ASAE Foundation has opened applications for its Innovation Grants Program (IGP). A statement expressing the applicant's intent to apply should be submitted to igp@asaecenter.org on or before October 1; the application deadline is October 20. IGP, in its second year, is a program that provides awards to support innovation exploration and development in the association community.
Individuals from professional or trade associations, nonprofits, association industry partners, and consulting companies that serve the association community are eligible to apply, and applicants or applicant teams must include at least one ASAE member. The ASAE Foundation is looking for a diversity of proactive and creative ideas that help propel association management in such areas as leadership development, technology, marketing, membership and community engagement, product development, and business practices.
Again this year, there will be up to four grants awarded in three categories: travel, exploration or hybrid (a combination of travel and exploration). Grant recipients will receive awards of up to $10,000 with SunTrust Foundation being a major supporter of this initiative.
The objectives of the travel grant are to: enrich learning experiences about the impact, value, and application of innovation; and broaden exposure to cultures of innovation. The award is intended to support association professionals who wish to pursue educational opportunities in the area of innovation, specifically by visiting organizations or institutions that have a demonstrated commitment to innovation exemplified through strategic and tactical implementation. The award would enable the recipient to engage in state-of-the-art learning opportunities about processes that promote a culture of innovation throughout an organization, and to identify ways to apply the learner outcomes to the grantee's host organization.
The objectives of the exploration grant are to: develop new or different models of innovation; and employ innovation tools to enhance existing or new programmatic initiatives. The award is intended to support the exploration, development or implementation of innovative activities, including a new process, product, or business model within the grantee's host organization. The award would provide financial support to facilitate bringing to fruition an emerging member or community need, or an alternative business plan.
"We are excited to have SunTrust Foundation’s continued support in helping the association community cultivate innovative ideas that will lead to our members becoming more effective in how they deliver programs and services," said Susan K. Neely, CAE, chair-elect, ASAE/Chairman, ASAE Foundation Board, and president and CEO of the American Beverage Association.
Criteria and details about the application process are on ASAE’s website.
"ASAE Foundation strives to educate professionals about new ways to implement a project, idea, or service, and these grants offer a great opportunity for our members to try different concepts and learn what works, so they can share this insight with our community," said Susan Robertson, CAE, ASAE executive vice president and president of the ASAE Foundation.
For questions regarding the innovation grants, please contact Dr. Sharon E. Moss, CAE at smoss@asaecenter.org.