Applications now due Dec. 14!
Program Overview
This call for proposals for the Environmental Finance Center at Syracuse University's mini-grant program is offered with support from United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development. The purpose of this mini-grant program is to spur research and support projects in Sustainable Materials Management. EFC seeks proposals that address sustainable materials management issues, which includes solid waste reduction, recycling, materials reuse, organics management, and composting. These mini-grants are intended to provide support to students and academic researchers as well as non-governmental organizations and agencies whose work is focused on these topics in New York State and/or Puerto Rico.
Mini-Grant Program Details
Objectives:
This mini grant seeks to engage students and project leaders working in the public or private sector in New York and Puerto Rico with rural solid waste management issues and to promote better stewardship of rural communities and lands as a direct result of research and outreach. EFC will award four $5,000 mini-grants, two each in Puerto Rico and New York. All awardees will be required to prepare a paper that documents the research and explains the implications of the results, as well as prepare a community presentation following the completion of the project. EFC staff may provide support to the awardees with the community presentation (location selection, publicizing the event, who to invite, etc.). Below are examples of questions that could be incorporated into a fundable project. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but provides guidance on possible areas of exploration.
Possible Mini-Grant Project Topics:
GIS data on solid waste management, and implications
The general level of knowledge of SWM operators relating to environmental issues
Best Management Practices (BMP) implementation and innovation
Perceived barriers that keep solid waste managers from operating sustainably
Identification of resources needed by SWM operators to enable more sustainable
Building networks among local solid waste management programs and agencies
Perceived barriers that keep solid waste managers from operating sustainably Identification of resources needed by SWM operators to enable more sustainable operation and production
Onsite waste management technologies
Social aspects of supporting New York and Puerto Rico SMM
Local perceptions on SMM
How New York and/or Puerto Rican rural communities are responding to sustainability challenges such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, preservation of water quality, and/or integration of innovative technology
How to Apply
Who May Apply?
Alll students and researchers at academic institutions, governmental, and non-profit organizations with interest and expertise in either category above are invited to apply. The intent of this mini-grant is to provide support for students to engage with rural communities in NYS and Puerto Rico.
How Much Funding is Available?
EFC will award four grants of up to $5000, two each in New York and Puerto Rico. Grant funds may be used for approved budget purposes, which may include compensation for the principal investigator(s), student interns, consultant(s), or graduate or undergraduate student support through a stipend, and research assistants, research materials, travel, and other necessary expenses. Grant funds may not be used for university or agency overhead, fringe or administrative charges.
How and When to Apply?
Please submit one hardcopy of your proposal, including appendices and any letters of support, plus one electronic copy of the proposal. Proposals must be received no later than 5 pm on Dec. 14, 2011. Awards will be announced no later than January 30, 2011. Work is anticipated to commence on February 1, 2012 and must be completed by August 31, 2012. No-Cost Extensions will not be an option.
Hard copies may be sent to: Mr. Khris Dodson, Environmental Finance Center, 727 E. Washington St, Syracuse, NY 13210. Electronic copies may be sent via email to kdodson@syracusecoe.org.
The proposal should include the following information:
Description of the project Discussion of how the project meets the objectives of the EFC mini-grant program as described in this document Discussion of the application of proposed research to the category for which you are applying Description of intended final project and how it will be disseminated others in the field and what its expected utility will be Timeline of activities Detailed budget Proposal Format:
A. Cover Sheet:
1. Project Title
2. Principal Investigator Name, Affiliation, Address, City, State, Zip, Phone, and Email
3. Collaborator(s) Name, Affiliation, Address, City, State, Zip, Phone, and Email
4. Amount Requested
B. Proposal: The text of the proposal should be no more than 3 pages, excluding references, budget, cover sheet, and supporting materials.
1. Abstract: Briefly summarize the project's focus and goal, scope of work, nature of any potential collaboration, and significance to research, education, and outreach pertaining to the category for which you are applying.
2. Statement of the Project's Focus: State the topics to be addressed by the project and in a clear and concise manner how the project relates to the objectives of this mini-grant program.
3. Scope of Work: Describe the purpose and scope of work to be accomplished. Include the following: purpose of the project and specific objectives to be achieved; public benefits and implications for policy development; end-products of the project and how these products could be used to further develop the project goals.
4.Timeframe: Provide a time-frame for completion of objectives and major milestones of the work. Final reports will be due to the EFC no later than September 30, 2012. No-Cost Extensions will not be allowed.
5. Personnel and Collaboration: Describe the nature and degree of collaboration between those involved. Describe the personnel to be assigned to this project. Include resumes of lead personnel. If an intern is involved in the project, list their major advisor or agency and describe how the intern will be selected.
C. Budget: The budget must include the following items: A separate budget justification is recommended.
1.Amount of funds requested.
2.Matching funds. Matching funds are not required for this program however they are encouraged. If matching funds are used, show them in the budget.
3.Permanent equipment. This is defined as items having a life of two or more years and/or a cost of $500 or more. For items fitting this description, you must attach a written justification.
4.Indirect costs. Indirect costs are not eligible to be included in the mini-grant portion of the budget.
D. Notification and Reporting requirements: Upon completion of the research project according to the schedule set forth above, grantees must submit a final written report that includes a description and chronology of the research and results, an accounting for grant funds, and copies of any publications/products developed. In addition, a short written progress and status report must be submitted not later than 90 days after a project begins. Upon award, a template will be distributed for final reports. Final reports will be due to the EFC no later than September 30, 2012.
Questions? Please direct questions to Khris Dodson: 315-443-8818 or kdodson@syracusecoe.org
