Funded Projects
Addressing Household Food Waste in Rural Communities
September 30, 2025
Principal Investigator: Rachel O’Halloran, University of Missouri Extension
Co-Principal Investigators: Carrie Elsen, University of Missouri Extension
Proposal Abstract:
Rural communities have less access to community waste management resources than urban centers, including food waste. Food waste is a significant contributor to landfills throughout the United States paying into environmental and community concerns. The ‘Freeze It!’ program developed by the University of Missouri Extension provides rural communities with education on household level interventions to limit food waste through family meal management. Limiting household food waste saves consumers money on their grocery budget, reduces strain on solid waste management districts to collect and transport food waste, and supports efficient food systems. By educating rural residents on reducing food waste through family meal management, this project seeks to reduce the volume of food waste produced, support healthy meal habits, and develop sustainable procedures for the ‘Freeze It!’ program. To deliver ‘Freeze It!’ additional outcomes data, training for instructors on securing local funds, and the development of program management protocols are needed.
Awarded: $23,953
Assessing Social Value of Nebraska Livestock Sale Barns to Assist with Community Well-Being and Resiliency
April 18, 2024
Principal Investigator: Marilyn Schlake, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Co-Principal Investigators:
Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jean Ann Fischer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Michelle Krehbiel, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Randy Saner, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Proposal Abstract:
Globally, research on social value measurement of economic entities is evolving in relationship to individuals and community. This growing field explores community social capital through the lens of social value, or how social connections translate into actions with tangible outcomes impacting individual livelihoods and community well-being. This project seeks to apply and modify the framework of an Australian research study to Nebraska livestock sale barns, which is a significant rural economic entity. The team will use a mixed-method study to identify the sale barns’ social value and explore implications for individual and community well-being and resiliency. These findings can help establish the value of rural business entities or organizations beyond the traditional economic focus. Research findings will also help identify the social connections that enhance belongingness and connectivity and provide potential avenues for enhancing Extension program delivery.
Award: $39,969
Partnering to Customize Building an Entrepreneur-Friendly Community Curriculum for the Outdoor Recreation Sector
April 18, 2024
Principal Investigator: Gwynn Stewart, The Ohio State University Extension
Co-Principal Investigators:
Myra Moss, The Ohio State University Extension
Nancy Bowen, The Ohio State University Extension
Kyle White, The Ohio State University Extension
Ami Choi, University of Minnesota Tourism Center
Proposal Abstract:
Utilizing strategic planning and education as well as a grant writing curriculum and/or broadband development, in U.S. Forest Service areas, we seek to support rural gateway communities in creating resilient economies through enhancing the outdoor recreation economy.
Utilizing the Ohio State University Extension’s Building an Entrepreneur-Friendly Community curriculum that provides resources, training, and tools to develop community capacity to better understand and support the local entrepreneurial economy, the team would work to customize the curriculum for Outdoor Recreation gateway communities, as well as customize the Grant writing Curriculum with a list of potential Outdoor Recreation grant resources.
This NCRCRD small grant will also couple well with the already in-process Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers Program (EJ TCTAC) in the two states as well.
Awarded: $40,000
Bridging Horizons
Rural Career Pathway Development by UMN Extension, Red Lake Nation College, White Earth Tribal Community College, Leech Lake Tribal College, and Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College – using APLU’s FORWARD Curricula
January 1, 2024
Principal Investigator: Rani A. Bhattacharyya, University of Minnesota Extension
Project Abstract:
This training and piloting grant is planned for calendar years 2024-2025 to support our UMN collaboration with tribal college peers in Minnesota to implement the FORWARD curricula developed by the APLU and help our respective communities strengthen STEM Career pathways they have for low-income youth. We feel this project would align with NCRCRD’s priority #2 Workforce development, training & education, because it would build the rural skill sets and knowledge concerning workforce, entrepreneurship and investment – and help to bridge this knowledge close to home between tribal and non-tribal communities co-inhabiting northern Minnesota. The total amount we are seeking for the duration of the project is $ 5,000.00 for a full training of the curricula in 2024.
Award: $5,000
First Impressions Community Assessment Training for Iowa Pilot Program
October 31, 2023
Principal Investigator: Diane Van Wyngarden, PhD, Iowa State University
Project Abstract:
Iowa State University Extension seeks NCRCRD funding for First Impressions staff training, to conduct this program in Iowa for the first time. First Impressions is in the Community Development Extension Library, and has a successful track record with other state Extension programs.
