Center issues 2008 Request for Pre-proposals (RFP)
Iowans with ideas for sustainable agriculture alternatives will want to check out the 2008 Request for Pre-proposals (RFP) now available from the Leopold Center. Each of the three initiative areas—ecology, marketing and food systems, and policy—is looking for innovative new projects to enhance the Center’s long-running competitive grants program. The RFP contains all the information about what sort of projects the Center is looking for and how to apply for the grant funding.
Who may submit a pre-proposal to the Leopold Center? Investigators representing any Iowa nonprofit organization/agency and/or educational institution (such as soil and water conservation districts, schools and colleges, and regional development groups). The Center strongly encourages the involvement and collaboration of farmers, landowners, and farm-based businesses in the pre-proposal process.
What is required? A one- to two-page concept paper on the project and how it fits with the Leopold Center mission and specific initiative objectives.
When is it due? Project ideas should be submitted to the Center electronically by 5 p.m. August 18, with most project funding to begin in early 2009. The pre-proposals will be reviewed by the Center’s advisory board and staff.
Where is the RFP available? The RFP can be downloaded from the Center’s web site at www.leopold.iastate.edu/research/rfp/2008.html. Hard copies can be obtained from the Center office by calling (515) 294-7311 or sending an e-mail to: leocenter@iastate.edu.
Who do I contact with questions? For inquiries about each initiative's interests in this round of project solicitation, contact the appropriate program leader: Jeri Neal for Ecology (515) 294-5610, wink@iastate.edu; Rich Pirog for Marketing and Food Systems (515) 294-1854, rspirog@iastate.edu; or Jerry DeWitt for Policy (515) 294-3711, jdewitt@iastate.edu.