ERME RFA – How to Apply

The North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, in conjunction with the Northeast, Southern and Western Regional Centers announce the availability of a competitive grant opportunity 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 North Central Center will consider applications in two categories: 1) 18-month Education Projects (awards of up to $50,000) to be conducted between April 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022 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 (project period of March 1 – October 31, 2021).

The North Central Center will deliver an Applicant Webinar on September 30, 2020 at 10:00 AM CDT.  Check back for details on how to join.

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 2020
• NCERMEC Special Emphasis and Underserved Producers Risk Management Education Needs Assessment – August 2020

How to Apply

Download and read the 2021 North Central ERME Request for Applications carefully.

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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.
4. Select the appropriate grant category (2021 Education Projects or 2021 Exploratory 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.
5. 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

September 30, 2020: Applicant Informational Webinar, 10:00 AM CDT

November 19, 2020: All applications are due on-line no later than 5:00 PM CST

February 14, 2021:  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.