This program has high potential for success and expansion in Iowa, bolstered by Iowa’s state economic development and state tourism offices both pledging to support ISU Extension in a 2024 program pilot; followed by funding and support for statewide program expansion.
To create resilient rural Iowa communities and economies, and to align ISU Extension programming with our state economic and tourism offices, we wish to subcontract Michigan State University Extension’s training of this program, and model Iowa’s program after Michigan’s customized First Impressions for Tourism (FIT) community assessment program. Michigan has very successfully conducted this modified program since 2015, and provides training to other Extension staff.
Award: $5,000
Growing the Capacity and Resources of Rural Communities
April 4, 2023
Principal Investigator: Eric Smith, Central State University
Co- Principal Investigator: Amber Twitty, Central State University
Project Abstract:
As Central State University Extension, Community and Economic Development (CSUE CED) team seeks to establish a new “Resilient Communities” program area in accordance with their FY 2022-2023 Plan of Work. To accomplish this, the funding will be used to support the CSUE CED team as they seek to establish the support infrastructure for effective rural development. The team will be utilizing the funding in the following ways:
- Professional Development: At minimum, 3-4 members of the CSUE CED team would like to participate in the Community Coaching Learning Circle. This experience will increase our knowledge of the principles and practices of community coaching, an essential component of building community capacity to achieve their preferred future. As funds allow, members of the team may also participate in the Facilitative Leadership certificate program as well.
- Curriculum Acquisition: The curriculum that the CSUE CED team would like to coach communities on is the Hometown Collaborative Initiative, or HCI, developed by Purdue University Extension staff. The HCI program serves Indiana communities of 25,000 or less that are committed to building on their existing assets. We believe that our rural Ohio communities would benefit from the HCI curriculum.
- Field Trip: It is the hope of the CSUE CED team to use the remaining funds to take a field trip to Indiana and tour some of the communities that have gone through the HCI program. In addition, stops will be added to visit with Purdue University Extension staff that developed, or have coached communities, through the HCI curriculum.
Award: $5,000
Supporting Rural Resilience Through the Rural Grocery Specialist Certificate
March 15, 2022
Principal Investigator: Rial Carver, Kansas State University
Co-Principal Investigator: Debra Hagenmaier and Erica Blair, Kansas State University
Proposal Abstract: Independent businesses, particularly grocery stores, are critical for rural communities to flourish. However, many business owners across the country are nearing retirement. Proactively planning for business transition is crucial to keeping businesses operational, even after the owner moves on.
This topic is especially relevant in rural communities, where the closure of a single business can dramatically impact the local economy and quality of life. Without a business transition plan, rural grocery stores abruptly close, and communities lose out.
In 2021, the Rural Grocery Initiative launched programming to support successful rural grocery business transitions. This work revealed a clear and extensive need for more technical assistance from skilled professionals. In response, the Rural Grocery Initiative will develop a Rural Grocery Specialist certificate program to train extension professionals, economic developers and other rural stakeholders in business transition planning fundamentals so that they may promote long‐term economic resilience in their communities.
Award: $39,800
Enhancing Cost Estimates of Rural Child Care in Indiana
March 15, 2022
Principal Investigator: Jennifer Finders, Purdue University
Co-Principal Investigator: Sara Schmitt, Purdue University
Investigators: George Rickus, Advisor and Consultant; Tanya Hall, Purdue University Extension Community Development
Proposal Abstract: Child care subsidies assist families with low incomes in paying for child care. The equal access principal asserts that families using subsidies should have comparable options to families who are not eligible for subsidies. Almost all states face challenges meeting this benchmark because they typically reimburse child care providers based on the prices they charge instead of what it costs to operate their programs. This is particularly problematic in rural communities where there exists a shortage of child care overall. Thus, it is important to ensure the methodology behind reimbursement rates captures actual costs in rural markets to incentivize programs to accept subsidies and increase options for families. The proposed project will support the enhancement of a tool developed to estimate the costs of providing child care in Indiana. Findings will generate knowledge about the costs of high-quality programming in rural communities and may inform future reimbursement rate setting.
