Regional IPM Centers

The four Regional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Centers champion the development and adoption of integrated pest management, the science of managing pests, while protecting people, the environment and economy. To help increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the IPM community, the Regional IPM Centers are providing two funding opportunities: Equity and Accessibility Grants and Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants. 

These Equity and Accessibility funding opportunities will be awarded to projects that allow recipients to make progress towards IPM goals, while prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 

• Diversity: This encompasses ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to resources needed for personal growth and well-being, fostering thriving and inclusive communities.
• Equity: It involves advocating for justice, impartiality, and fairness in the procedures, processes, and allocation of resources within institutions or systems.
• Inclusion: This pertains to the extent to which diverse individuals can actively participate in decision-making processes within an organization or group.
• Accessibility: This covers the design, development, and maintenance of facilities, technology, programs, and services to ensure they can be fully and independently utilized by all, including people with disabilities. This includes providing accommodations and reducing barriers to create equitable opportunities.

A webinar to explain details of the Equity and Accessibility funding opportunities was held in late 2023; note that DEIA Fellowships are no longer available. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas for this grant prior to applying, please contact DEIA Director, Dr. Katie Hartmann: kh4@iastate.edu.

Equity and Accessibility Grants

The Equity and Accessibility Grants program aims to support projects and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within IPM and the communities we serve. These grants will provide funding to individuals or teams for innovative DEIA-focused projects.

Funding Available: $100,000 with awards of up to $20,000 each. We anticipate awarding 1-2 grants in the Northeastern, Western, and Southern regions (funds have already been awarded in the North Central Region). 

Period of Performance: End date no later than 9/17/25   

Application deadline: June 14, 2024

Download the Equity and Accessibility Grant RFA.
 

Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants

The Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants program is a smaller-scale funding opportunity for individuals or groups who have innovative DEIA ideas but require a smaller budget to execute their projects. These mini-grants are intended to support grassroots DEIA efforts.

Funding Available: $25,000 with awards of up to $5,000 each. We anticipate awarding one to two mini-grants in each US region. 

Period of Performance: 12 months from start date, with end date no later than 9/17/25

Application deadline: June 14, 2024

Download the Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants RFA.
 

Examples of Funded Equity and Accessibility Projects

Developing and Sharing Approaches to DEIA Improvements for Invasive Species Outreach
Project Director: Michelle Beloskur, Morton Arboretum

This project will include an assessment of current Morton Arboretum outreach materials to identify gaps related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Materials will be improved or created to fill these gaps, and a new internal procedure will be established to ensure future communications uphold this higher DEIA standard. DEIA training will be provided for Morton Arboretum staff.  Improving these DEIA outreach efforts will engage more people in invasive species prevention, detection, and rapid response while reducing the impacts of invasive species in the North Central region.

Healthy Urban Gardening
Project Director: Brent Crain, Michigan State University

Michigan State University Extension has identified that more support is needed for (1) beginner gardeners, (2) urban gardeners and (3) historically marginalized communities in Michigan. This project will include development of a "Healthy Urban Gardening" course dedicated to teaching IPM principles to beginner urban gardeners. The course will include three sessions and will be developed in partnership with Young People of Purpose, a community-based, non-profit organization serving largely Black communities in Jackson, Michigan. Once the course is complete, the curriculum shared with other educators so the course can be used throughout Michigan.

IPM Beekeeping Education for Incarcerated Persons in Correctional Facilities
Project Director: Katie Lee, University of Minnesota

Incarcerated Persons (IPs) are an underserved population when it comes to educational opportunities. This project provides hands-on and in-person classes about honey bee biology and management strategies. Participants will then be mentored to become proficient beekeepers in their apiaries and will have the opportunity to perform all hive management activities, including honey extraction. The Bee Squad is the education and outreach arm of the University of Minnesota Bee Lab and will provide bi-weekly instruction for IPs throughout the "bee season."

Development of a Novel 'Trap Solution' Using Extracts from Mustard Trap Crop Varieties for the Management of the Harlequin Bug on Crucifers
Project Director: Beatrice Dingha, North Carolina A&T

Collard greens are an important commodity in the southern US because they are an important source of family income and because they are a delicacy in southern cuisine. A number of insect pests can affect collard production, but the impact of harlequin bugs is particularly damaging because it attacks the crop early and continues throughout the growing season. This leads to extensive crop damage and/or frequent application of insecticides.

This project will explore an alternate control method with the goal of trapping significant numbers of harlequin bugs to reduce pressure on crops. A “trap solution,” (TS) will be trialed using mustard (leaves and flowers) that is attractive to the harlequin bugs. Researchers will test the range of effective concentrations of leaf and flower trap solution, how long the solution attracts harlequin bugs and will explore options for using this trap solution in the field.