As a citizen-driven organization, the Central Region Sustainable Development Partnership and its Board of Directors welcome ideas for projects throughout our service area. Here's how to submit your idea:

• For projects of less than $2,000, simply submit a Combined Idea-Proposal Form (download below).
• For projects of $2,000 or more, first submit an Idea Form (download below). If your Idea Form is approved, the Board will then request a full Project Proposal (download below).

Each project begins with an Idea Form that is completed by the proposer or project sponsor.  The form tells the board a bit about your idea, other potential partners, and how it supports sustainable systems in agriculture, natural resources, tourism or energy.  It also tells the Board what important issue the project would address.  The idea form is submitted to the Board; Board members consider the merits of the idea based on:

• the identified community need and citizen support
• opportunities for University faculty, staff or students can participate in the project
• how the idea relates to agriculture/local food systems, natural resources, tourism, or energy resources or issues

Sometimes the Board has additional questions about the idea, so it is important to include contact information on the form.  If the Board determines the idea meets these basic criteria, they will request it be moved to a full proposal.  At this time, a member of the Board will be appointed as liaison and, along with the Executive Director, will work with the proposer in preparing the proposal, including budget development, identifying and connecting with appropriate University resources, aligning with other groups or organizations that may also have an interest in the project.  The completed proposal is submitted to the Board for consideration.  Projects are funded for one year at a time.  Idea Forms will be considered by the Board during any monthly meeting.

The Board has recently initiated an easier, one-step process for funding requests less than $2,000.  The criteria for acceptance are the same, but this one-step process makes it easier for citizens to get a faster response for small requests.

For further information, contact Executive Director, Molly Zins at zend0007@umn.edu.

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