REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
2000-2001 GRANTS FOR EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
Introduction
Topics and Approaches
Guidelines
Criteria
Format
How to Apply
Policies
Cover Page for Applying
PROPOSALS DUE: APRIL 11, 2000
The UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP) is soliciting new proposals for grants to conduct educational programs that will advance the mission and goals of this program. Funds are available to support workshops, field days, symposia, seminars, and other educational events held between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2001. Awards are limited to $1,200 per event. Those eligible to apply include individuals affiliated with California public or private educational institutions, with California non-profit, tax-exempt organizations, or with federal or state government agencies.
Mission: SAREP is a statewide program providing leadership and support for scientific research and education that promote agricultural and food systems that are economically viable, sustain natural resources and biodiversity, and enhance the quality of life in the state's diverse communities.
Program Goals:
- California farmers and ranchers are more able to manage their land and businesses in ways that are economically viable and that protect and enhance both human and natural resources and biodiversity.
- Consumers have a closer connection to agriculture and California’s rural and urban communities are strengthened through participation in sustainable food systems.
- Government programs and policies encourage and support the development of sustainable farms, ranches and communities in California.
Proposals for educational programs will be accepted on a broad range of topics and issues. We are particularly interested in proposals that address:
The sustainability of crop and livestock systems. Topics in this area include, but are not limited to:
- Integrated crop management systems, including organic productions systems
- Soil and water quality
- Preventive and biological approaches to pest management
- Range management and controlled grazing
- Agroforestry practices (alley cropping, silvopasture, forest farming, windbreaks and riparian buffer strips) [Grants for agroforestry projects will be supported from a special donor-directed fund established through a grant from the International Tree Crops Institute USA Inc. General information about temperate agroforestry practices can be obtained by contacting: National Agroforestry Center, USDA NRCS/FS, East Campus-UNL, Lincoln, NE 68583, Tel. (402) 437-5178, www.unl.edu/nac. Association for Temperate Agroforestry, 1-30 Agriculture Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, Tel. (573) 882-3647, www.missouri.edu/~afta.]
The connections between farmers, consumers, and communities in sustainable food systems. Topics in this area include, but are not limited to:
- Community food systems - direct or local marketing strategies, consumer education, community and economic development, community food security
- Urban agriculture - urban farming, market gardening
- Labeling for consumer information - eco-labeling, genetically modified organisms, fair trade
- Public policy – land use, water, pesticide use, labor
Applicants are encouraged to consider the following details when developing proposals.
Instructors: Speakers and presenters should be qualified to teach the subject matter; expertise should also be drawn from a range of backgrounds (farmers/ranchers, farm advisors, specialists, other researchers, private consultants, etc.).Hands-on activities: Many successful educational programs combine "classroom" activities with tours, demonstrations, on-farm experiences and other activities that help participants put ideas and concepts into action.
Educational methods: A meeting format that allows adequate time for periods of discussion, debate, problem solving or other types of audience interaction is desirable.
Educational materials: Participants will benefit from publications, manuals, or handouts that may be used when they return to their farms and businesses.
Sponsorship: The level of participation and the quality of educational programs can be improved through cooperation among complementary organizations (e.g., Cooperative Extension, private non-profits, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and/or industry).
Please consult our publications for a fuller discussion of SAREP’s goals (What is Sustainable Agriculture? and Biennial Report: 1997-1999) and examples of past projects (Winter 1999 edition of our newsletter, Sustainable Agriculture). All are available on our Web site at www.sarep.ucdavis.edu or by request from SAREP, University of California, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, telephone (530) 752-7556.
Proposals will be evaluated in these areas:
- Relevance to SAREP’s mission and program goals;
- Identification of educational needs and objectives;
- Likelihood that the proposed event will achieve the stated objectives; and
- Funds requested are reasonable in relation to the expected benefits of the event.
