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Apply to Participate in the Reaching Rural Initiative

On behalf of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the State Justice Institute, the Institute for Intergovernmental Research is seeking applicants for the Reaching Rural: Advancing Collaborative Solutions opportunity.

The hallmark of the Reaching Rural Initiative is learning from rural practitioners and facilitating engagement across rural communities. It is a one-year initiative and the selected individuals and teams will receive coaching and participate in skill-building workshops as well as virtual and in-person learning experiences.

Participation in the Reaching Rural Initiative includes:

  • Travel and per diem costs to participate in an orientation, a field visit to observe the implementation of evidence-informed practices in a rural setting, and a closing session at the end of the 12 months.
  • Monthly mentorship and guidance aimed toward local needs.
  • Monthly assignments that help participants apply core concepts to the local community or region.
  • Access to a diverse network of rural peers, innovative rural communities, and technical assistance providers.
  • Formal recognition for completing the planning initiative.

At the conclusion of the planning period, participants will have the opportunity to apply for an implementation grant of up to $100,000 for up to 15 months to launch a project planned during the Reaching Rural fellowship.

This opportunity is designed for rural practitioners who work for:

  • A local unit of government (city, town, county, parish).
  • A federally recognized Indian tribal government (determined by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior).
  • A nonprofit agency that works with a local unit of government or federally recognized Indian tribal government to respond to substance use or misuse issues and/or individuals with co-occurring disorders.

Applications are due by December 15, 2023. An informational webinar will be held for potential applicants on November 14, 2023, at 1 p.m. ET.

View the Solicitation Register for the Webinar

Date Published: October 26, 2023