Switzer Foundation: Professional Development Grants

The Switzer Foundation offers Professional Development Grants to support Switzer Fellows in advancing their careers through training and networking opportunities. Grants may be requested for skills training, conference attendance, or leadership development. Eligible applicants must have completed their fellowship year and can apply for funding for professional activities that enhance their environmental leadership. Decisions are made on a first-come, first-served basis, with prompt responses to funding requests.

NOTE: Requests must be submitted 30 days before the requested funding date and no earlier than 90 days before the event. Awards will be decided promptly, no later than 30 days after the request is submitted.  Funding decisions will be made on a first-come, first-served basis at the sole discretion of the Executive Director or Program Manager.
Environmental leaders benefit from new skills and networking opportunities, but funding for professional development is not always readily available.
This small grants program is designed to provide direct support for professional development for Switzer Fellows. Switzer Fellow alumni may request funds for training in professional skills or attendance at a conference or other professional activity that will clearly advance the fellow's career goals. Past grants have supported fellows to:

• attend conferences that offered key networking opportunities or a chance to present work to colleagues;
• attain training in skills such as nonprofit management, communication, negotiation, and facilitation; and
• participate in leadership development programs for executive directors or other senior staff.

Eligibility

Only Switzer Fellows are eligible for this program. To be eligible, fellows must have completed their fellowship year. Professional Development Fund grants are for fellows who are seeking to develop new skills or expand their professional networks to advance their careers and environmental leadership.Grants may be made directly to the Switzer Fellow or to their employer if it is a U.S.-based organization with 501(c)(3) status. Please note that grants to individuals may be treated as income.
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. This grant is available to Switzer Fellows, who have completed their fellowship year.