Excellence in Extension offers grant opportunities for all ISU Extension staff (P&S, merit, and hourly). Funds are available in five grant categories:
Apply for funds by completing the grant application and read more about application instructions, fund reimbursement and follow-up procedures.
Intended to:
- Encourage excellence in the development of creative and innovative educational programs involving an entire administrative area or state program area for Iowa State University Extension clientele.
- Provide financial support up to $10,000 per year (applicant may request an additional $10,000 to complete a two year program/project) to Iowa State University Extension staff members within an administrative area or state program area who are involved in the development and delivery of Iowa State University Extension programs.
The grant may be used for one or more of the following expenditures:
- Honoraria and/or expenses to obtain expert trainers or resource persons, including Iowa State University Extension staff members in the subject matter of the innovative program/project.
- Salaries, equipment, supplies, travel, printing, and computer programs needed to develop and implement the program/project.
Pre-proposals (MS Word) are due January 15. Pre-proposals are limited to two pages, plus a third page for the budget. After pre-proposals have been reviewed and approved by February 1, a request may be extended for applicants to submit a final proposal (MS Word), due March 15.
Grant funding becomes available on July 1 following the award and MUST be used within one/two year(s) following the receipt of the grant. A follow-up report (MS Word) must be submitted upon program/project completion.
Intended to:
- Encourage Iowa State University Extension staff to pursue activities that will benefit and contribute to the professional growth and development of colleagues in a unit. Professional improvement activities might include seminars, trainings, speakers, workshops, study circles, or other group activities. Acquired skills and knowledge should result in improved professional abilities and practice.
- Provide financial support (up to $1500) for a group of county, area, department or state program unit of Iowa State University Extension staff members.
The grant may be used for one or more of the following expenditures:
- Travel expenses, resources and other materials that contribute to successful completion of professional improvement activity.
- Honoraria and/or expenses to obtain expert trainers or resource persons, including Iowa State University Extension staff members, in the subject matter of the professional improvement activity.
The funds MUST be used within ONE YEAR following receipt of the grant. EIE funds cannot be used for events occuring prior to the grant application deadline. Application deadline dates are March 15 and September 15. A follow-up report (MS Word) must be submitted upon project completion.
View a sample Betty Elliott Group Professional Development grant (pdf).
Intended to:
- Encourage excellence in the development of creative and innovative educational programs for Iowa State University Extension clientele.
- Provide financial support (up to $2500) to Iowa State University Extension staff members (either individuals or teams) who are involved in the development and delivery of Iowa State University Extension programs.
The grant may be used for one or more of the following expenditures:
- Honoraria and/or expenses to obtain expert trainers or resource persons, including Iowa State University Extension staff members, in the subject matter of the innovative program.
- Special equipment and computer programs to develop and implement the innovative program.
- Seed money for developing educational resource material for the program.
The funds MUST be used within ONE YEAR following receipt of the grant. EIE funds cannot be used for events occuring prior to the grant application deadline. Application deadline dates are March 15 and September 15. A follow-up report (MS Word) must be submitted upon project completion.
Intended to:
- Encourage Iowa State University Extension staff members to pursue study opportunities that will make a significant contribution to their careers.
- Supplement other sources of financial support (departmental, other agency, institutional, personal) with financial assistance up to $750 to help defray costs of the proposed study.
Specific criteria for awarding this grant are that:
- The study proposal should have specific educational goals related to current job responsibilities or assignments desired in the future. Preference will be given to applications which help extend and diversify professional capabilities.
- The study proposed for funding should go beyond Iowa State University Extension-required training, conferences, or annual meetings of professional associations. College courses for academic credit will be considered for individuals who are not pursuing graduate degrees.
- The individual seeking this grant must demonstrate personal financial commitment to the opportunity.
- First time applications will receive priority based on the quality of the grant proposal.
The funds MUST be used within ONE YEAR following receipt of the grant. EIE funds cannot be used for events occuring prior to the grant application deadline. Applicants are required to resubmit an application if proposed training is unavailable. Application deadline dates are March 15 and September 15. A follow-up report (MS Word) must be submitted upon project completion.
View a sample individual staff development grant (pdf).
Intended to:
- Provide one-time financial assistance to an ISU Extension staff member who is pursuing coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree.
- Provide up to $2000 to help defray expense of travel, books, research and/or tuition.
The applicant must agree to continue employment with ISU Extension for two years after earning the scholarship. If an applicant leaves Iowa State University Extension employment within two years, the Excellence in Extension Board of Directors has the discretion to ask for repayment.
The funds MUST be used within TWO YEARS following receipt of the grant. If necessary, recipients may send a written request for an extension beyond two years to the EIE chairperson for consideration. Application deadline date is March 15. This scholarship is awarded once a year each April.
View a sample Marvin A. Anderson graduate scholarship (pdf).