WIPA Grants Program

Program Status: Currently paused for new submissions for remainder of 2025; rolling basis applications when open

Geographic Scope: WIPA Chapters across North America (22 chapters)

Focus Areas:

• Professional development and education events/workshops
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives
• Equitable access and representation of underrepresented groups in the wedding industry
• Sustainability-focused initiatives
• Collaboration with non-profit organizations for community service projects

Award Details:

• Total Funding Available: Up to $25,000 for all chapters in 2025 calendar year
• Grant Period: Funds must be used in the same calendar year in which the chapter applies
• Reporting Deadline: Within 30 days of using grant funds

Eligibility Requirements:

• Chapter is in good standing with WIPA National
• Chapter is current with submitting all education videos for 2024
• Current Chapter financials are operating in the positive
• Applicants must be collaborating with a non-profit organization for their community service project

What WIPA Funds:

• Events or workshops promoting professional development and education
• DEIB initiatives
• Projects fostering equitable access and representation of underrepresented groups
• Sustainability-focused initiatives
• Up-leveling speakers for chapter events
• Expanding chapter potential and enhancing chapter membership experiences

What WIPA Does NOT Fund:

• Projects without clear connection to WIPA's mission and goals
• Initiatives lacking measurable outcomes or financial transparency
• Non-specific or overly broad requests

DEIB Requirements:
Recipients agree that intended projects and initiatives must (either by original intent or by design):

• Promote equitable access to opportunities and resources for underrepresented groups
• Foster an inclusive environment that respects and values diverse perspectives, cultures, and identities
• Enhance representation of minority groups in the wedding industry

Contact Information:

• Email: treasurer@wipa.org
• General inquiries: info@wipa.org
• Contact person: Matt Mitchell, National Treasurer

Current Status Note (as of April 2026):
As of the notice dated in 2025, WIPA paused all new grant proposal submissions for the remainder of 2025 to track progress of chapters already funded and refine Standard Operating Procedures for the Grant Committee.

Application Process

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Confirm chapter is in good standing with WIPA National
• Verify chapter is current with submitting all education videos for 2024
• Confirm current chapter financials are operating in the positive
• Ensure collaboration with non-profit organization(s) for your project

Step 2: Complete Online Application Form
Submit the online application with all required documentation:

Required Documentation:

1. Detailed project proposal and budget
2. 2025 chapter budget
3. Current member attendance at quarterly events
4. Non-profit partner information and collaboration details

Application Evaluation Criteria:
The Reserves Committee evaluates applications based on:

• Alignment with WIPA's mission and DEIB goals
• Feasibility and impact of the proposed initiative
• Clear and detailed budget planning
• Evidence of potential benefit to chapter members and the wedding community

Timeline:

• Applications: Accepted on a rolling basis (currently paused through end of 2025)
• Reports Due: Within 30 days of using grant funds

Grant Recipient Responsibilities:

1. Use funds solely for the approved project within the 2025 calendar year
2. Submit final report to National WIPA Reserves Committee no later than 30 days post-event
3. Provide a 500-word original blog with photos/videos for the WIPA newsletter within 30 days of using grant funds
4. Share testimonials from chapter members who benefitted from the grant

Final Report Requirements:
The final report must include:

• Summary of key activities and outcomes
• Detailed financial report with itemized expenses and receipts
• Documentation of impact and success metrics
• Testimonials and supporting documentation
• Challenges encountered and solutions implemented
• Future plans and ongoing impact

Reapplication:

• Applicants are encouraged to reapply in future grant cycles if not selected
• Feedback on unsuccessful applications may be provided upon request