Do you have an idea to improve the sustainability of your community?
The Southwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (SWRSDP) seeks ideas for partnerships with community-based projects in Greater Minnesota. Seed funding is available for projects that leverage community participation and create a robust partnership with the University of Minnesota. The SWRSDP invites projects that might use the arts as key elements in their proposals.
The SWRSDP invites ideas in four focus areas:
- Sustainable agriculture and food systems
- Resilient communities
- Natural resources
- Clean energy
Please get in touch with Anne (320-235-0726 x 2012 or adybsett@umn.edu) to start a conversation about your project idea. After an initial conversation, community members may choose to submit a short idea brief in writing. Idea briefs submitted by February 14, 2019, will be reviewed in spring 2019 by work groups and board members from the region.
Priority projects will:
- Strengthen the long-term social, economic, and environmental health of Greater Minnesota
- Demonstrate active community leadership throughout the life of the project
- 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.
- If possible, leverage funds or other contributions
To learn about recent projects supported by the Southwest Partnership, visit the Story Map at z.umn.edu/RSDPstorymap.
For more information and to submit a project idea, visit z.umn.edu/RSDPideabrief or contact me at 320-235-0726 x 2012 or adybsett@umn.edu.
Anne Dybsetter, Executive Director, Southwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, University of Minnesota Extension
