Professional Development Grants - How to Apply

1. Purpose
2. Eligibility - Who Can Apply
3. How to Apply
4. Application Deadlines
5. Where to Apply
6. Application Evaluation
7. Grant Reports and Requirements

1. Purpose

The Professional Development Fund is a discretionary grant program of the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation. Small grants are available to support and facilitate the professional development and career advancement of Switzer Fellows.

The Foundation will respond to individual requests for professional development support of up to $500. Grants may be used for Fellow participation in conferences, professional meetings or trainings that will advance the Fellow's career. Grants will be made at the discretion of the Executive Director and will follow the guidelines given below. Requests will be considered monthly to ensure rapid response time for requests.
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2. Eligibility - Who Can Apply

To be eligible, Fellows must have completed their fellowship year. Professional Development Grants are for Fellows who are professionally employed or continuing their graduate studies that focus on improvement of environmental quality and conditions.
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3. How to Apply

A preliminary phone conversation with the Executive Director is advised before submitting a written request. Requests for Professional Development Grants may be made to the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation at any time using the Application form below. Written requests need not be more than 1-2 pages and must include the following information requested on the application form:

  1. Name and contact information for Fellow, including email address;
  2. Title and Employer;
  3. General responsibilities of current position;
  4. Description of specific professional development opportunity for which funds are being sought. Include dates, location and Fellow's role at the event (participant, presenter, attendee);
  5. Explanation of how participation in the event will advance the Fellow's career and what is the "learning agenda" for the event – i.e. your own learning and professional goals for this event;
  6. Cost of professional development opportunity and amount of funds sought from Switzer Foundation for this purpose; and
  7. Degree to which Fellow or organization will fund the Fellow's participation in the activity. Indicate sources of other funding to cover costs.

An Application Form may be downloaded here.
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4. Application Deadlines

Requests may be submitted any time and will be reviewed on a monthly basis.

5. Where to Apply

Applications may be submitted electronically to Lissa@switzernetwork.org.

6. Application Evaluation

Grant awards will be decided within 30 days of the request and will be at the sole discretion of the Executive Director. Requests for support should not be made more than 90 days before the event. The aim is to be responsive to Switzer Fellows and organizations most in need of support for professional development opportunities who would not otherwise be able to finance their participation. Grants may be made directly to the Switzer Fellow or to their employer if is it a 501(c)3 charitable organization or public agency or institution. Please note that grants to individuals may be treated as income so please consult with your tax advisor.
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7. Grant Reports and Requirements

Recipients are required to complete a grant report form at the conclusion of their professional development activity. A detailed budget report and copies of receipts must be included. On occasion, Fellows may be asked to share their experience, lessons learned or networking results with other Fellows and colleagues.
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