Grants for Professional Development 

GrantsGrants include funding to attend Annual Conference, earn CAE/CMP certifications, and special grants for communication staffers, Young Professionals, Small Staff, Under-Represented Diverse Groups, the new AE-MBA Program, new Summit registrations and one specifically for a non-member (tell your friends!). Thanks to our generous corporate partners and member contributions, in 2024 we awarded 20 grants totaling $11,625 for professional development funding. Thank you to all our contributors that make this possible.

Congratulations to the 2025 Grant Winners
25 Grants Totaling $13,625 Awarded

Foundation Grants | Eligibility and Criteria |  IOM Grant 

About Foundation Grants

One of the primary purposes of the FSAE Foundation is to encourage member professional development and certification through financial support. The FSAE Foundation has provided awards for many years to FSAE members through the generosity of Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels in Florida, Marriott International Hotel & Resorts of Florida, MemberClicks by Personify, Naylor Association Solutions, Novi AMS, RBOA, the contributions of FSAE members, and other supporters.

In 2025, Grants are funded by MemberClicks by Personify, Naylor Association Solutions, Novi AMS, RB Oppenheim Associates and FSAE Member Donations. Thank you.

MemberClicks by Personify     Naylor Association Solutions  

    Novi AMS   RBOA

Since 2002, the Foundation has awarded 423 grants totaling $254,795 for members to attend educational conferences or earn their CAE/CMP designations. Over $387,700 has been used to underwrite speakers and education at the FSAE Annual Conference and over $409,000 has been used to implement Foundation initiatives including industry reports and surveys. 

MemberClicks by Personify Small Staff Grant

MemberClicks GrantGrant Amount: $500 - MemberClicks by Personify Small Staff Grant is designed to assist an FSAE Association Executive Member in gaining professional development through educational training at the FSAE Annual Conference. To qualify, you must be a full-time employee for an Association with fewer than 20 people on staff.  Personify is an Association Management Software that focuses on meeting the needs of small staff associations across the country. This award will support the recipient in covering the costs of registration fees and/or travel expenses associated with the FSAE Annual Conference. The selected recipient must use the award within 12 months of the receipt of the award. Award can be used as reimbursement for associated fees incurred from Jan 1 until in receipt of award. Repayment of the financial award is required if the recipient does not use within the award year or fails to provide appropriate proof of award use.  

Naylor Association Solutions Communications Grant AND New Member Grant

Naylor GrantsCommunications Grant Amount: Conference Registration - There are two new grant opportunities generously offered by Naylor Association Solutions. The Communications Grant is designed to assist an FSAE Association Executive Member, who has been working for at least one year in a communications, marketing or membership role, in gaining professional development through education or training at the FSAE Annual Conference. The recipient must be a direct employee of an association, not a contracted representative or vendor of an association. The recipient’s registration fee or travel expenses will be covered, and they must use the award within 12 months. The award can be used as reimbursement for associated fees incurred from Jan 1 until in receipt of award. Repayment of the financial award is required if the recipient doesn’t use within the award year or fails to provide appropriate proof of award use. 

Non-Member Grant Amount: Conference Registration + Dues - The Naylor New Member Grant will be awarded to someone who is relatively new to the association industry, with 2 years or less experience, and who is not currently a member of FSAE or has not been a member for the past 3 years. The recipient must be a direct employee of an association, not a contracted representative or vendor of an association. The grant will assist this person in gaining professional development through education or training at the FSAE Annual Conference, and will also cover their membership dues for one year. The recipient’s membership dues and the registration fee will be covered, and they must use the award within 12 months. The award can be used as reimbursement for associated fees incurred from Jan 1 until in receipt of award. Repayment of the financial award is required if the recipient doesn’t use within the award year or fails to provide appropriate proof of award use. 

Novi AMS Grant

Novi GrantGrant Amount: $500 - Novi AMS Grant is designed to assist an FSAE Association Executive Member in gaining professional development through educational training at the FSAE Annual Conference. The award will support the recipient in covering the costs of registration fees or travel expenses associated with the FSAE Annual Conference. The selected recipient must use the award within 12 months of the receipt of the award. Award can be used as reimbursement for associated fees incurred from Jan 1 until in receipt of award. Repayment of the financial award is required if the recipient does not use within the award year or fails to provide appropriate proof of award use. 

