NCRCRD offers grants to enhance the ability of the North Central Region’s 34 land-grant institutions to positively influence the quality of life in the region’s rural areas. Upon completion, NCRCRD asks the Principal Investigator(s) of each funded project to share project results or findings with the broader North Central Region and beyond in an NCRCRD-hosted webinar.
Below is a summary of grants awarded since 2020 through NCRCRD. If interested in a particular year prior to 2020, email your request to NCRCRD.
Grants Awarded (2020 to present)
– 2025 –
Smartphones, Smart Families: Fostering Child and Family Well-being for Rural North Central Region Households in a Digital Age
Principal Investigator: Allen Barton, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Co-Principal Investigators: Bonnie Brewer, Kansas State University; Patrice Powers-Barker, The Ohio State University; and Erin Ruggiero, The Ohio State University
Proposal Abstract:
Rapid technological advances have led to pronounced changes throughout society, including within the home. Given this pervasive reach and well-documented effects on individuals’ health and well-being, few topics are more germane – and more in need of unbiased, evidence-based resources – than technology use within families. The current project, in response, will provide rural families in the North Central Region (NCR) with timely, practical resources to help navigate household technology use. Specific aims of the project are: (1) to create and disseminate a Smartphones, Smart Families Survival Kit, (2) to develop a series of informational resources on pertinent technology-related issues families are facing, and (3) to evaluate the reach and impact of project resources. With smartphone ownership in rural areas now at similar levels as urban areas, the current project provides an important opportunity to develop and disseminate resources to improve the well-being of children, families, and their rural NCR communities.
Awarded: Small Grant / $39,941 / September 30, 2025
Addressing Household Food Waste in Rural Communities
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: Small Grant / $23,953 / September 30, 2025
Financial Caregiving Needs Assessment of Older Adults and Caregivers
Principal Investigator: Naomi R. Meinertz, University of Missouri
Co-Principal Investigators: Marco Pantoja, University of Missouri
Proposal Abstract:
Family caregivers often help older adults with their finances in later life (e.g., financial management, applying for Medicaid services). This responsibility limits a caregiver’s ability to save for retirement and may exacerbate the negative consequences of caregiving, such as burden and depression, particularly for rural caregivers. Using a survey for caregivers and focus groups for older adults, this mixed method needs assessment aims to (1) identify knowledge gaps about family financial caregiving, (2) recognize whether and how families prepare for financial caregiving, and (3) understand the feasibility of a financial caregiving program in the North Central Region. These needs assessment results will inform the adaptation of the “Finances of Caregiving” program to help prepare families for financial caregiving by acknowledging the role of family relationships in finances. The pilot implementation and evaluation of the program will be supported by an application to the 2026 Rural Health and Safety Education grant.
Awarded: Small Grant / $25,000 / September 30, 2025
– 2024 –
Enhancing Rural Healthcare by Incorporating Generative AI and Machine Learning: Building Stronger Communication Networks
Principal Investigator: Richard Johnson-Sheehan, Purdue University
Co-Principal Investigator: Thomas Rickert, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
Proposal Abstract:
This project addresses the challenges faced by rural healthcare clinics in North Central United States, particularly in Indiana, where geographic isolation, financial constraints, and limited resources lead to healthcare disparities. These clinics struggle with inefficient communication networks, outdated recordkeeping, and a lack of specialized resources. Our aim is to develop strategies in which land-grant universities use generative artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance rural development by improving healthcare communications. This approach will streamline administrative tasks, improve patient data management, facilitate remote consultations, and enable predictive healthcare management. The project involves three phases: assessing current communication practices, developing AI methods to strengthen these practices, and educating healthcare professionals on using AI tools. Ultimately, this initiative will enhance rural healthcare delivery, reduce the strain on healthcare professionals, and improve the quality of life for rural residents, showcasing the role of land-grant institutions in rural healthcare advancement.
Awarded: Small Grant / $31,385 / April 18, 2024
Partnering to Customize Building an Entrepreneur-Friendly Community Curriculum for the Outdoor Recreation Sector
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; and 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.
Awarded: Small Grant / $40,000 / April 18, 2024
Assessing Social Value of Nebraska Livestock Sale Barns to Assist with Community Well-Being and Resiliency
Principal Investigator: Marilyn Schlake, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Co-Principal Investigator: 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.
Awarded: Small Grant / $39,969 / April 18, 2024
Partners In Produce – A Food Distribution Project in East Central Illinois
Principal Investigator: Krystal Hodge, University of Illinois
Collaborators: MaryBeth Massey, University of Illinois and Meredith Probst, University of Illinois
Proposal Abstract:
Food insecurity affects over 1 in 7 people in Coles County, IL. The University of Illinois – Extension builds partnerships with local organizations to address food insecurity. One such collaboration, Partners in Produce, distributed over 100,000 pounds of produce to East Central Illinois residents in 2023. Program challenges remain regarding produce delivery and sustainability, and the impact of these efforts on dietary intake and food insecurity among residents is unknown. This project will support Partners in Produce through produce delivery in Summer 2024, outcome evaluation, and development of a
sustainability plan for 2025 involving collaboration from partner agencies. Produce purchases and delivery will be tracked to evaluate produce distribution. Participants will be recruited (n=100) to assess the impact on dietary intake and food security.
Participants (n=29) will be recruited to participate in a workshop led by Extension staff to develop a plan for pick up and/or delivery of produce and opportunities to share resources to ensure that produce is available for all food pantries that would like to receive it. A diverse audience will be recruited to evaluate the impact of the efforts. The results will inform future years of program implementation.
Awarded: Small Grant / $25,000 / April 18, 2024
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
Principal Investigator: Rani A. Bhattacharyya, University of Minnesota
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.
Awarded: NCR Extension Collaboration and Implementation Grant / $5,000 /April 18, 2024