will be particularly salient for projects supporting the regenerative agriculture, connected community schools, and healthcare reimagined project areas. Board members of the Innovation Works Board will be recruited from groups that support equality, including the Vermont Professionals of Color Network and the Center for Women and Enterprise.

Goal 5 of the USDA strategic goals is to expand opportunities for economic development and improve the quality of life in rural and tribal communities. As stated above, the IFRP-VT's first selection criteria for cohort participation and funding support will be for ideas that directly target economic development and quality of life improvements in rural communities. With this approach, the institute anticipates a high impact on the reinvigoration of rural communities regionally and nationally.

University Of Vermont & State Agricultural College

NOT APPLICABLE

10.241 - Institute of Rural Partnerships (GP 778)

Institute of Youth, Family, and Community (IYFC) [USDA - NIFA]

Burlington, Vermont 05405-1704 United States

Single Zip Code

NOT APPLICABLE

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 12/31/26 to 12/31/27 and the total obligations have increased 70% from $9,302,160 to $15,813,672.