Building Extension Capacity through Internal Grants: Evaluation of a Mini-Grant Program

Abstract

Acquiring external grants can seem out of reach for Extension professionals, especially early-career professionals. While Cooperative Extension provides opportunities to assist professionals in the grant writing process, Utah State University (USU) Extension facilitates an internal mini grant program to build professionals’ capacity to apply for external funds. Using survey data from USU Extension professionals, our study sought to evaluate the processes and outcomes of the internal mini grant program. Our results provided recommendations to improve the program. Our study provides insights that can assist other institutions seeking to implement their own internal mini grant program.