The University of Kentucky Office of Land-grant Engagement is seeking request-for-funding proposals from faculty and staff. These grant funds, first announced at the UK Engagement Academy in September, support innovative projects to provide Kentuckians with knowledge and skills they can use to improve their lives and communities.  

Engagement funding will expand collaborative efforts between the university and partners across the commonwealth while addressing important public needs. 

“We are excited to launch this process,” said Nancy Cox, vice president for land-grant engagement and dean of the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “After a successful Engagement Academy and seeing the partnership ideas emerge from that, we know the proposals we receive will be impactful.” 

The competitive grant program is an idea born out of the UK Engage visioning process, which identified strategies and goals for land-grant engagement in 2022 and early 2023. Those interested in submitting a proposal can read the full guidelines and submit proposals here. The program will help expand collaborative relationships between the university and Kentucky communities.  

Specifically, the grants align with priority areas identified by the UK Engage visioning committee. Those priorities include industry and workforce development, health and wellness, community vitality and economic development, youth leadership and service, community areas, and the land-grant university partnership. Organizers encourage applicants to think creatively and develop proposals with actionable ideas that address public needs.  

“Engagement funds create more opportunities to leverage our individual and collective strengths as we work across the enterprise toward a common goal. Our state looks to us to answer the most complex questions, and we have the experts and leaders to answer the call,” said Eli Capilouto, University of Kentucky president. “We are proud to be home to remarkable innovators and educators who are dedicated to advancing our commonwealth. I look forward to what we will make possible for communities in all 120 Kentucky counties through the engagement funds.” 

The Office of Land-grant Engagement will accept funding requests of up to $20,000 per proposal will be accepted for review. Projects should include partnerships with collaborators like UK Cooperative Extension and community partners and organizers encourage proposals that identify matching funds as part of their application.

A panel of independent university reviewers will score proposals. Applicants should submit proposals no later than Nov. 10. The panel expects to announce awards mid-January.

For more details and the assessment rubric, visit the land-grant engagement website. 

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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.