Mini grants are available for current and recent Farmer/Rancher Principal Investigators (PIs) interested in attending conferences to present on the outcomes of their Western SARE-funded project and promote the Farmer/Rancher grant program. These Mini Grants will cover travel, lodging, registration, and presenter fees for eligible PIs to present on the outcomes of their Western SARE-funded project and promote the Farmer/Rancher grant program.
Request for Applications (RFA)
Submission Deadline: Open a rolling basis
Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to conference attendance OR 30 days prior to virtual conference attendance.
Program Background:
Western SARE announces a request for applications (RFA) from current and recent Farmer/Rancher Principal Investigators (PIs) interested in attending conferences to present on the outcomes of their Western SARE-funded project and promote the Farmer/Rancher grant program. Financial support may be requested for up to $2,500 to cover expenses for attending and presenting at relevant regional and national conferences. Funds may cover travel, conference registration fees, and poster or presentation expenses and will be cost reimbursed in accordance with MSU and USDA-NIFA travel policy. Awarded applicants will also receive a $250 stipend for their time presenting on behalf of Western SARE.
Eligibility:
This mini-grant program is open to Western SARE Farmer/Rancher PIs who are:
- Current and up to date on all contractual and reporting expectations, or
- PIs of projects funded in 2019 or later with an approved final report.
Technical Advisors are encouraged to attend; however, mini-grant funds may NOT be used to cover their travel expenses.
Budget and Allowable Expenses:
Applicants show submit an estimate of anticipated costs in the following categories (not to exceed $2,500): mileage, airfare, lodging, conference registration fees, poster/presentation expenses, other costs (please justify – subject to approval). Applicants may also request meal per diem while in travel status.
All eligible expenses will be processed for reimbursement upon submission of receipts and fulfillment of a post-conference survey (to be completed within 14 days of conference conclusion or returning home from travel).
All receipts should be submitted for reimbursement within 14 days of return travel home or conclusion of conference.
Expectations:
Meet with the Farmer/Rancher Program Manager to discuss presentation topics, travel requirements, Western SARE talking points, and expectations. Please reach out if you need help with developing your presentation.
Submit all receipts for reimbursement and complete a brief post-conference survey within 14 days of returning home from conference travel.
How to apply:
Complete application below. Questions can be submitted via email to wsare-fr@sare.org or call 406-994-4309.