ERME RFA – How to Apply

The 2022 ERME RFA is now OPEN.

The North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, in conjunction with the Northeast, Southern and Western regional ERME centers announces the availability of grant funds and requests the submission of applications. This funding opportunity focuses on educational projects designed to help agricultural producers improve their economic viability through targeted risk management strategies.  The Center expects to award grants through two program areas – Education Grants and Producers Underserved by Crop Insurance Grants.

Education Grants
Proposed educational programming should address any of the five areas of risk: production, marketing, financial, legal or human.  The maximum amount of requested funding shall not exceed $50,000.   The North Central Center will consider applications in two categories: 1) Standard Education Projects (awards of up to $50,000) and  2) Exploratory Projects (awards of up to $5,000) to support planning, development, and piloting efforts that are expected to lead to a future educational project.

These will be 18-month projects to be conducted between April 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023.

Producers Underserved by Crop Insurance Grants
This program area is specifically designated for the delivery of risk management education to agricultural producers underserved by the Federal crop insurance program; with proposed educational programming that aligns with one or more of the five areas of risk: production, marketing, financial, legal, or human. The maximum amount of requested funding shall not exceed $100,000 for 18-month projects to be conducted between April 1, 2022 and September 20, 2023.

The North Central Center held an Applicant Webinar on October 5, 2021 at 10:00 AM CST. Please contact clockert2@unl.edu if you need more information. A copy of presentation is now available by clicking: 2022 RFA Applicant Webinar

For a recording of the webinar, click here.

Recent needs assessment reports provide some insight into issues and challenges facing agricultural producers at the present time and some supporting material behind the priority issues identified in the RFA.

• NCERMEC Producer Risk Management Education Needs Assessment – August 2021
• NCERMEC Special Emphasis and Underserved Producers Risk Management Education Needs Assessment – August 2021

How to Apply

1. RFA: Download and read the 2022 North Central ERME RFA thoroughly depending on your plans for submission.
2. Resources: View the Application Resources which have been developed to help applicants prepare a successful proposal, and which provide a full explanation for every item requested in the application.  Applicants are especially encouraged to utilize the Application Tutorial.
3. Registration Information:  If you are already registered in the RVS, skip to step 4.  To register, use this link to access the Extension Risk Management Education Results Verification System.  Select “Register” and complete the form in order to create a new account.  A registration confirmation containing a link back into the system will be sent via email.  (If you do not receive the confirmation email within 15 minutes, please check your spam folder.)   To complete your registration, visit the enclosed link. 
4. RVS: Login to RVS (rvs.umn.edu) using your email address and password, which will take you to the “My Projects” page. To begin a new Application, select “Start New Application” and then the “North Central ERME” tab under Active Funding Opportunities.
5. Category: Select the appropriate grant category (2022 Education Projects, 2022 Exploratory Projects, or 2022 Producers Underserved by Crop Insurance Projects) and click the green “Start New Application”.  Complete each section in the Table of Contents on the left sidebar and follow the Instructions accessible on each page of the application via the orange button.
   • Exploratory Project Instructions: If you are completing an Exploratory Project application, review these special instructions to assist you in completing the application.

Whenever you wish to continue working on your Proposal, return to the Extension Risk Management Education Results Verification System and login.  Your active projects will be listed on the “My Projects” page.  You may edit your proposal by clicking on the pencil icon.

Important Dates for Funding Process

October 5, 2021: Applicant Informational Webinar, 10:00 AM CDT.

November 18, 2021: All applications are due on-line no later than 5:00 PM CST.

February 11, 2022:  Award Notification.

Contact Christine Lockert, clockert2@unl.edu or 402-472-2039 if you have any questions or need more information about this Extension Risk Management Education program.