The Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) has issued a request for proposals to rural communities facing design challenges to host local workshops in 2013. Selected communities will receive a $7,000 grant along with design expertise and technical assistance valued at $35,000. The deadline for these proposals is Tuesday, March 5th at 5pm.

CIRD works to help rural communities with populations of 50,000 or fewer enhance their quality of life and economic vitality through facilitated design workshops. The program brings together local leaders, non-profits, and community organizations with a team of specialists in design, planning, and placemaking to address challenges like strengthening economies, enhancing rural character, leveraging cultural assets, and designing efficient housing and transportation systems.

Each community selected to participate in the Institute will receive $7,000 to support planning and hosting a two-day workshop.  Communities will be required to provide approximately $7,000 in matching funds (cash or in-kind). CIRD will work with the communities to assemble teams of specialists based on the communities’ individual needs. The workshops will be complemented with conference calls and webinar presentations led by experts who will cover topics related to rural design. Calls will also be open to the general public through CommunityMatters.

The RFP and application guidelines are available at: www.rural-design.org/apply. Selected communities will be announced in May 2013, and the workshops will be held during the summer and fall of 2013.

CIRD will offer three free application-assistance calls to answer questions and guide interested applicants in assembling their proposals. The first will take place on Wednesday, January 23, the second on Thursday, February 7, and the third on Thursday, February 28.  Participation in each call is free; to register, visit www.rural-design.org/application-assistance.

Take advantage of a great rural community opportunity!