The USDA Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (Western SARE) has three competitive grants efforts: SARE research grants, which fund research and education on sustainable farming and ranching practices; the Professional Development Program, which funds efforts to educate agricultural professionals about sustainable agriculture; and, the Farmer/Rancher Research Grant effort, which supports producer-directed research and community development activities. All grant programs operate on an annual cycle and have a competitive selection process.
Calls for proposals are automatically mailed to those on the distribution list at the time the call is released, or sent out individually during the application period. To add your name to the distribution list, or to get an application, contact the Western SARE headquarters office and indicate the grant effort(s) in which you are interested: Western SARE Program, Utah State University Agricultural Science Bldg, Room 322, 4865 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-4865; Tel: (435) 797-2257 or 797-3376; Email: wsare@mendel.usu.edu
Calls for proposals, as well as research and program accomplishments, are also available on Western SARE's Web site at http://wsare.usu.edu/
General timelines for calls for proposals for each grant effort are:
1) SARE (research and education): a call for proposals is released in mid-summer; proposals are due in the fall.
2) Professional Development Program: a call for proposals is released in tandem with SARE in mid-summer; proposals are due in the fall.
3) Farmer/Rancher Research Grants: a call for producer-directed projects is released in mid-fall; deadline for submission is in mid-January. Individual producers are eligible for grants of up to $5,000. Groups of three or more operators working cooperatively can apply for grants of up to$10,000.
Youth Gardens
The National Gardening Association will award its 17th Annual Youth Garden grants to 300 schools, neighborhood groups, community centers, and treatment facilities across the nation. Each grant includes an assortment of tools, seeds and garden products valued at more than $750. Eligible organizations must plan to garden in2000 with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18 years. Applications are due November 1, 1999. For an application contact Youth Garden Grants, National Gardening Association, 180 Flynn Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401, Tel: (802) 863-1308 or(800) 538-7476; Web site: http://www2.garden.org/nga/EDU/NGA-EDU6.HTM
Pest Management Funds
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation is planning to release requests for proposals for pest management grants in late July or early August. Proposals for reduced-risk pest management projects will be due in October. For information, contact Bob Elliott at (916) 324-4156; Email: belliott@cdpr.ca.gov
Organic Research Grants
The Organic Farming Research Foundation is offering funds for research on organic farming methods, dissemination of research results to organic farmers and growers interested in making the transition to organic production, and consumer education on organic farming issues. Projects should involve farmers in design and execution, and take place on working farms when possible. Proposals of up to $10,000 are encouraged. Matching funds and/or in-kind contributions are recommended. Proposals are considered twice a year; the next round of proposals must be received by July 15, 1999. (The following round will be due January 15, 2000.) To receive copies of grant application procedures and the OFRF Research and Education Priorities describing target areas, contact Grants Program, Organic Farming Research Foundation, PO Box 440,Santa Cruz, CA 95061; Tel: (831) 426-6606; email: research@ofrf.org ; Web site: www.ofrf.org
UC Policy Grants
The UC California Policy Research Center (formerly the California Policy Seminar)has issued its 2000 Call for Proposals to UC faculty or senior research staff to conduct research on significant policy issues facing California. The Center will award approximately $200,000 through this competition; normally four to six grants receive funding. Investigators who receive grants will report their findings to state government officials and others interested in California policy issues through written reports and public briefings. Proposals are welcomed on all topics that examine current and anticipated state policies, develop policy approaches, and/or evaluate policy implications. Prior to the formal applications process, those interested in applying should submit a two-page letter of intent by August 3, 1999. Contact the Center at (510) 642-5514; Email: CRPC@ucop.edu Guidelines are also available on the Internet at www.ucop.edu/cprc
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