Applying for an RCP Partnership

Collage of RCP members at work

 

Applications Open Now!

The Resilient Communities Project (RCP) is now accepting applications for 2024-2025 partnerships that advance community sustainability, equity, and resilience. April 30 is the priority deadline for projects to begin fall academic term (September to December). 

RCP partners with local government agencies to build resilience and spark positive change through the power of university research. Each year, we support projects that address a broad range of local issues and needs, involving any department or division in your agency, by:

  • providing applied research and technical assistance from graduate and professional students and faculty at the University of Minnesota
  • generating new ideas and perspectives on a challenging problem or issue
  • bringing community voices and knowledge to the conversation
     

RCP encourages projects that address racial or other inequities and disparities in Minnesota. The selection process is competitive.

How to Apply

Who Is Eligible

  • Counties, cities, tribal public entities, special districts (e.g., watershed, transit, park, school), and regional government agencies or collaboratives anywhere in Minnesota are eligible to apply.
  • *** Municipalities and counties within the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Council are eligible for matching funds from the Council for selected projects that implement elements of a locally adopted 2040 comprehensive plan. ***
  • Nonprofit, neighborhood, and community organizations are not eligible for RCP, but may seek assistance from CURA's Community Programs.

Program Cost

RCP partners provide dedicated staff time and a local financial contribution. For the 2024–2025 academic year, costs are as follows:

  • $7,000 per project for partnerships involving 1–4 projects 
  • $6,000 per project for partnerships involving 5 or more projects
  • *** For projects that are selected for Metropolitan Council matching funds, the fee is $3,000 per project ***

For large-scale partnerships involving 10 or more projects, please contact us for individualized pricing.

Priority Deadline for Proposals

  • April 30 for projects to begin fall academic term (September to December)
  • August 15 for projects to begin spring academic term (January to May)
     

Download Application Packet

Benefits of a RCP Partnership

  • A high rate of return on investment, with hundreds of hours of concentrated student work on your projects (we estimate it would be 2-3 times more costly to hire students as interns for the equivalent number of hours)
  • Data analysis, case studies, concept plans, and policy recommendations that can energize staff, spark community and staff discussions, and get “stuck” projects moving again
  • Access to an interdisciplinary group of faculty and students with knowledge of innovative and cutting-edge research 
  • Opportunity to foster next-generation local government professionals by collaborating with highly motivated students

Application Resources

Contact Mike Greco, RCP Director, at [email protected] to learn more or discuss how we can customize our program to meet your needs!