Political Landscape and Extramural Funding Programs

On May 3, 2024, ECOP hosted their monthly First Friday leadership enrichment session with members of the Cooperative Extension Section and 1994 Extension Directors. Political Landscape and Extramural Funding Program with Dr. Elizabeth Stulberg, Principal from Lewis-Burke Associates. Elizabeth offered a compelling explanation of USDA Budget process, who to talk to when, situational awareness of FY2025 federal budget and the farm bill, and valuable tips on advocacy. The slide presentation is available here. The following video is posted on ECOP's First Friday YouTube Playlist.

Remembering Ivory Lyles - Dr. Ivory W. Lyles (picture left) passed away unexpectedly on April 16, 2024. He served as a voting member of ECOP 2006-2009, (University of Arkansas), and 2019-2024, (University of Nevada-Reno and Oregon State University). In all, he served on the ECOP Program Committee. Other national system leadership roles include:

   • Lead for the ECOP Workforce PAT

   • Co-chair of ECOP 4-H Youth Development Task Force, 2005-2006

   • Extension Foundation Finance Committee, 2008-2009

Donations in Dr. Lyles’ memory may be made to the Ivory and Paulette Lyles Endowed Scholarship Fund at Alcorn State University at this link by debit/credit card or e-check. To give via check or money, make payable to Alcorn State University Foundation, Inc. and include "Ivory and Paulette Lyles ESF" on the memo line of the check. 

Mail to:

Alcorn State University Foundation, Inc.

1000 ASU Drive #810

Lorman, MS 39096

Contact information - Casey C. Mock, Finance and Accounting Manager, Alcorn State University Foundation, Inc., 601-877-6693 (Office), casey@alcorn.edu.

SARE Food Loss and Food Waste Initiative - The Southern region SARE program is soliciting a national Call for Proposals for the Food Loss and Waste Training and Technical Assistance Grants. The purpose of this one-time grant opportunity is to implement outreach, training, and technical assistance efforts to build capacity for food loss and waste initiatives.

Application deadline is June 28, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET. Projects will span three (3) years, beginning on September 1, 2024. Roughly two (2) to four (4) projects, capped at $1 million per proposal with an expected grant size of $500,000, are anticipated to be funded per SARE region: Southern SARE, North Central SARE, Northeast SARE, and Western SARE, so that regional priorities to addressing food loss and waste can be augmented, while allowing for national coordination and impacts. A total of $8 million is being funded nationally for the CFP Food Loss and Waste Training and Technical Assistance Grants effort.




New Financial Module for NIFA Reporting System - The NIFA Reporting System (NRS) Financial Module was released on May 1. The link to the Guidance Webinar Recording is found here. and is described in this YouTube recording. This release will give NRS Financial Administrators the ability to add, edit and submit FY 2023 Financial Reports for Capacity Funds in NRS.

Users will now submit all financial reports required for capacity funds in NRS. Financial Administrators will download the financial report template and upload the completed file directly into NRS, importing all FY 2023 financial data. The financial report template is an easy-to-use Excel file with project/program data prepopulated for ease of use. This streamlined report will cross reference and validate financial reporting information and alert the institution of potential report errors.

The FY 2023 Financial Report for Capacity Funds will be due on July 1. All financial reports must be submitted in NRS. Direct questions or concerns to the NRS Help Desk at nrs@usda.gov.




Extension Discount for Points of Light Volunteer Conference - The global organization Points of Light, is offering discounted registration for a professional development opportunity for Extension Volunteer, Master Gardener, 4-H and other Specialists. The 2024 Points of Light Conference, June 11-14, 2024, in Houston is a unique chance to network with 1,500 peers and choose from 70 workshops focused on volunteer engagement and volunteer management best practices. Over 2-and-a-half days, attendees gain full access to compelling discussions around Jumpstarting Strategic Volunteer Engagement Through Self-Assessment and Asset Sharing; Managing Through Uncertainty for Volunteers, Staff and Communities; Rural Volunteer Engagement; Building volunteer persona strategies for individuals, companies, and donors; and more.

This global event is for volunteer management experts who are looking for new ideas and approaches for leveling up their volunteer program.

Points of Light is offering Extension professionals a 10% discount off the $750 nonprofit registration rate, utilizing the discount code 4HPOL.Please share Registration today to lock in this special rate.