The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Technical Assistance Program seeks technical assistants to help potential grantees develop successful grant proposals. We are looking for dedicated and passionate Technical Assistant contractors from communities across the Northeast region.
Interested individuals should complete the form below by November 15.
As a Technical Assistance Program contractor, you will play a pivotal role in connecting with local farmers, educating them about Northeast SARE programs, and providing tailored support to help them navigate the grant application process. Your efforts will directly contribute to building stronger, more sustainable farming communities.
The new Technical Assistance Program (TAP) is designed to promote equity in participation and success with our grant programs. Technical assistants will build on and complement the technical assistance already provided by staff and state coordinators. Increasing and improving the type and extent of assistance we provide to applicants and grantees is key to the successful implementation of several aspects of our strategic plan.
The first program for which expanded TA is available will be the new BIPOC Communities grant program. The next phase will be for Farmer Grants and Partnership Grants in 2025, followed by Research and Education Grants, Novel Approaches, and Professional Development Program (PDP) Grants.
Technical Assistance activities can include:
- Assist with proposal development (reviewing content against the RFA for clarity, completeness,
areas of strength and weakness, and budget development). Note: TAs are not to write the
proposal but to provide assistance and education to the applicant on writing a SARE grant. The
goal is to create capacity and skills in this area. - Help applicants refine their thoughts and provide specific feedback on a draft proposal.
- Assist with the submission of proposals (understanding the GMS, entering information into the
GMS, and reviewing the completeness and accuracy of GMS submissions). - Provide post-award assistance (help with contract documents, reviewing project reports for
clarity and completeness, entering reports into GMS, and submitting project change requests,
e.g., No Cost Extension).
Specific areas of assistance may include (but are not limited to):
- Understanding eligible expenses
- Conflicts of interest
- Objectives and milestones
- Human subjects research
- Access to scientific literature and general information about experimental design (How to
Conduct Research on Your Farm)
Qualifications of TA providers - Understanding of sustainable agriculture or a related field (e.g., rural development)
- Experience with grant writing or other grant management skills
- Experience working with and/or as a member of the communities the grant program serves (TA
providers who are reflective of and trusted by the population served) - Internet access and experience with electronic documents
- Commitment to DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice)
- Available capacity (ability to commit a minimum amount of time)
Compensation:
This is a contractual position, and TAs will be paid $50/hour.
If you are interested in this opportunity to make a meaningful impact among underserved farming communities and support the growth of sustainable agriculture in the Northeast, please complete the following form: https://northeast.sare.org/JoinNortheastTAP