Southwest Minnesota residents with an idea to strengthen sustainability in their community can now apply for partnership support from the University of Minnesota Extension Southwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (Southwest RSDP).

Southwest 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. 

Southwest RSDP is calling for new project ideas that provide environmental, social and economic benefits to communities in partnership with the University of Minnesota. In 2025, Southwest RSDP seeks projects in RSDP’s focus areas that promote sustainable practices in local food systems; support community resilience and equity; expand community-based clean energy; and innovate around soil, water and landscape health.

“We are excited to hear from people all over the region about their ideas for making their communities more sustainable places,” said Southwest RSDP Executive Director Anne Dybsetter. “In particular we’re looking for projects that have a connection to natural resources, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and resilient communities.”

Applications for all funds are being accepted through Feb. 14. Visit the link z.umn.edu/RSDPIdeaBrief to read more about the programs and download application forms. Community members are encouraged to contact Dybsetter at adybsett@umn.edu or 320-235-0726 x 2012 or Beth Labenz at bmlabenz@umn.edu or 507-372-3900 ext. 3910 to discuss their ideas and ask questions. Successful projects are selected by the Southwest RSDP community-University governing board through a competitive process. 

Examples of projects recently supported by the Southwest RSDP include work with a St. James non-profit to capture immigrant stories, supporting research by Olivia-area farmers studying solar panel impact on corn production, and a five-county initiative mapping the local food system.

The Southwest RSDP serves Big Stone, Brown, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Douglas, Grant, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Pope, Redwood, Sibley, Renville, Rock, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Watonwan and Yellow Medicine counties and the Upper Sioux and Lower Sioux sovereign Native nations.

Southwest 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. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Article contributed by University of Minnesota Extension