Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships

Grant Application Details

Grant Details Fall 2026 Grant Application Cycle Now Open

Man working UVM graduate student Kenneth Shepherd Jr. measures thickness of materials while working with an ellipsometer in the Characterization Lab in Discovery. The lab, created through a gift from GlobalFoundries, is integral to semiconductor research at UVM.

Request for Proposals

If you’re working to solve challenges facing rural Vermont communities, whether in agriculture, housing, energy, healthcare, or beyond, consider applying for a Leahy Institute grant. Letters of Intent are due August 10, 2026.
Missisquoi Bay buoy field work

Apply Now

The University of Vermont uses the InfoReady platform for grant submissions. Applicants will create a user ID and password and will be able to access the Leahy Institute application from the applicant homepage.
People working on the Vermont Mesonet

Learn More

Not sure if a Partnership or Capacity Grant is right for you? Read more about our grant program and discover how you can connect with the University.

Who is Eligible

The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships accepts applications for partnership projects that involve a Community Partner and a University of Vermont partner.

  • Community Partners include all organizations that work within the State of Vermont and who are working to impact Vermont’s rural communities. This includes non-profit and for-profit organizations and government entities.
  • University of Vermont Partners include any entity at the University of Vermont (professor, department, institute, etc.) that provides support or direction to a partnership project alongside a community Partner.
  • Applications can be submitted by either partner (Community or UVM) and either partner may take the “lead” role in project outcomes and deliverables.
  • Capacity Grant applications (see below) do not need a solidified partnership and are intended to catalyze partnership engagement.

Key Dates

  • August 10, 2026 – Letters of Intent due
    • If your letter of intent is moved forward, you will be notified in September and asked to submit a full proposal.
  • October 13th, 2026 – Proposals due
  • Award Notifications before Winter Break 2026
  • January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027 – Project Period of Performance


 

2026 Grant Webinar

 

For any further questions about the grant program or application process, please contact Daria Jarani, Program Manager, at djarani@uvm.edu.