The deadline has passed for proposals from cities and counties to be the Resilient Communities Project community partner for2013-2014. (To learn about RCP’s application process for future years, please read below or download the 2013-2014 RCP Request for Proposals packet)
What Is RCP?
RCP is a year-long partnership between the University of Minnesota and one local community in Minnesota. Through the partnership, students and faculty from across the University collaborate with the partner community to address its self-defined sustainability-related needs through course-based projects. The collaboration results in on-the-ground impact and momentum for a community working toward a more sustainable and livable future.
How Does the Partnership Work?
RCP provides the partner community with efficient access to the broad base of sustainability expertise at the University of Minnesota by matching community-identified projects with graduate and upper-level undergraduate courses that can address the needs of the community. The partner community supports the effort through dedicated staff time and a local funding contribution.
RCP has the capacity to address 15–30 local projects during the partnership year, matching each project with one or more courses to complete the necessary work. Project work will be completed primarily by graduate students, with direct oversight by faculty members and RCP staff.
Expertise is available related to all aspects of sustainability (e.g., environmental health, economic opportunity, social equity, and community livability) and all stages of sustainability efforts (analysis, planning, design, implementation, and evaluation). Participating students and faculty represent a wide range of disciplines, from architecture, planning, and engineering to business, environmental sciences, and the humanities. Many projects combine multiple disciplines to address problems from diverse perspectives.
Eligibility
RCP serves communities addressing sustainability at the local or regional scale. Cities, counties, and clusters of communities along a transportation corridor, around a regional center, or within a watershed are eligible to apply. To minimize travel time and costs, applicant communities should ideally be located within a two-hour drive of Minneapolis. Communities located further away from Minneapolis may be considered if additional funds are contributed for overnight travel costs.
Application Timeline
- November 15, 2012: RCP issues request for proposals for 2013-2104 partner community and begins accepting applications.
- November 2012–February 2013: RCP program director is available for phone conferences and in-person meetings to discuss potential projects with communities, as well as informational presentations to staff, elected officials, or potential partner organizations and agencies. We strongly suggest that communities interested in applying to the program schedule a preliminary phone appointment or in-person visit with RCP staff during this time.
- December 2013: Information session for potential RCP community partners. Download materials from the Information Session
- February 2013: Applications are due to RCP by 4:30 pm.
- March 2013: RCP notifies the community selected for the 2013–2014 partnership.
How to Apply
- Download the RCP Request for Proposals packet (PDF)
- Ask for our assistance in completing your application. Simply contact RCP program director Mike Greco at 612-625-7501 or mgreco@umn.edu to discuss your interest in applying.
- Complete and submit your proposal by February 15, 2013 at 4:30 pm. RCP will review proposals and select the 2013–2014 community partner by March 15, 2013.
