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Grant Program

The Inform USA Grant Program is designed to support organizations and professionals within the Community Navigation sector by offering grants to further their growth, education, and innovative projects.

In 2025, the program distributed over $22,000 in grants across two categories: Scholarships and Unique Projects

The 2026 Grant program will open for submissions on June 15th.

2026 Scholarships

Inform USA scholarships are designed to support professional development within the Community Navigation sector. Scholarships provide funding for conference attendance or achieving certification, ensuring our members have the resources they need to grow in their careers. 

Certification 

Scholarships for certification may cover the exam fee or both the exam fee and the preparation package.

  • A member in good standing (at least one year) with no outstanding balances.

  • Completion of their Membership Profile. (Learn more)

  • Do not currently hold a core certification.

  • Meet the criteria to take the exam within 1 year of receiving the scholarship.

  • The application must come from the organization (not individuals, unless an individual member is submitting for themself).

  • Preference for first-time applicants.

  • Community Navigation and professional development budgets, with an explanation of the shortfall, must be submitted.

  • 1 person per organization.

  • Must be used within 12 months.

  • Must agree to the terms and conditions of the scholarship.

Micro-Certification 

Scholarships for micro-certification cover the fee to join a micro-certification cohort.

  • A member in good standing (at least one year) with no outstanding balances.

  • Completion of their Membership Profile. (Learn more)

  • Holders of a core Inform USA Certification (CRS, CRS-A/D, CRS-DC). Once earned, Inform USA micro-certifications are renewed with a core Information USA Certification at no additional cost.

  • The application must come from the organization (not individuals, unless a dues-paying Individual Member is submitting for themself)

  • Preference for first-time applicants.

  • Community Navigation and professional development budgets, with an explanation of the shortfall, must be submitted.

  • 1 person per organization.

Conference Attendance

Scholarships for conference attendance will cover the cost of a ticket. Does not include any other expenses.

  • A member in good standing (at least one year) with no outstanding balances.

  • Completion of their Membership Profile. (Learn more)

  • The application must come from the organization (not individuals, unless an individual member is submitting for themself).

  • Preference for first-time attendees.

  • Preference for first-time applicants.

  • Community Navigation and professional development budgets, with an explanation of the shortfall, must be submitted.

  • 1 person per organization.

2026 Project Grants

The Inform USA Project Grant supports innovative initiatives designed to advance the Community Navigation sector. We prioritize projects that create scalable best practices or offer high-impact professional development.

  • Professional Development: Regional conferences, networking events, or specialized educational workshops

  • Systems and Advocacy: Development of statewide/provincewide standards or organized advocacy events

  • Innovation: Advancements in community navigation-related technologies

  • Grant Range: Minimum $1,000 - Maximum $5000

  • Inform USA will fund a maximum of 50% of the total project budget.

  • Non-cash (in-kind) support cannot exceed 25% of the total project budget.

  • Impact: Ability to reach or benefit a significant portion of the Inform USA Membership.

  • Innovation: Preference will be given to projects that produce new findings or establish industry best practices.

  • Sustainability: The proposal should present a plan for the project's long-term viability beyond the grant period.

  • Timeline: All project activities must be completed within 12 months of the funding date.

  • The project budget must be submitted.

  • A detailed explanation of how funds will be allocated and how the project will be sustained long-term. 

  • Grantees must share project results with Inform USA members via presentation, webinar, report, or white paper.

  • Fixed costs related to renovations, deferred maintenance, or regular operating expenses (e.g., software, salaries, consultants, etc.).

  • Previously conducted programming, such as existing regional conferences or training events.

  • Fundraising events or sponsorship of other events.

View the application form

Please reach out to info@informusa.org with any questions about the Grant Program.