PROGRAM OVERVIEW Area of Interest: Global environmental change research and outreach, particularly related to food systems and security, resource and energy use, public policy and economic well-being, and biodiversity and ecosystem health. Research and outreach projects focusing on the intersection of business, policy, and science will receive higher consideration.

Eligible Applicants: To be eligible, the PI must be UIUC faculty or staff, but external Co-PIs and collaborators are welcomed. In addition to new projects, proposals to supplement an outside project or additional research and outreach for ongoing programs will also be considered. Proposers are encouraged to partner across departments, units, colleges, and with external organizations as appropriate.

Available Funding and Funding Requirements: 1. Seed Grants: Up to six grants (maximum $5,000 each) will be awarded. Grants for one-year or two-year studies will be considered. PI must stipulate duration of the study and note such on the proposal time line. Proposal must incorporate an outreach/public awareness component. Funding is to be used to support a large-scale research proposal to be submitted to an outside funding agency. Reimbursements will be made following receipt of each semi-annual report. Five page maximum length.

2. Project Support: Up to three grants (maximum of $25,000 each) will be awarded. Grants to support short-term (one year) and long-term (two to three years) studies will be considered. PI must stipulate duration of the study and note such on the proposal time line. ECI funding is to be used to support a new or ongoing line of study. Proposal must incorporate an outreach/public awareness component. Reimbursements will be made following receipt of each semi-annual report. Eight page maximum length.

3. Matching funds for external grant applications: ECI may contribute matching funds for external grant applications based on successful projects previously funded in whole or in part by ECI. Matching funds will be considered to support proposals in response to granting opportunities from foundations and governmental agencies.

In order to be considered, the proposal must include an outreach/public awareness component. Reimbursements will be made following receipt of each semi-annual report. Five page maximum length, plus RFP for matching funds requested grant.

Special Notes:

1. Cover page is required. This page includes Project title, PI, Co_PI;s, represented units, total cost of project, amount requested from ECI, and abstract of project (maximum of 250 words). A template is available on the website, eci.illinois.edu.

2. PI may be asked to meet with ECI personnel in advance of ECI award or statement of support.

3. Funding period begins when award letters are issued by the ECI or funding agency.

4. PI may be asked to meet the ECI personnel during the duration of the research.

5. In each case, reimbursements will be made following receipt of each semi-annual report.

Deadlines: Prescreening: to allow ECI to screen potential projects for appropriateness, submit COVER PAGE ONLY as a preproposal to address below on or before 5:00 PM Central Time, January 16, 2009.

Successful preapplicants will be notified by January 23, 2009.

Full proposal may be emailed (preferred method) or mailed to the address noted on page 2 of this RFP. Full proposal must be received by 5:00 PM Central Time, February 27, 2008. The ECI will select and notify successful applicants no later than March 27, 2008.

Administration and Inquiries: The program will be administered though the ECI. All questions regarding the program should be directed via email to kruideni@illinois.edu.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Proposals will be evaluated on how well they address each of the following criteria.

Arrange your narrative to correspond with the numbered items listed below. Proposals that do not address each of the criteria will not be considered.

1. Scope and Applicability: Describe how your project addresses the area of interest. Identify the project’s objectives and benefits. Identify what organizations may benefit or utilize your findings/product from your project (level of government, private business, non-profits, natural resource or green industry organizations, and/or educational institutions).

2. Organization/Methodology: Describe the steps that will be performed to reach the desired goal. Clearly describe why the project’s methodology is effective and efficient in pursuing its objectives.

3. Product: Provide a detailed description of the deliverable(s) and identify the target audience.

4. Project Evaluation: What criteria will you use to judge the success of your project?

5. Experience/Personnel/Adequacy of Resources: Describe the experience and training in the fields relating to the project and any other qualifications that pertain to the quality of the product. Are adequate resources (e.g., personnel, facilities, equipment, supplies, and time) available to carry out the project?

6. Budget and Funding: Be sure to provide a budget sheet. The proposal should include costs of development and implementation of the project (such as, but not limited to; summer salary, other salary, equipment/supply needs, and/or travel costs).

The budget sheet should note funding requests, institutional costs (match, if applicable) and other costs relevant to the project. Time line: Provide a project time line – including implementation, and completion.

For Seed Grant proposal, include development of follow-up proposal to outside agency in the time line.

Submit proposals to Dr. Wesley Jarrell, Director

EMAIL ADDRESS: PREFERRED METHOD eci AT illinois DOT edu

MAIL ADDRESS: ECI S-334 Turner Hall MC-047 1102 S. Goodwin Avenue Urbana IL 61801

The mission of ECI is to illuminate the causes and consequences of global environmental change and develop constructive responses through public policies, technologies, and lifestyles.

ECI advances our understanding of global environmental change and offers solutions to avoid, mitigate, or adapt to its effects through support of scholarly research, innovative teaching, and public outreach.

The goals of ECI are to: Enhance and promote holistic thinking about interactions among climate, food and energy systems, demographic pressures, and justice and dignity; Inspire real-world debates relating to global environmental change; Generate a cadre of highly motivated, broadly trained and ethically aware leaders for the 21st century; Understand the impact of the changing environment on humans and assuring effective and just adaptation; Enhance the balance of human needs and the integrity of natural systems.