2016 GPA Conference GrantsRequest for Proposals

The Grant Professionals Association (GPA) invites its chapters to submit proposals for cash grants to help defray the expenses of hosting a conference. Conferences must be held in 2016. To avoid competition, conferences cannot be scheduled within three weeks (the week before, during or the week after) of the Annual Conference. A total of $8,000 is available to support these conferences.

Background

GPA believes that the heart of the organization lies in chapters offering its membership a local venue in which to network and to exchange ideas, methodologies, and resources. Also known as regional conferences, these events have proven to be a successful way to increase professional development opportunities for GPA members, since only about 20% of GPA members are typically able to attend national conferences. Because local chapters and the national office share a common goal and support each other's initiatives, the national office is offering cash assistance to help chapters achieve these common goals.

The first regional conference was held in Chicago in 2008. In 2009, the national GPA Board voted to approve funding of three $1,000 grants to help chapters host regional conferences. GPA has continued this support each year and has increased funding as chapters and conference have grown.

New for 2016

This year, the program is expanding to encourage young chapters to consider organizing a conference as a way to increase awareness of the chapter in their local community, attract new members, and provide opportunities for chapter volunteers to organize around a single event. Conferences that are organized by a single chapter and target that chapter’s geographic area are eligible for a maximum grant amount of $1,000. The program will also continue to support regional conferences, which are now defined as conferences organized by more than one chapter and target an entire state or interstate area. The maximum grant amount for regional conferences is $2,500. Only one application can be submitted for each regional conference. Each chapter may only apply for one of the grant opportunities.

Goals of this RFP are:

(1) To promote high quality professional development conference opportunities for grant professionals at the chapter and regional level.

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(2) To promote both the continuance of established regional conferences and the development of chapter conferences in a variety of geographic areas.

(3) To promote GPA recognition through the provision of high quality professional development.

Eligibility

Any chartered GPA chapter or chapters may apply. If more than one GPA chapter is applying for a regional grant, all chapters must be chartered.

Application Timeline

Written proposals must be submitted to the GPA Office & Volunteer Relations Manager by January 31, 2016 at 5 p.m., CST. Please send applications in Word or PDF format via e-mail to Barb@GrantProfessionals.org. Chapters will be notified no later than February 28, 2016 if they are selected to receive funding. Funding will be sent upon request but no later than 30 days after the event.

Proposal Submission

Proposals must not exceed three (3) pages (11 point minimum typeface with 1” margins) and address the items below. Please provide complete information so that your conference plans are clearly outlined.

1. Chapter or Regional Conference Application (circle one)

2. Chapter Applicant (if Regional Application, name lead Chapter)Co-Applicants (if Regional Application, name partner Chapter(s))

Must submit Letter of Agreement indicating role and responsibilities of each chapter.

3. Conference Goals – What do you hope to accomplish by organizing and holding this conference?

4. Conference Overview - Please provide an overview of the proposed conference including:

a. Proposed date, times, location (city & state), facilitiesb. Conference theme and title - should be compelling, timely, and

educationally solid c. Conference format and content - keynote(s)/breakout sessions or

other format, tentative or confirmed speakers and workshops, or clear strategy for developing format and content

d. Facilities and why chosene. Evaluation plans

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5. Geographic Area - What is the geographic area to be served?

6. Target Audience - Who is your target audience? How many attendees do you expect? What is the basis for this estimate? What is your marketing plan for reaching the target audience?

7. Collaborations – Is the conference being co-sponsored or publicized by other organizations? If so, how do you plan to work together?

8. Conference Budget - a. Please estimate sources of income (conference fees, sponsorships,

chapter funds, etc.) and expenses (facilities, food, AVs, speaker fees, printed materials, etc.) Have you looked for in-kind support such as facilities?

b. List any other financial resources available.c. Explain why GPA funds are needed, how much is being requested and how will they be used.

9. Chapter Experience - Please describe any chapter history in producing conferences and/or other educational events.

10. Contact Person - Chapter position, job title/affiliation, contact information

Review and Scoring

The GPA Chapter Advisory Committee will serve as the review committee. Proposals will be scored according to the following criteria. Proposals must receive a minimum score of 75 points to be considered for funding.

Points

Conference overview/format & content .................................................30 Conference overview shows careful planning, compelling theme, and

well-organized sessions. Conference is marketable and of substantial educational value to attendees.How funds will be used...........................................................................20

Conference income and expenses are projected and show clear need for GPA funding.

GPA funds will make a significant difference to the success of the conference.Other financial resources available ........................................................10

Other funding sources have been explored and are sufficient for financial feasibility.Target audience.......................................................................................20

Target audience is clearly defined, significant to the local chapter and national GPA,

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and of a large enough size relative to the target area to provide impact. Marketing plan is adequate to reach targeted audience and attendance goals.Geographic area to be served.................................................................10

Geographic area is broad enough relative to chapter service area for significant impact and to reach targeted number of attendees. Does not conflict with annual conference location Value-added components........................................................................10

CEUs offered, timing of conference with relation to national conference, strong collaborations, other assets not included in above categories.

Total:.......................................................................................................100

Reporting Requirement

Funded chapters must complete the attached report within 60 days of the funded conference.

Questions?

For questions or further information, please contact Barb Boggs, GPA Office & Volunteer Relations Manager, at Barb@grantprofessionals.org.

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2016 Conference Report1. Chapter(s)

2. Conference TitleDate Location (city and facility)

3. Attendance GPA MembersNonmembersTotal

4. Please summarize the focus, content, and format of the conference.

5. What were the conference’s most notable accomplishments or successes? What parts of the conference worked well? Did the conference accomplish its goals?

6. What lessons did you learn from the conference? What would you do differently? What challenges did you have and how did you resolve them?

7. What impact did the conference have on your local GPA chapter or for GPA more generally?

8. Please attach:

a. A summary financial report with overall conference income and expenses.

How were GPA funds used?

b. A summary of your conference evaluation

c. The conference schedule and promotional materials

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