Professional Development Fund

A preliminary phone or e-mail conversation with foundation staff is advised before submitting a written request.

Switzer Fellows may apply for Professional Development Fund grants at any time using the application form. Written requests may be up to 1-2 pages and must include the following information, as requested on the application form:

• Name and contact information for fellow, including email address;
• Job title and employer;
• General responsibilities of current position;
• Description of the specific professional development opportunity for which funds are being requested, including dates, location, and fellow's role at the event (participant, presenter, attendee);
• Explanation of the fellow’s learning and networking goals for the event and how participation will advance the fellow's career;
• Cost of the professional development opportunity and amount of funds requested from the Switzer Foundation for this purpose; and
• Sources of other funding, including how much the fellow or their organization will fund the fellow's participation in the activity.

Download the application form here. 

Applications may be submitted electronically to Sarah Reed.

Requests may be submitted any time and awards will be decided within 30 days of the request. Funding decisions will be made on a first-come, first-served basis at the sole discretion of the Executive Director or Program Director. Requests for support should not be made more than 90 days before the event. We aim to be responsive to Switzer Fellows most in need of support for professional development opportunities who would not otherwise be able to finance their participation. 

Grants may be made directly to the Switzer Fellow or to their employer if it is a U.S.-based organization with 501(c)(3) status. Please note that grants to individuals may be treated as income.

Recipients are required to complete a grant report form at the conclusion of their professional development activity. A detailed budget report and copies of receipts must be included. On occasion, fellows may be asked to share their experience, lessons learned, or networking results with other fellows and colleagues.