LEADERSHIP SKILL DEVELOPMENT MINI-GRANT
The Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) funds proposals that present innovative research and educational outreach to advance rural development in the Western United States. Faculty/Staff from Land Grant Institutions in the Western Region are eligible for the Leadership Skill Development Mini-Grant Program.
The leadership Skill Development Mini-grant proposals offer a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. They can focus on research, extension, or a combination of both. Proposals must address building leadership skills within Extension or research communities, with an emphasis on faculty and staff leadership skill development and/or communities and partners served in the Western Region. This grant program aims to build leadership capacity in staff, faculty, and/or community members and groups.
During the project term, grantees are expected to engage individually or in groups to build their leadership skills or develop leadership skills with their constituents. The methodology used is at the discretion of the applicant(s). The methods may include enrolling in or teaching leadership training, such as workshops, classes, courses, or webinars, securing and studying leadership publications, or engaging in prescribed leadership activities such as leading a community project, organizing a seminar, or mentoring junior staff. Cohorts or small groups are encouraged to work together to design and implement a plan that enhances their leadership skills and/or the skills of the groups they serve.
Mini-grants are expected to be completed within one year of receiving the funds, and the funding decisions will be announced quarterly. Mini-Grant recipients will complete a report to WRDC and their direct supervisors, detailing what they have accomplished and learned through their studies or program evaluation (as applicable). This reporting requirement ensures that the recipients document their progress and the impact of their work on leadership skill development within their respective communities.
Download Proposal Materials
Proposals are submitted by email at wrdc@uidaho.edu.