Pennsylvania Research Grant and Mini Grant Programs

Dr. Laura Dimino
717.787.9555
ldimino@rural.pa.gov

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania provides grants for rural policy research.

One year research grants will be awarded to conduct applied policy research or to identify local strategies that can result in legislative or program policy considerations and recommendations.

All proposed projects should demonstrate a clear relationship to one or more of the Center's mandated research areas:

• Rural people and communities
• Economic development
• Local government finance and administration
• Community services
• Natural resources and the environment
• Rural values and social change
• Educational outreach
• Agriculture
• Health and welfare concerns

Targeted research topics include:

• Outdoor recreation industry survey
• Automation and artificial intelligence trends in Pennsylvania manufacturing
• Impact of volunteerism in rural communities
• Assessing the benefits and detriments of partnerships, consolidations, or mergers in public services
• Analysis of the workforce supply of and demand for emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
• Building local government capacity in rural areas
• Mobile homes in Pennsylvania

Eligible applicants are qualified faculty members of Pennsylvania State University, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities, and the regional campuses of the University of Pittsburgh. Partnerships with other academic institutions, community organizations, and public and private agencies are encouraged.

Research grants: Up to $50,000 for a 1 year project period

Mini grants: Up to $15,000 for a 9 month project period

A link to the application instructions is available on the program website.

Email a letter of intent to Dr. Laura Dimino by May 24, 2024. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal with a deadline of August 30, 2024.