Awarded: $39,953
An Extension Guidebook to Help Communities Plan for Drought Using Scenario Based Exercises
November 5, 2019
Principal Investigator: Deborah Bathke, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Co-Principal Investigators: Peter Tomlinson, Kansas State University; Hans Schmitz, Purdue University; Tonya Bernadt, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Proposal Abstract:
Droughts, with their prolonged absence of rain, can creep up on communities causing disastrous consequences to the economy, environment, and human health. Scenario-based exercises (e.g., workshops, tabletop exercises, and games) focused on drought offer an innovative way to bring people together to discuss drought planning and policy issues. Participants can collaborate with and learn from other community members, decision-makers, planners, and scientists. Rural communities, which often have limited fiscal resources and a lack of local government capacity may find these exercises especially beneficial as they create a framework for helping the community to draw up their unique resources, such as their self-reliant nature, strong sense of community, tightly connected family networks, and knowledge of and ties to natural resources, to build resilience to drought and increase sustainability. This project translates existing research on how drought scenario exercises have been used to help communities better prepare for drought into an interactive Extension Guide designed to help Extension specialists and others working in community development educate communities about drought and the importance of planning; illustrate the use of scenario exercises as an innovative way to engage community members in the planning process; provide guidance for selecting appropriate scenario exercises to help start the planning process; and explore case studies based on the experiences of other communities and organizations.
Award: $24,671.00
Homegrown: Entrepreneurship in your Community—An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Curriculum
November 5, 2019
Principal Investigator: Tessa Conroy, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Co-Principal Investigator: Sarah A. Low, University of Missouri
Proposal Abstract:
Research and outreach on entrepreneurship in regional economic development indicates weak entrepreneurial networks in much of rural America. This problem is especially acute in regions that have traditionally relied on business attraction and retention as a rural economic development strategy, as have Wisconsin and Missouri. The proposed program aims to create a supportive network in rural areas, so that when entrepreneurs are considering starting a business they get supportive signals from key community leaders. The principal output from this grant will be the development and piloting of an Extension curriculum, “Homegrown: Entrepreneurship in your Community.” The proposed Extension program taps the new and rapidly growing body of research on entrepreneurial ecosystems and uses it to create a customizable curriculum that aims to grow entrepreneurial networks in rural areas, and consequently, foster rural economic development. A secondary output from this grant will be the development of a USDA NIFA AFRI integrated grant proposal to the “Innovation for Rural Entrepreneurs and Communities” program area, summer 2020. Our AFRI project will propose measuring entrepreneurial networks in rural communities and their impact on business ownership and performance. The policy question is whether there is a role for smaller communities to facilitate institutions that foster networking and social capital that enhance local entrepreneurship?
Award: $16,570.00
Retaining Rural Businesses by Transitioning to Cooperative Ownership
November 5, 2019
Principal Investigator: Michael Darger, University of Minnesota
Co-Principal Investigators: Courtney Berner, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Kevin Edberg
Proposal Abstract:
The University of Minnesota Extension and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Cooperatives, along with Cooperative Development Services in St. Paul will design, deliver and evaluate a “road show” about converting businesses to employee ownership with audiences in rural areas. Converting businesses to employee ownership through worker-owned cooperatives is a new approach to retaining businesses when owners retire. At least it’s new in terms of acceptance and application in the economic development field. It has gained traction on the East and West coasts, however adoption has been slower in the North Central region. For businesses with <100 employees, converting to a worker owned cooperative is potentially a pathway for business succession. However, outside of co-op circles few are aware of this method nor have considered it as a viable option for retaining businesses. In Minnesota and Wisconsin there are ~27,000 retiring business owners potentially interested in this research. Additionally, this project builds on new federal legislation and rules, including the availability of USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantees for cooperatives, and the Main Street Employee Ownership Act.
This project will create insights and greater understanding of needs/barriers relative to supporting rural business-to-cooperative transitions in the North Central region. Leveraging the knowledge and experience developed by project partners and practitioners in other regions, the project team will create, pilot test, and evaluate methods. The goals include 1. creating basic awareness about converting businesses to employee ownership, 2. gaining its acceptance as a viable option and 3. spurring adoption of cooperative conversions as a succession strategy.
Award: $25,000
Support Our Stores (SOS): Initiating Multi-State Response to Rural Grocery Store Crisis
November 5, 2019
Principal Investigator: Kathy Draeger, University of Minnesota
Co-Principal Investigators: Jody Bruns, North Dakota State University; Ren Olive, University of Minnesota
Proposal Abstract:
Rural grocery stores, those located in communities with a population of 2,500 or less, are closing at unprecedented rates, the impact of which is being felt throughout rural communities nationwide. These closures are often permanent and new owners and stores are not replacing those that are shuttered.
