CROOKSTON, Minn. (1/2/2025) Northwest Minnesota residents with an idea to strengthen their community can now apply for partnership support from the University of Minnesota Extension Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (Northwest RSDP).
Northwest RSDP supports local innovation by connecting community ideas to University of Minnesota resources. Community members work on diverse project teams that research, design and plan local sustainability projects with University students, faculty and staff.
Northwest RSDP seeks ideas from diverse populations and those who have not previously partnered with the University. In 2025, priorities identified by the Northwest RSDP board and work groups seek projects that foster a resilient food system, address climate change and other ecological impacts, increase opportunities around energy efficiency and renewable energy, and encourage local community action that welcomes all residents and celebrates the region’s rich cultural traditions, natural assets and vibrant local economies.
“Community members know best how to make changes toward stronger social connections, valuing nature and fostering a homegrown economy. We’re excited to hear what comes next for your community, and share with you how the RSDP can help,” said Northwest RSDP Executive Director Shannon Stassen. “I encourage people to get in touch with me to talk about their ideas for making our communities more sustainable places.”
Applications for all funds are being accepted through February 14. Visit the link z.umn.edu/RSDPIdeaBrief to read more about the programs and download application forms. Contact Stassen at sstassen@ umn.edu or 218-281-8027 or Crystal Rajamaji, Outreach Specialist, Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, [email protected] or 218-236-2009 to discuss their ideas and ask any questions. Successful projects are selected by the Northwest RSDP community-University governing board through a competitive process.
Examples of projects recently supported by the Northwest RSDP include working with rural grocers to improve their energy efficiency, creating new opportunities for youth to experience nature and partnering with city leaders to plan their sustainable future. For more examples of projects supported by the Northwest RSDP, visit z.umn. edu/RSDPProjectExamples.
The Northwest RSDP serves Kittson, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, Clearwater, Beltrami, Polk, Norman, Mahnomen, Clay, and Wilkin counties and the Red Lake Nation and White Earth Nation.
Northwest RSDP is one of five regions of the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP). For more information on RSDP, visit RSDP.umn.edu. For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/ news or contact Extension Communications at [email protected]. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
