WILLMAR, Minn. — The Southwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (SW RSDP) is seeking ideas for partnerships in community-based projects. Seed funding is available to support projects that leverage community participation and create a robust partnership with the University of Minnesota. Individuals, organizations, and groups in southwestern Minnesota are encouraged to apply. Idea Briefs submitted by February 19, 2018, will be reviewed in March.
“We’re looking for projects that are driven by local ideas, and that could benefit from a connection to the University of Minnesota,” said SW RSDP Executive Director Anne Dybsetter. “RSDP projects work best when there is a strong team of partners in the community and University.”
The SW RSDP invites ideas in four areas: agriculture and food systems, tourism and resilient communities, natural resources, and clean energy. To review recent projects supported by the Southwest Partnership, visit the Story Map at
z.umn.edu/RSDPstorymap.
Priority projects will:
- Involve meaningful roles for both local community members and University of Minnesota faculty, staff and/or students.
- Engage diverse populations and advance new community collaborations.
- Support environmental, social and economic sustainability for public purpose or benefit.
- Be led and supported by community partners throughout the life of the project.
- If possible, leverage funds or other contributions.
In recent years, SW RSDP has partnered on a variety of successful community projects in the region, including a housing study in Milan, a plan for a downtown “market square” in Fairmont, and a local food systems study in the Upper Minnesota River Valley region.
SW RSDP is part of the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships. RSDP brings together local talent and resources with University knowledge and seed funding to drive sustainability in four focus areas: sustainable agriculture and food systems, clean energy, natural resources, and tourism and resilient communities. RSDP is composed of a statewide office and five regional partnerships.
For more information and to submit a project idea, visit www.extension.umn.edu/rsdp/idea-brief/ or contact Anne Dybsetter at 320-235-0726 x 2012 or adybsett@umn.edu.
— University of Minnesota Extension
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