Extension Risk Management Education Competitive Grants Program

The North Central Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Center, ncerme.org, in conjunction with the Northeast, Southern, and Western Centers announces a competitive funding opportunity for educational projects designed to help agricultural producers improve their economic viability through targeted risk management strategies. Apply by November 14, 2024. The Centers expect to award grants through three program areas – Education Projects, Producers Underserved by Crop Insurance Projects, and Exploratory Projects. A reminder that the deadline to submit an application is just over two weeks away on Thursday, November 14th!  Resources are available to assist you as you prepare your application.   View the archived webinar or review the slideshow of our Applicant Webinar for details on the funding opportunities, how to apply and tips for completing the application:  2025 RFA Applicant Webinar  - Recording and Presentation Virtual Office Hours – The North Central Center will host one more meeting for applicants to drop-in and ask questions they may have on the grant application and submission process. Monday, November 4 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM Central. https://unl.zoom.us/j/8069602344?omn=97523192602 Meeting ID: 806 960 2344 All applications are due by 5 PM, CST, Thursday, November 14, 2024 Eligibility: This announcement seeks applications from qualified public and private groups, organizations, and institutions including land grant colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, other colleges and universities, and other public and private entities with a demonstrated capacity to develop and deliver results/impact-based risk management education projects for agricultural producers and their families. The North Central Center serves Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.    EDUCATION PROJECTS This funding opportunity focuses on educational projects designed to help agricultural producers improve their economic viability through targeted risk management strategies.  Proposed programs should address any of the five areas of risk: production, marketing, financial, legal or human. The maximum amount of requested funding shall not exceed $75,000 for 18-month projects to be conducted between April 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026.    PRODUCERS UNDERSERVED BY CROP INSURANCE PROJECTS This funding opportunity is specifically designated for the delivery of risk management education to agricultural producers underserved by the Federal crop insurance program; with proposed educational programming that aligns with one or more of the five areas of risk: production, marketing, financial, legal or human.  The maximum amount of requested funding shall not exceed $100,000 for 18-month projects to be conducted between April 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026.    EXPLORATORY PROJECTS This funding provides a unique opportunity to initiate new ideas and/or explore emerging risk topic areas to better address farmer/rancher risk management education needs. Exploratory projects can be used to organize and host a producer education workshop(s) or conference or be used for development projects that can lead to application for an Education or Producer Underserved by Crop Insurance project in a future year. The maximum award will be $10,000 with a grant duration of 18 months to be conducted between April 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026.   Application Information: All applicants should read the RFA in full and note the requirements of the Project Director Training in section II.E. The complete RFA and details on how to apply can be found on the North Central Center’s website under "Funding” and then “ERME RFA”.  All applications must be submitted online through the Results Verification System (RVS). There are application resources within the RVS system to help guide you through the application process. Webinar presentation materials from the Applicant Training Webinar held on Oct 10, 2024, can be found below: 2025 RFA Applicant Webinar  - Recording and Presentation Virtual Office Hours - The North Central Center will host one more meeting for applicants to drop-in and ask questions they may have on the grant application and submission process. Monday, November 4 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM Central. https://unl.zoom.us/j/8069602344?omn=97523192602 Meeting ID: 806 960 2344    Questions or comments regarding the RFA may be directed to Brad Lubben (402-472-2235, blubben2@unl.edu) or Christine Lockert (402-472-2039, clockert2@unl.edu).