The Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities (CR2C2) is now accepting project ideas for the Fiscal Year 2027 Research and Education Exploratory (REE) Grants Program.

Through this competitive funding opportunity, CR2C2 will support short-term, innovative projects that explore emerging concepts and novel approaches to addressing transportation challenges in rural communities. A total of $400,000 has been earmarked for FY 2027, subject to approval of the Center’s budget by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

The REE Grants program is designed to foster early-stage research and educational initiatives with the potential to advance into larger efforts under CR2C2’s Major Research Initiatives (MRIs). Projects supported through this program are expected to generate meaningful outcomes that can be positioned for future development, technology transfer, and broader impact.

Researchers affiliated with CR2C2 member universities are invited to submit project ideas for consideration in the FY 2027 funding cycle. Idea submissions are due by February 15, 2026.

Project ideas must be submitted through CR2C2’s official online form:
Submit your idea here: https://forms.gle/DtMJtS14KK2sfTfY8 

Detailed eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, evaluation criteria, and timeline information are provided in the attached Call for Ideas document.

For questions regarding the REE Grants program, please contact:

• Doug Kreis, CR2C2 Research Director – dougkreis@uky.edu

• Ed Walsh, Program Manager – elwalsh@ncat.edu

CR2C2 encourages researchers to take advantage of this opportunity to help advance innovative solutions that strengthen transportation systems and improve transportation systems in rural communities.