FELLOW PROJECTS

The Fellow project proposals should address a critical issue facing the Western Region.  View the list of Western priorities.   The faculty advisor and student should apply together.  The fellow projects are only open to faculty from a Western Land Grant Institution.  The budget should not exceed $15,000.  You can find more information below.  

Fellows Grant Program

The Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) funds proposals that present innovative research and educational outreach to advance rural development in the Western United States. Only faculty from Land Grant Institutions in the Western Region are eligible for the Fellows Program.  

Fellows’ grant proposals can focus on research, extension, or a combination of both. Proposals must address local research and educational outreach needs, with a special emphasis on underserved communities, understudied geographic locations, or unexplored topics. This grant program aims to build local capacity to address critical emerging issues affecting Western rural communities.  

WRDC Fellows collaborate closely with the WRDC to pursue impactful research or outreach education that directly benefits rural communities in the Western Region. During their project term, Fellows are expected to engage with local stakeholders, community leaders, and other relevant parties to ensure that their projects are aligned with the specific needs and priorities of the communities or issues they serve. This collaborative approach helps to foster a sense of partnership and shared purpose, enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of the initiatives undertaken.  

The standard appointment period for a WRDC Fellow is one year, during which time they will have access to various WRDC resources and support services. This may include assistance with project planning and implementation, opportunities for professional development, and access to a network of experts and practitioners in rural development. Fellows are encouraged to disseminate their findings and share best practices through WRDC’s communication channels, such as newsletters, website articles, webinars, and conferences, to amplify the impact of their work.  

Each WRDC Fellow is awarded $15,000, which can be used to cover various project-related expenses. These may include salary support, fringe benefits, travel costs for fieldwork or conferences, and other project-related expenses. 

All proposals must contain the following:

Submission Checklist

• Cover page  
• Project Narrative  
• Bibliography & References Cited  
• Project Team Members and Roles   
• Biographical Sketches of all team members  
• Letters of Stakeholder Support  
• Budget and Budget Justification  
• Timeline  
• Subrecipient form  
• Statement of responsibility

Download Proposal Materials (in development)

Proposals are submitted by email at wrdc@uidaho.edu.