Call for Proposals - Extension Response to Disasters

Rick Koelsch, UNL Extension, May 8 2014

USDA NIFA has released a call for proposals targeting Extension planning for and response to weather and disaster related events through a Smith-Lever Special Needs Program. Projects can range from $30,000 to $120,000.  Fifty-seven percent of 2013 applications were funded (an unusually HIGH success rate).

Once a disaster has occurred, the local extension outreach includes: 1) Communicating practical science-based risk information, 2) Developing relevant educational experiences and programs, 3) Working with individuals and communities to open new communication channels, and 4) Mitigating losses and facilitating recovery. NIFA will fund Special Needs projects to implement applied scientific programs that serve public needs in preparation for, during and after local or regional emergency situations. Fundable projects should support extension activities through at least one (1) of the following strategies:

1.      Enhance regional/national networks that add value to official information by delivering it:

• In an audience and situation appropriate format
• In a timely fashion and
• Coupled with appropriate and existing research based information.

2.      Provide regional/national education and communications leadership to develop or add value to current educational materials regarding disaster issues, utilizing the proper distribution mix of the EDEN website, eXtension, related social media, and/or other outlets.  This strategy could include materials targeted to underserved or non-traditional audiences (such as people who speak English as a second language, low literacy individuals, and/or international opportunities).  Any international aspects of the proposal must support EDEN or domestic work. 

3.      Improve regional/national stakeholder partnerships (which might include the public, governments at all levels, non-profit and/or volunteer organizations, academia, and/or industry) across traditional boundaries to decrease the impact of disasters through extension education.

4.      Deliver extension education to affected citizens and communities, in one or more states, to decrease the impact of a major declared disaster that occurred no more than 12 months prior to the application due date of this RFA.

Request for Application (RFA) | Apply: Electronic | Abstracts of Funded Projects

Solicitation Date (Opening) May 2, 2014 Letter of Intent Due Date None Due Date (Closing) June 2, 2014 Estimated Total Program Funding $462,000.00 Range of Awards $30,000.00 to $120,000.00 Percent of Applications Funded Last Fiscal Year 57% Cost Sharing Requirements Dollar for dollar match required. See RFA for details. For More Information Contact Beverly Samuel Funding Opportunity Number USDA-NIFA-SLBCD-004528 CFDA Number 10.500 Contact for Electronic Access Problems webcomments@nifa.usda.gov

Reference:  USDA NIFA web page, http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/smithleverspecialneeds.cfm