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:

• Public sector interventions and rural development outcomes
• The extent and impact of private investment in workforce development, including short-term workforce training and apprenticeship
• Successful aging-in-place models for health services in rural communities
• Public school health-related service delivery in rural districts
• The possibility and benefits of incentivizing new farming producers in new and specialty crops and areas of growth
• The economies of conservation and environmental policies and their impact on agriculture, ecosystem services, and rural communities

Eligible applicants are qualified faculty members of The Pennsylvania State University, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities, and the regional campuses of the University of Pittsburgh.

Collaborations across disciplines and, where feasible, across eligible institutions are encouraged. Partnerships with other academic institutions, community organizations, and public and private agencies are encouraged, particularly when they improve data access, broaden expertise, or increase the practical application of findings for rural policymakers.

Research grants: Up to $60,000 for a 1 year project period

Mini grants: Up to $18,000 for a 9 month project period

Applicants requesting the maximum award amount must also submit a research design that could be completed at the mini-grant amount to allow for flexibility in awarding grants.

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

Email a letter of intent to Dr. Laura Dimino by June 1, 2026. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal with a deadline of September 18, 2026.