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I Am Knowledge—NACS Foundation Announces New Grant Program
Torchlight | Summer 2008
The NACS Foundation has launched its new online grant program. The program features new grants along with many existing ones in a streamlined, more accessible online application process.
Grants for Innovate and CAMEX conferences, and Collegiate Retail Institutes are still available along with the Mastering Open-to-Buy online course. The online courses are web-based learning experiences that use a blend of learning tools to offer accessible, convenient programs designed to build skills, develop community among store professionals, and produce measurable results.
"The Grant Committee felt it was necessary to move the grant applications all online to meet the growing expectations of the members we support and to streamline and simplify the process," explained Buz Moser, executive director of business services, Wake Forest University Stores, Grant Committee chair. "With these new changes, the Foundation will better serve its members. We have established a new selection criteria and a timely process to administer all applications. This new process will ensure those who might benefit from a grant are truly and appropriately the most deserving."
Added this year are partial grants for the online courses In-Store Marketing, Principles of Course Materials Management, and Exploring Innovation and Trends in Campus Retail. What may be most attractive about the new process is that it is no longer a first-come, first-served program.
According to the terms of the new grant application process, a store, not an individual, is eligible to apply for a grant every 24 months, including all NACS conferences and online courses. Applicants with exceptional circumstances who do not meet the guidelines will be referred to the NACS Foundation Grant Committee for consideration.
The selection criteria for the new grant process will be based on the impact on the person and organization, financial need, the benefit to the store, the last time a grant was received by the store, and meeting application deadlines.
Karen Swiney, director, UNCP Bookstore, recently underwent the new online grant application process in hopes of being a recipient of an educational grant offering for In-store Marketing. "The new online grant applications are very easy and only take a matter of minutes to complete. Luckily we were able to get a grant and because of the unexpected funding, we were able to attend a great educational session courtesy of the NACS Foundation! It's a great resource to take advantage of when your funding is tight and want to experience an educational opportunity."
Members can begin the online grant application process for NACS conferences and online courses at www.nacs.org/foundation/grants.asp. Applications are now being accepted for online courses including Mastering Open-to-Buy, The Principles of Course Materials Management, and Exploring Innovation and Trends. Be sure to check the web site for course dates and grant application submission deadlines.
For additional information about the NACS Foundation grant program, contact Kristi Runser at (800) 622-7498, ext. 2206, or e-mail krunser@nacs.org.
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