PROFESSIONAL GROWTH GRANT
YNPN Chicago proudly provides many affordable programs and events to our members and network. We recognize there are many other opportunities for young professionals to further their careers within Chicago’s nonprofit sector. Most nonprofit organizations have limited professional development budgets, and emerging leaders may not have access to funds for training, conferences, and other opportunities that are vital to career advancement. YNPN Chicago is offering a grant opportunity for individuals who are committed to enhancing their professional development to make a positive impact within the Chicago non-profit community.
YNPN Chicago awards individual grants of up to $500 to current YNPN Chicago members and our network for professional development opportunities such as conference attendance, class and workshop fees, membership to professional associations, and more! The next cycle of funding has a deadline of Friday, April 19, 2024.
"This grant has empowered me to contribute more effectively to the arts community, both in an organizational capacity and as an individual artist. The skills acquired are instrumental in driving the success of arts initiatives and enhancing the vibrancy of our cultural landscape."
ChihJou Cheng
GROWTH GRANT DETAILS
CURRENT FUNDING CYCLE
Application Deadline: April 19, 2024
Notification to Applicants: May 31, 2024
Final Report Due: 30 days after your funded opportunity is completed
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Only one funding request is permitted per person, per cycle.
The Professional Growth Grant program awards a maximum of $500 to an individual per calendar year.
For consideration, a complete application, including all required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. CT on the day of the deadline.
Funding requests should be for opportunities that have not yet started.
APPLICATION COMPONENTS
Applications by current YNPN Chicago members will be given priority. Membership is not a requirement to apply. (Not yet a member? Join today.)
A PDF preview is available here. Please note: applications must be submitted via the Survey Monkey
In addition to completing the application, you will be asked to email the following documents to finance@ynpnchicago.org:
Current resume
Detailed, line-item budget that accounts for the amount requested from YNPN Chicago, any external funding (employer, etc.), and any remainder.
YNPN Chicago does NOT consider funding requests for:
YNPN Chicago memberships
Food and beverage expenses
Charitable contributions or board dues
Supplies (headshots, computers, business cards, etc.)
IF YOU RECEIVE FUNDING:
All grant recipients will be required to submit a final report on how the grant was used within 30 days after your funding opportunity has been completed. Reports will include a brief narrative, as well as proof of how funds were used (receipts, order confirmations, etc.). We also encourage you to write a blog post for the YNPN Chicago website about your experience using the grant funds.
The Professional Growth Grant recipients will be announced on the YNPN Chicago website, e-newsletter, and other social media channels and may also be covered in local media sources. By receiving grant funding, you consent to your name, image, and details about how your grant was used to be shared in these channels.
In the event that the grant was used for purposes other than described in the grant application or the recipient fails to complete the final report and proof of how funds were used, the recipient shall promptly reimburse YNPN Chicago for the amount of such improperly expended funds.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
The following components will be considered during the application review process:
YNPN Chicago involvement
YNPN Chicago membership
YNPN Chicago Newsletter subscriber
Attendance at recent YNPN Chicago events (last two years)
Identifies as an individual from diverse background(s)
Currently employed in nonprofit sector and/or seeking opportunities in the nonprofit sector
Demonstrates grant will advance professional growth in the nonprofit sector
Demonstrates grant will strengthen nonprofit community
Demonstrates financial need
Have questions not answered here? Please email us at finance@ynpnchicago.org!
Please note: The YNPN Chicago Board of Directors and their immediate family members are ineligible for grant funding.