University of Kentucky Land-grant Engagement is pleased to announce a request for funding proposals for UK faculty and staff. This second round of grant funds will continue supporting innovative projects, providing Kentuckians with knowledge and skills to improve their lives and communities.

Engagement funding seeks to expand collaborations between the university and community partners across the Commonwealth, while addressing important public needs.

“Our land-grant mission is deeply rooted in serving the people of Kentucky, and the extension system takes UK directly to communities,” said Nancy Cox, vice president of land-grant engagement and dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “Through these grants, we aim to empower members of the university to create meaningful, sustainable change by partnering directly with communities to address their most pressing challenges. The success of last year’s projects has shown the incredible impact that can be achieved when we combine our expertise with local knowledge.”

Now in its second year, the competitive grant program, originally inspired by the UK Engage visioning process, identified strategies and goals for enhancing the university’s land-grant engagement. Those interested in submitting a proposal can read the full guidelines and submit proposals here.

“The Land-grant Engagement grant funds have been crucial in facilitating the partnerships that will allow the UK Economic Development Collaborative and our host of partners deliver essential knowledge and expertise for small business owners and entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth,” said Melody Flowers, assistant vice president of economic development and real estate and a recipient of 2024 funds.

These awards fund creative and collaborative opportunities to support community engagement by bringing UK Cooperative Extension Service and departments across the university together.

“As an extension faculty member, my goal is to address common concerns and issues across Kentucky through responsive, relevant and evidence-based programming,” said Heather Norman-Burgdolf, associate professor and recipient of 2024 funds. “The Engagement grant funds brought groups across campus together who have unique expertise in creating resources and trainings for extension field staff, focused on including audiences with disabilities in nutrition education.”

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 arts and the land-grant university partnership. Organizers encourage applicants to think creatively and develop proposals with actionable ideas that address public needs.

The Office of Land-grant Engagement will accept funding requests of up to $20,000 each. Projects should include partnerships with collaborators like UK Cooperative Extension and community partners. Organizers encourage proposals that identify matching funds as part of their application. A panel of independent university reviewers will score proposals. The proposal deadline is Oct. 1 and recipients will be announced in early 2025.

Applicants can apply at engagement.uky.edu/request-proposals-submission-guidelines. To learn more about Land-grant Engagement, visit engagement.uky.edu.