RB Oppenheim Associates (RBOA) Grant

RBOA GrantGrant Amount: $500 - RB Oppenheim Associates Grant is designed to assist an FSAE Association Executive Member in gaining professional development through educational training at the 2024 FSAE Annual Conference. To qualify, you must be active in planning or implementing your association's current or future (calendar year 2025) plan to leverage digital marketing to promote your association.

Embracing digital strategies transforms associations. It sharpens audience targeting, deepens member engagement, fosters member retention, and empowers decisions based on robust data. Cost-effective promotions, heightened brand visibility, and real-time performance insights become catalysts for sustained growth, making digital marketing a pivotal force for associations. RBOA is a digitally driven marketing firm with nearly 40 years experience supporting associations, nonprofits, and organizations to exceed their goals. rboa.com  

This award will support the recipient in covering the costs of registration fees and/or travel expenses associated with the FSAE Annual Conference. The selected recipient must use the award within 12 months of receipt of the award. The award can be used as reimbursement for associated fees incurred from Jan 1 until receipt of the award. Repayment of the financial award is required if the recipient does not use it within the award year or fails to provide appropriate proof of award use.

FSAE Foundation A Year of FSAE Grant

FSAE FoundationThis Grant is designed to assist an FSAE Association Executive Member in gaining professional development throughout the year at all FSAE Educational Programs (except Annual Conference).  The award will support the recipient in covering the cost of registration for Power Luncheons, Education Expo registration, Women's Summit registration, new Membership & Marketing Summit, new Leadership & Management Summit, Think Tank (on applicable years) and QAS (Qualified Association Specialist online certificate program). The selected recipient must use the award within 12 months of the receipt of the award.  (Award cannot be used as reimbursement for associated fees incurred from Jan 1 until in receipt of award) Repayment of the financial award is required if the recipient doesn’t use within the award year or fails to provide appropriate proof of award use.

NEW FSAE Foundation AE-MBA Program Grant

AE-MBA ProgramGrant Amount: Valued at $995 - This Grant is designed to assist FSAE Executive Members or Associate Members gain professional development through FSAE’s brand-new AE-MBA Program. The Association Executive Master Business Academy (AE-MBA) is a 10-week virtual course focused on strengthening skills in people management, organizational leadership, and business finances in associations. The curriculum is based on the foundation of MBA fundamentals, paired with expert-led live discussions. Learn more about this program

FSAE Foundation CAE or CMP Grant

Grant Amount: Up to $1,000 - These grants are designed to assist FSAE Association Executives and Associate Supplier Members in gaining the professional development needed to obtain the American Society of Association Executive (ASAE) designation of Certified Association Executive (CAE) or the Event Industry Council's (EIC) designation of Certified Meeting Planner (CMP).  The grant will support the recipient in covering the cost of the application fees, study class registration, and study materials.  The selected recipient must use the award within 12 months of the receipt of the award.  Award can be used as reimbursement for fees associated with CAE or CMP application fees incurred from Jan 1 until in receipt of award.  Repayment of the financial award is required if the recipient leaves the association management field within one year of receiving the award or fails to provide appropriate proof of award use. 

FSAE Foundation Diversity & Inclusion Grant

FSAE FoundationGrant Amount: Up to $500 - This Grant is designed to assist an Association Executive in gaining professional development through education or training at the FSAE Annual Conference. The award will support the recipient in covering the costs of registration fees or travel expenses associated with the FSAE Annual Conference. This grant is available to FSAE members and non-members who meet the grant criteria. (For non-members, the grant will cover dues for the current membership year AND registration to the FSAE Annual Conference.) The selected recipient must use the award within 12 months of the receipt of the award. Funds can be used as reimbursement for associated fees incurred from Jan 1 until in receipt of award. Repayment of the financial award is required if the recipient does not use within the award year or fails to provide appropriate proof of award use. 