Applicants should complete the cover sheet including signatures, and provide a brief (two- or three-page) proposal with the following headings:
- Goal of the Event (must include educational needs and objectives, target audience and estimated attendance)
- Importance of the Event (must include how it advances the goals of sustainable agriculture)
- Proposed Agenda (must include topics, possible speakers, proposed time schedule, and overall meeting format)
- Approximate Date and Location (this RFP is for events held between July 1, 2000 - June 30, 2001)
- Sponsorship and Coordination (must include a description of the roles of all coordinators and cooperators)
- Handout Materials
Budget
A detailed budget should be listed on the cover page; including the total requested from SAREP as well as other sources of funds supporting the event. Our policy concerning budget items is listed on the back cover. Please read this carefully.Signatures
Signatures of all coordinators and cooperators listed on the cover page are required. These may be included in the space provided on the cover page, or attached as a separate page. Signatures will indicate that all project participants have read the proposal and understand their roles in the proposed educational program.
A signed original plus 9 copies (double-sided preferred) of the application, using the prescribed format and cover page, must be received by 5:00 p.m., April 11, 2000. Proposals that are received after the deadline will not be accepted. Proposals will not be accepted via FAX. Proposals should be sent to:
Meeting Grants
UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
One Shields Avenue
University of California
Davis, CA 95616Physical location for delivery services: DANR Building, Hopkins Road (off Hutchison Road west of Highway 113).
Awards will be announced by June 15, 2000. If you have any questions, contact David Chaney at (530) 754-8551 (email: dechaney@ucdavis.edu).
SAREP staff and members of SAREP’s Public Advisory Committee (PAC) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) may not apply or participate as cooperators on any proposals. Any proposals including SAREP staff or PAC or TAC members as cooperators will be automatically rejected. Current Advisory Committee members are: PAC - Robert Bornt, Frank Da wley, Tess Dunham, Debra Denton, Jeff Dlott, Mark Lipson, Randii MacNear, Tim O'Neill, Scott Paulsen, An Peischel, Jim Rider, Frank Tamborello, Diego Vasquez, and Beth von Gunten; TAC - Ernst Biberstein, Ted Bradshaw, Holly Brown-Williams, Rachel Mabie, Carlos Murillo, Doreen Stabinsky, Mike Stanghellini, Caroline Stull, Jo Ann Wheatley, and Cheryl Wilen.
"California, non-profit, tax exempt organization" is defined as any organization which is operating in California and legally exempt from taxes imposed by the California Franchise Tax Board’s revenue and taxation codes.
Awards are limited to $1,200 per event. The budget may include a reasonable registration fee, but the fee must be the same for all attendees: You may not offer registration discounts for members of particular organizations. The registration fee may be waived for individuals or groups who might otherwise be unable to afford the cost of attendance (e.g., students, farmworkers, low-income individuals).
Expenses that may be covered by SAREP funds include:
- Production of handout materials.
- Travel and accommodations for speakers, speaker honoraria.
- Room rental, equipment rental.
- Travel for organizers, staff/personnel time.
Expenses not covered by SAREP include the following:
- Indirect overhead charges. All expenses must be clearly justified as direct costs of the event.
- Food and drinks. The cost of meals must be covered by the sponsoring organization or included in the registration fee.
- Equipment purchase. SAREP funds may be used to rent equipment necessary to conduct the meeting; funds may not be used to purchase equipment.
- Instructor training. SAREP funds may not be used to pay registration fees or travel for organizers or instructors to attend other meetings or training events.
- Video and audio taping. SAREP generally does not provide funds for this service unless a strong case is made for the use of the recordings for other educational purposes.
The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. Inquiries regarding the University’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Affirmative Action Director, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Franklin St., 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94607. (510) 987–0096.
University of California
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
2000 - 20001 Grants for Educational EventsCover Page
Attach a completed copy of this page to each copy of your proposal.
Meeting Title:
University/Organization/Agency:
Principal Coordinator(s):
Name
Mailing Address
Telephone
Cooperators:
Name
Mailing Address
Telephone
Detailed Budget:
Total Requested from SAREP: _____________
Signatures (all coordinators and cooperators):
(University coordinators should also include signature of Dept. Chair or County and Regional Director.)