The impact of these closures results in limited access to a full range of healthy grocery items, decreased Main Street businesses, reduced community assets and vitality. This project seeks to identify, recruit, and orient Extension research and outreach to supporting the remaining grocery stores, piloting this in MN and ND. The goal of this project, Support Our Stores (SOS): Initiating Multi-State Response to Rural Grocery Store Crisis, is to develop a grant proposal to increase land-grant university capacity to help stem the epidemic of rural grocery store closings in Minnesota and North Dakota, and to provide a framework for other regions to address a similar problem.
This planning project will harness multi-state insight, experience, and expertise through the collaboration of the University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension and the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension services. The “SOS” planning team will: 1) conduct a Situation Assessment and identify available resources, 2) use project planning meetings with ND and MN to define goals and objectives, and, 3) complete a full grant proposal and budget.
Award: $25,000
Food Access and Independent Grocers: Strengthening Food Security in Underserved Communities
November 15, 2018
Principal Investigator: Gary Taylor, Iowa State University
Co-Principal Investigators: Lisa Bates and Jon Wolseth, Iowa State University; David Procter, Kansas State University; and Greg Schweser, University of Minnesota
Project Abstract:
Compile existing land grant university resources that support independently-owned groceries as sites of food security, social centers, and economic opportunity in the rural Heartland by bringing together three partners (Iowa State University, Kansas State University, and University of Minnesota) to review our existing resources and efforts, identify gaps where development of additional resources are needed, and begin the discussion on creating a joint curriculum for working with independently-owned groceries that could be shared throughout the North Central region.
Award: $22,012
The Impact of Volunteers on Sustainable Rural Community Development
November 15, 2018
Principal Investigator: SoJung Lee, Iowa State University
Co-Principal Investigators: Linda Niehm, Iowa State University; Jichul Jang, Kansas State University; and MiRan Kim, Michigan State University
Project Abstract:
A rural festival can be an important contributor to a community’s resource base and a means of sustainable community development. Effective festival operation and management are also essential to a successful event. Many rural festivals rely heavily on volunteers to remain viable. However, there is limited understanding regarding the role of volunteers in rural community events and their impact on civic life and local leadership development. The primary purpose of this research is to identify the role and impact of festival volunteers on sustainable rural community development using a community capitals perspective. For this study, a research model will be developed and tested to 1) identify how volunteers influence community sustainability through a set of input variables, including: motivation, attachment, ownership, loyalty, leadership, engagement, and community support, 2) examine if volunteers’ demographics and festivals ’profiles moderate the impact of volunteers on a rural community, and 3) create a foundational assessment tool to be used for a festival volunteer training toolkit. Twelve rural festivals in Iowa, Michigan, and Kansas will be selected for the proposed study. Surveys will be distributed to festival volunteers between fall 2018 and summer 2019. Findings will portray the current opportunities and challenges of managing volunteers in rural festivals and provide a feasible and practicable perspective for developing a volunteer training program and related toolkit. Results will offer preliminary data for a larger external grant (e.g., USDA Rural Community Development Initiative Grants) to develop a sustainable volunteer training program to for rural festival organizers and community stakeholders.
Award: $25,000
Integrating and Sustaining Financial Capability Services in Rural Healthcare Delivery
November 15, 2018
Principal Investigator: J. Michael Collins, University of Wisconsin
Co-Principal Investigators: D. Elizabeth Kiss, Kansas State University; Suzanne Bartholomae, Iowa State University; and Carrie Johnson; North Dakota State University
Proposal Abstract:
Extension educators in several states in the North Central region have been delving into the links between health and household finances. Although financial capability support services are available in many rural communities, financial education, coaching, and related programs are not well integrated into health systems. At the same time, a growing body of research shows that financial strain undermines people’s ability to follow-through on medical treatments, ultimately harming their health. This project bridges the domains of household finance and health through 1) a needs assessment documenting rural healthcare providers’ perspectives on screening patients for financial difficulties and integrating financial capability supports into health services and 2) exploring the potential of sustaining these services through insurance reimbursement. Healthcare’s fee-for-service payment model has restricted the integration of social services, such as financial education, into the delivery system; however, financial hardship recently gained a medical diagnosis code (ICD-10-Z59.9), creating interest in reimbursement for financial education. Challenges to service integration loom especially large in rural areas, where the average patient-to-primary care physician ratio of only 40 physicians per 100,000 people, compared to 53 physicians per 100,000 in urban areas. Thus, rural healthcare providers have even less capacity to conduct financial screenings or make referrals. This project will draw on healthcare professionals’ perspectives to develop recommendations for tools, resources, partnership strategies, and programs that support financial capability service integration into rural health systems.
Award: $24,897
