Sources of Funding

Policy Research Funding

The California Policy Research Center (CPRC) of the University of California is seeking proposals under its Policy Research Program from UC faculty to conduct research on significant policy issues facing California. A broad range of topical areas will be considered; successful proposals will examine current and anticipated state policy concerns, aid in developing policy approaches, and/or evaluate policy implementation.

A minimum of $250,000 will be awarded in this funding cycle (July 1, 2001-June 30, 2002), with the possibility of additional funds becoming available. Typically, six to eight research proposals are funded, with a 12-month project time frame.

Proposals are due October 13, 2000. Prior to submission, CPRC requests that interested applicants submit a short letter of intent by August 14, 2000.

The RFP was mailed to selected UC deans, chairs, and faculty, and may be downloaded from the CPRC Web site at www.ucop.edu/cprc/cprccall2001.html or requested in hardcopy by emailing the program at cprc.grants@ucop.edu

USDA Western SARE Grants

The next open application period for competitive grants sponsored by USDA Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (Western SARE) has begun. Western SARE has three competitive grants programs: SARE grants, which fund research and education on sustainable farming and ranching practices; the Professional Development Program, which supports efforts to educate agricultural professionals about sustainable agriculture; and, Farmer/Rancher Research Grants, which support producer-directed research and community development activities.

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 in which you are interested:

Western SARE Program
Utah State University
4865 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-4865
(435) 797-2257
wsare@mendel.usu.edu

Calls for proposals–as well as funded project results and more–are also available at the program’s Web site at http://wsare.usu.edu

Organic Research Grants

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) invites applications for research grants of up to $10,000 for consideration in its twice-yearly funding cycle. Funds are offered for organic farming research, dissemination of research results to organic farmers and growers interested in making the transition to organic production, and consumer education on organic farming issues. OFRF technical program coordinator Jane Sooby is available to work with farmers and others interested in doing on-farm research and applying for grants. The foundation’s new on-farm research guide gives an overview of the research process and is accessible through OFRF’s Web site (www.ofrf.org) under “research program” or can be ordered free of charge by calling OFRF at (831) 426-6606. The deadlines for proposal consideration are July 15 for the fall funding cycle, and January 15 for the spring funding cycle. Contact Sooby at OFRF, PO Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 or email research@ofrf.org or jane@ofrf.org

Pest Management Grants

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is offering funding for reduced-risk pest management projects. Four proposal options are being offered. They include:
1) Applied Research Grants for university researchers, private groups and government entities to develop new reduced-risk practices or refine existing practices. Up to $30,000 per year is available. Proposals are due Oct. 6, 2000.
2) Demonstration Grants for university researchers, private groups, non-profit organizations, government entities and others to address local or regional pest management challenges. Projects typically involve practical demonstration or reduced-risk practices on private or public property. Up to $50,000 per year is available. Proposals are due Oct. 6, 2000.
3) Evaluation Grants are required as a preliminary step for the Pest Management Alliance grants (the fourth grant option). Evaluations describe an existing pest management system. Groups can receive up to $10,000 to prepare an evaluation. Proposals are due Sept. 14, 2000.
4) Alliance Grants are to help commodity groups, non-agricultural groups, and urban groups address pest management issues on a regional or statewide scale. Groups can receive up to $100,000 per year, with a required dollar-for-dollar match. Proposals are due November 1, 2000. For more information on the grants, download complete Request for Proposal bid packages at the DPR Web site: www.cdpr.ca.gov/dprgrants.htm, or contact Bob Elliott at DPR, 830 K Street, Room 200, Sacramento, CA 95814-3510; Tel: (916) 324-4100; Fax: (916) 324-4088; Email: belliott@cdpr.ca.gov.