Submit a Project Idea to RCP
Do you represent a local government agency and have an idea for advancing community sustainability, equity, and resilience? If so, we would love to hear from you! Ideas can be submitted at any time, and project decisions are made on a rolling basis.
RCP partners with local government agencies to build community 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
Please note that this is a competitive process, and RCP is not able to support all project ideas submitted
Who Is Eligible
- Counties, cities, tribal government agencies, special districts (e.g., watershed, transit, park, school), and regional development commissions anywhere in Minnesota are eligible to apply.
- Nonprofit, neighborhood, and community organizations are not eligible for RCP, but may seek assistance from CURA's Community Programs.
Program Cost
If a project is selected to move forward, RCP partners are expected to provide dedicated staff time and a local financial contribution to support the partnership. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the cost is $8000 per project. Discounts may be available for communities that wish to partner on multiple projects, or that have previously partnered with RCP.
How to Submit a Project Idea
You can start the conversation by:
- Scheduling office hours with RCP staff to discuss your idea (contact us to schedule a meeting)
- Submitting a project idea using the form linked below (a staff person will follow up with you)