The EDA University Center for Community & Economic Development Research Fund was established to support faculty/student teams in applied research that addresses community, economic, and business development needs in the counties of Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Shiawassee, and Tuscola (East Michigan Prosperity Region 6). This 7-county economic development partnership encompasses urban, rural, and suburban areas with diverse populations.
University research teams should work side-by-side with community groups and organizations to enhance learning for students while increasing the capacity of the community. Partners can include businesses, non-profits, and community organizations as well as local governments, hospitals, and economic development entities.
The following types of activities are eligible for funding:
- Applied research projects that identify or address gaps in the regional economy, and produce public data for economic development
- Projects that provide new information about economic opportunities, economic diversification, or new trends in the regional economy
- Projects that identify the feasibility of innovative programs that complement and add value to the region’s industry and occupational clusters
- Creation of user-friendly research summaries or information briefs that guide economic development planning and activities