Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be employed full-time or part-time at a nonprofit organization currently or was in the past 12 months, aged 18 to 35, and living or working in the Greater Boston area. Applicants should have a professional development opportunity that they plan to engage in within 6 months of the application deadline.

What types of professional development opportunities may be funded?

This program is designed to support professional development opportunities for individual growth and competency building related to a nonprofit career. This may include: conference registration or travel, class/workshop fees, professional association dues, etc.

We will not consider requests for funding related to: YNPN Boston Professional Development Events, Scholarships, Food or Beverages, board dues or other charitable contributions, or supplies (headshots, business supplies, business cards, computers, etc.)

What is the maximum amount that will be awarded?

Grants are limited to up to $250.

Can I apply for less than the maximum amount of $250?

Absolutely! If you are selected and only need $200, that means we may have an extra $50 to help fund another young professional.

Can I apply for and receive multiple grants?

Only one application will be considered per applicant per cycle. Grant fund recipients must wait for two cycles before they are eligible to apply again. For example, if someone was funded Fall 2018, they’d be eligible again Spring 2020 (can’t apply Spring 2019 and Fall 2019).

Can I apply for funding for multiple professional development opportunities if the total amount is less than the maximum amount of $250?

Yes, but they must be on the same application. Please be sure to indicate on your application the order in which you would prioritize the opportunities (e.g. 1st, 2nd, 3rd), and if you have particular reasoning for engaging in this combination of professional development.

Why is a budget required for the application?

The budget helps the Selection Committee to understand the scope of the professional development opportunity you’re seeking to fund and other funding sources that may be involved. The budget also helps you as an applicant to demonstrate that you have accounted for any difference between the grant amount and the cost of the opportunity, and are likely to be able to take part in the opportunity if you receive funding from us.

Is there a template for the line-item budget?

We ask that applicants use the CHPD budget template. Budgets should describe the expenses associated with your desired professional development opportunity and the funding sources that you plan to use. This should include the amount you’re requesting from YNPN Boston and how that will be applied to the expenses of the PD opportunity.

Here are a few examples of what a budget might look like for various scenarios:

Example 1 – Professional association membership | One source of funding

Example 2 – Professional association conference | Multiple sources of funding 

How will applications be prioritized?

Applications will be prioritized by need and potential for impact. Preference will be given for applicants that have not received prior funding from YNPN Boston.

Is there any benefit to submitting an application early?

The Selection Committee will not review the applications for funding decisions prior to the deadline. However, applications must be complete (including budget, resume, and headshot) by the deadline to be considered, and early submission may allow the committee to follow-up on any missing or incomplete elements.

How will grant recipients receive their funding?

Recipients will receive funds through reimbursement within two weeks of providing proof-of-purchase. If this requirement would create a financial burden for the recipient, then other arrangements may be considered. Please contact chpdfund@ynpnboston.org with questions.

If I am not selected, will I be given feedback on how I might improve my application?

The Selection Committee will strive to provide feedback where possible. This will depend on the volume of applications.

Who is making the funding decisions?

The Selection Committee is made up of current and former board members of YNPN Boston. Current members of the YNPN Boston Board of Directors, the Selection Committee, and their family members are not eligible for funding.

Where do the funds come from to support this program?

This program is possible because of charitable donations to the Chris Herron Professional Development Fund.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

Please send any additional questions to chpdfund@ynpnboston.org and we’ll aim to respond quickly.