Eligibility Criteria for Diversity & Inclusion Grant:

  • Eligible candidates must be a member of a racial or ethnic minority group, LGBTQ+ Community, or a person with a disability, and currently employed in an association

 

FSAE Foundation Associate Member Grant

Grant Amount: $500 - This grant is designed to assist an FSAE Associate Supplier Member in gaining professional development at the FSAE Annual Conference. These awards are offered to assist recipients in covering the costs of the registration fee or travel expenses in getting to the FSAE Annual Conference. The selected recipient must use the award within 12 months of the receipt of the award. Award can be used as reimbursement for associated fees incurred from Jan 1 until in receipt of award. Repayment of the financial award is required if the recipient doesn’t use within the award year or fails to provide appropriate proof of award use.

FSAE Foundation Young Professionals Grant

Grant Amount: $250 - $500 - This grant is designed to assist an FSAE Executive and Associate Young Professional Member in gaining professional development at the FSAE Annual Conference ($500) or Education Expo ($250).  (Young Professionals are defined as FSAE members that are 35 years old and under or less than 3 years in the industry.)  These awards are offered to assist recipients cover the costs of the registration fee or travel expenses in getting to the FSAE Annual Conference.  The selected recipient must use the award within 12 months of the receipt of the award.  Award can be used as reimbursement for associated fees incurred from Jan 1 until in receipt of award.  Repayment of the financial award is required if the recipient doesn’t use within the award year or fails to provide appropriate proof of award use. 

 2025 Grant Recipients

 RB Oppenheim Associates (RBOA) Grant

  • Lexi Hutton, Membership and Events Coordinator, BOMA Orlando

  • Amanda Hammerli, CMP; Executive Director, Etherio

  • Annette Montanez, CMP, QAS; Sr. Projects & Events Coordinator, Shriners International

  • Gregory Williams, Membership & Engagement Manager, Association of Florida Colleges

Novi AMS Grant

  • Jennifer Abdelnour, CAE; Executive Director, Florida Library Association

  • Tamekia Bennett, BS, QAS; Operations Director, Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists

MemberClicks by Personify Small Staff Association Grant 

  • Nicole Smith, Communications Manager, ACSP

Naylor Association Solutions Communications Grant 

  • Christina Michael, CMP; Director of Education & Events, Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association

Naylor Association Solutions New Member Grant 

  • Ruth Saint Julien, Association Executive, AMC Source

FSAE Foundation "Year of FSAE" Grant 

  • Brittyn Heisler, Executive Director, Women of Asphalt

  • Samantha Hobbs, Education Director, FL Surveying and Mapping Society

FSAE Foundation AE-MBA Grant

  • Kristyn McCauley, CAE, CMP; Director of Membership & Events, Florida Airports Council

  • Wendy Parker Barsell, APR, CEM; Executive Director, Florida Solar Energy Industries Association

  • Leigh Stehlik, Director of Events and Communications, Florida Psychiatric Society

  • Christina Welty, Account Executive, Partners in Association Management

  • Geoff Willoughby, Communications Manager, Florida Association of School Administrators

FSAE Foundation Associate Member Grant 

  • Jeremy Mercado, Account Executive, Audio Visual Connection

  • Elizabeth Pardillo, CMP; Global Meeting & Event Strategist, Maritz

FSAE Foundation CAE-CMP Grant 

  • Krystal Humphrey, Deputy Executive Director, Bay Area Apartment Association

  • Eileen Johnson, Office Administrator, Florida Health Care Association

  • Bettie Swilley, Membership Coordinator, FL Dental Assn

  • Belinda Webb-Yarosh, Accounting Manager, FL Health Care Assn

FSAE Foundation Diversity Grant 

  • Thelma Givens, Director of Events, Florida Chamber of Commerce

FSAE Foundation Young Professional Grant 

  • Abigail Bayer, CAE; Chief Marketing Officer, Connected Consulting

  • Joshua Witt Braswell, Management Consultant, Witt's End Consulting LLC

 

 

Eligibility Criteria for all Grants:

  • Must complete the Scholarship/Grant Application

  • Must be a current FSAE member unless selected grant is available to non-members

  • Must have been a member of FSAE for at least 1 year

  • Did not receive any award from the FSAE Foundation in 2024

  • Cannot be a current member of the FSAE Board of Directors, FSAE Foundation Board of Trustees, or the Grant Committee

  • Must be involved in the Association Profession/Market/Industry for at least 2 years (unless you are applying for the Naylor New Member Grant or Young Professional Grant)

  • Cannot be reimbursed for fees, expenses, or exam costs paid for by employer

  • Grants are not transferable

  • For Diversity Grants Only: Must be a member of a racial/ethnic minority group, the LGBTQ Community or a person with a disability
     

  • For YP Grants only: Must be a FSAE member that is 35 years old and under or have less than 3 years experience in the industry

Criteria Points Structure (max points available 80 - max points available for YP grant applicants: 95;)

The FSAE Foundation rewards members that contribute their time or money to FSAE, but grants are not awarded solely on merit or volunteering for our organization. Other volunteer service and financial needs are also taken into account for grant awards.

  • Total number of years as an FSAE Member: 1 point for each year; Max 10

  • Number of years as an FSAE Foundation Contributor or Patron: 4 points for each year; Max 20

  • Number of years as an FSAE Foundation Auction Contributor (cash contribution): 2 points for each year; Max 10
     

  • Number of years in the association profession/ industry: 1 point for each year; Max 10

  • Association Management Educational Courses in last 5 years: 1 point for each course listed; Max 10

  • Volunteer Experience on a FSAE or Foundation Committee in last 5 years: 3 pts for each Committee listed; Max 10

  • Other community – based volunteer activities in last 5 years: 1 point for each activity listed; Max 10

  • (FOR YP GRANTS ONLY) Submit letter(s) of recommendation from someone (current or former) that the applicant has volunteered or worked with over the last 5 years: 5 points for each letter submitted; Max 15

  • If you have received an FSAE Foundation Scholarship or Grant in past years: -5 points (minus 5 points); per year awarded within the past 5 years

Apply Now

DEALINE TO APPLY: FEBRUARY 28, 2025
Questions? Contact Julia Rooney at [email protected]

 

Institute for Organization Management (IOM) Tuition Grant

The Florida Society of Association Executives is proud to partner with Institute for Organization Management, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s professional development program for non-profit executives, and offer one $500 partial tuition scholarships to one of Institute’s 2024 sites. Scholarships will be awarded to students attending Institute for the first time to assist with enrollment fees and cannot be combined with any other Institute scholarships.

For over 100 years, Institute has educated association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders across the country through its national program, highly rated curriculum and high caliber instructors. Thousands of executives have attended Institute sites across the country to strengthen their management skills, learn industry best practices, and gain a broad national perspective from peers. Institute has helped them build stronger organizations, become stronger business advocates and better serve their members. In addition, you will earn points towards your CCE or CAE certification as Institute’s curriculum is directly tied to those two bodies of knowledge.

Upon completion of the Institute program, graduates receive the IOM recognition, which allows them to use the letters “IOM” in public mention and professional correspondence. The IOM recognition signifies the completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management and commitment to the industry.

If you are interested in this scholarship opportunity, contact Julia Rooney, at [email protected]. 
IOM Grant Deadline: Feb 7, 2025

Dates for 2025 summer sites:

  • Midwest Institute | June 1-5
  • Southeast Institute | June 22-26
  • Northeast Institute | July 27-31

For more information about Institute’s curriculum, sites, and dates, visit the Institute Web site, Institute future dates and Prospective Student Toolkit to help you gain insight into the program.

Are you already an IOM and have an updated job or title? Update your contact information and stay connected. 

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The association industry is a major professional, business and economic driver in Florida. FSAE endeavors to reach out broadly to a diverse community of professionals to assist with their professional educational and career development. Opportunities to create additional grants/scholarships to reach more members are always available. We welcome your donation to the Foundation so that we can continue the good work. For more information or to make your contribution please contact Julia Rooney at [email protected].