Applying for a PMA grant is quick and easy! Applicants must follow the guidelines below, include a complete request and submit any relevant documents to grants@promanager.org be considered: Completed
NOTE: Guidelines for Reviewing and Awarding $1,000 Educational Grants
The Professional Managers Association (PMA) offers its members the opportunity to apply for an educational grant to support their professional development and career advancement. Grant amounts range from $1 to$1000. This document outlines the process for reviewing and awarding the grant, ensuring transparency and fairness in the decision-making process.
1. Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for an educational grant, applicants the following criteria:
Be an active member of the PMA for at least one year at the time of application.
Be in good standing with the PMA (i.e., no overdue membership dues or disciplinary actions).
Demonstrate the intention to use the grant for educational purposes directly related to their career or professional development. This can include: Tuition for educational courses or certifications. Fees for conferences, seminars, or workshops.
Enrollment in leadership training programs. Purchase of relevant educational materials (e.g., textbooks, online courses).
2. Application Process:
Applicants must complete and submit the following documents to grants@promanager.org be considered: Completed
Grant Application Request: Including personal and professional details, educational goals, and a description of how the grant will be used.
State the Grant Amount Being Requested: Provide supporting documentation for your request.
Statement of Purpose (500 words max): A brief statement explaining how the educational activity will contribute to their professional development and its relevance to their role or future career.
Proof of Enrollment or Registration: If available, applicants should provide documentation of their enrollment in the educational program, or a registration receipt for conferences or courses.
3. Review Committee:
A Grant Review Committee will be established to evaluate all applications. The committee will consist of: The PMA President or designated representative. Two board members appointed by the PMA Board of Directors. One external advisor (optional), with expertise in educational development or human resources.
4. Review Guidelines:
The Grant Review Committee will evaluate each applicationbased on the following criteria:
Relevance to Professional Development: How closely the educational activity aligns with the applicant's current or future career goals and how it enhances their career.
Clarity and Feasibility of Goals: How clearly the applicant outlines their educational goals and whether the grant will realistically support their achievement.
Impact on the Applicant’s Role: The potential for the educational activity to benefit the applicant's work performance, leadership capacity, or ability to contribute to their team or organization.
5. Award Decision:
The PMA Grant Review Committee will make the final decision on awards based on the review guidelines. The following process will be followed:
Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Incomplete applications or those not meeting the basic eligibility criteria will not advance to the evaluation stage.
Evaluation Stage: Each eligible application will be reviewed and scored according to the criteria listed above. Committee members will independently score each application, and scores will be averaged.
Final Deliberation: The committee will meet to discuss the top-scoring applications and make final award decisions. If two or more applicants have the same score, the committee will prioritize applications with the strongest case for professional impact or financial need.
6. Notification of Award Recipients:
Successful applicants will be notified by email within 30 days of the application deadline. Each recipient will receive up to a $1,000 grant, which will be disbursed either directly to the applicant or to the educational institution, depending on the nature of the request.
Non-Awardees: Applicants who are not selected for the grant will also be notified by email and encouraged to apply for future educational grant opportunities.
7. Grant Conditions The grant must be used solely for educational purposes as outlined in the application. If the recipient is unable to participate in the educational activity for any reason, they must notify the PMA and return the grant funds. Grant recipients are required to submit proof of completion of the educational activity (e.g., certificate of completion, transcript, or report) within 90 days of completion. Failure to use the grant as intended or provide proof of completion may result in a requirement to return the funds and ineligibility for future PMA grants.
8. Reporting and Recognition: Grant recipients may be asked to provide a brief written or oral report to the PMA Board of Directors on how the educational activity has benefited their professional development. Recipients will be recognized in the PMA newsletter and at the Annual Meeting.
9. Application Deadlines: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis or by designated deadlines, as determined by the PMA Board. Specific deadlines will be communicated to members via email and the PMA website.
Conclusion: The PMA Educational Grant provides an excellent opportunity for members to advance their careers and enhance their leadership skills. The review process is designed to be fair and transparent, ensuring that grants are awarded to those who will benefit most from the opportunity. We encourage members to apply and take advantage of this valuable program.
Contact Information: For any questions regarding the application or review process, please contact Kelly Reyes at kelly@promanager.org. Members in good standing can apply for grants quarterly.
