Rural Renewal Initiative Seed Grants Fund Rural Research

The Rural Renewal Initiative Seed Grant Program invests in rural-focused research across Oklahoma, providing critical funds to enhance rural communities.

“The seed grants are a way for researchers to address the grand challenges rural community members face,” said Linnea Harvey, Rural Renewal Initiative coordinator. “The research conducted through these grants involves getting the community perspective injected into the research process.”

Each year, this competitive program awards two $90,000 seed grants to launch research that engages rural Oklahoma communities. The winning proposals for the 2026 grants focus on water insecurity and community journalism.