New Initiatives Program

New Initiatives Program

Funder: American Public Works Association (APWA)

Overview: A funding opportunity designed to advance innovative ideas that strengthen the public works profession and support APWA's Strategic Plan. Now in its third year, the program was created to encourage and support members' entrepreneurial ideas that enhance experiences, products, services, and educational offerings across APWA's broad stakeholder community.

Funding Focus

• Innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial ideas in public works
• Chapter engagement and community development
• Educational offerings and professional development
• Products and services that benefit the public works profession

Previous Award Examples

• Young Professionals (YP) Summit event during PWX 2024
• Two-day traveling education program by Small Cities/Rural Communities Committee
• "Inside Infrastructure" podcast hosted by APWA's San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter

Eligibility

• APWA members only
• Ideas must align with APWA's Strategic Plan

Evaluation Criteria (100-point scale)

• Alignment with APWA's Strategic Plan: 50 points
• Innovation and ingenuity: 25 points
• Cost and feasibility: 25 points

Geographic Scope

• North America (APWA has 63 chapters and 97 branches throughout North America)

Award Announcement

• Spring cycle winners announced by May 21, 2026

Contact Information

• Organization: American Public Works Association
• Headquarters: 720 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-2100
• Phone: (816) 472-6100
• Toll-Free: (800) 848-2792
• Website: apwa.org