Multistate Urban Extension Funds - Proposal Guidelines

For collaborations to advance, promote or build capacity for programs that reach urban audiences.

Overview

The Association of Northeastern Extension Directors (NEED) announces an opportunity to obtain funds for interstate collaborations that support, advance or promote Extension initiatives that directly target or build capacity for programs that reach urban audiences. Proposal development will be a significant component of the 2023 National Urban Extension Leaders (NUEL) Northeast Regional Conference in Springfield, MA June 14-16. Proposals must involve participation by Extension personnel from a minimum of two states in the Northeast Region.

A range of activities can be supported including, but not limited to:

  • Training and Demonstration – Sharing successful approaches or models that will allow states to adopt, modify or expand extension program for urban audiences.
  • Professional Development – Enhancing the capacity of staff to deliver programs to urban audiences.
  • Program Development – Creating/piloting new programs to reach urban audiences.
  • Communication and Connection – Enhancing communication, technology or urbanExtension networks.

Examples of allowable expenses include:

  • Travel and meeting costs
  • Materials and supplies
  • Contracts for service with external facilitators, consultants or experts

(Note: All expenditures must be consistent with policies of the institution of the proposed leader and team members)

How Much Support is Offered?

Applicants may apply for a maximum of $4,000 to be spent within one year of approval of the proposal.

Required Contents of Submission 

All proposals must include the following:

Name/title of proposed initiative

  • Name, title, and contact information of proposal leader
  • List of additional team members (including name, title, and home institution)
  • Narrative (maximum of 4,000 characters, including spaces) that addresses:
    • Purpose of proposed activities
    • Methods – how proposed activities will be designed, conducted, implemented and delivered
    • Goals – what will happen as a result of proposed activities
  • Budget with a timetable and a description for all expenditures

Proposal Submission 

Proposals may be submitted by any group/team of northeast extension employees with endorsement from their Extension Directors. Additional submission details will be provided during the 2023 National Urban Extension Leaders (NUEL) Northeast Regional Conference.

Proposal Review and Criteria for Funding

A review team convened by the Northeast Extension Directors (NEED) will evaluate proposals and award funds based on the potential to effectively support, advance, promote or build capacity for programs that reach urban audiences. Proposals will be prioritized that meet the following criteria:

  • Clarity and quality of the proposed activities
  • Commitment of additional funds or in-kind resources from Extension directors and/or administrators of participating states
  • Team members have significant experience, expertise, or a record of achievement in theareas related to the proposed activities
  • Inclusion of a plan that demonstrates, documents or promotes the value of Extension programs delivered to urban audiences

Reporting

Within one year of receiving the award, recipients will submit a brief report (based on a template that will be provided) on how the funds were spent and on the degree of success in achieving identified goals. Recipients may be asked to present or share results through other venues as appropriate.

Questions?

Contact: William Miller (wamiller@umass.edu)

PDF icon Multistate Urban Extension Funds - Proposal Guidelines