The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships operates alongside the Office of Engagement with the mission to build collaborations between the University of Vermont and state partners for the benefit of our rural places.

We envision a Vermont where all communities have an opportunity to thrive

The Leahy Institute brings financial and technical assistance, access to UVM research, faculty expertise, student projects and internships, and established UVM startup and engagement programs. Together, we will collaborate on impactful solutions that drive positive change for Vermont and beyond.

The institute offers partnership and grant opportunities including:

  • Capacity and Partnership Grants: Grant funds for partnership-driven rural development proposals and projects;
  • Engagement Initiatives: Partnerships with UVM that provide direct and ongoing service to Vermont communities;
  • Convenings: to build connections and share knowledge.
Student intern at work in lab.

Who we are.

With funding from USDA, we support partnership activities in rural areas that move the needle on key challenges in health care access, transit and communication, regenerative agriculture, community schools, and resilient energy.
Group thinking exercise.

How we work.

Our team works across the state to develop partnerships with Vermont organizations. UVM can provide technical support, access to research and faculty expertise, internships and service learning projects, seed grant awards, and access to UVM’s startup and engagement programs to partners.
Three people posing for camera at a flower farm.

Our impact.

The Institute will identify quantifiable progress with our partners’ solution-oriented ideas each month to ensure that we make a positive impact on our state’s agriculture, education, transportation, housing, healthcare, communications systems work, natural resources, and policies and governance sec

Headlines from the Institute

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Pursuing Their Dreams and Fulfilling Our Mission

RISE Summit Returns to Spark Research, Innovation, Sustainability and Entrepreneurship across U.S. Northeast