Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Fund Grant

Building a better future.

 
 

The WMPRSA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund Grant has been established to recognize the importance of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the communications community within the West Michigan PRSA region. The fund is intended to support the next generation of diverse communications professionals following the lead of the PRSA Foundation whose mission is to support rising talent and raise diversity.

THE AWARD

  • Up to $1,000 toward the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) experience (dependent on the experience cost)

  • Free first year chapter membership dues if joining the WMPRSA chapter upon graduation

  • May only be awarded to an individual only one time; a previous awardee may not receive another grant

  • May not be used for general college tuition, fees or related expenses

THE NOMINEE

  • Must be a verified PRSSA national member and a dues paying member of a WMPRSA PRSSA chapter school

  • Must be entering their senior year in college

  • Must be majoring in public relations, journalism or related fields

  • Must be studying to prepare for a career in public relations

  • Must apply this award toward a DEI-related professional development opportunity

  • Must present a summary of their experience to the WMPRSA board, and their affiliated PRSSA chapter, within 90 days after the DEI experience

  • Must submit a 500-800 word blog post to be used for chapter promotion within 90 days of the DEI experience

NOMINATION PROCESS

  • The applicant must submit:

  • A nomination letter from an individual (ideally a WMPRSA member) with firsthand knowledge of the student’s mentoring capabilities OR a letter of support from their PRSSA chapter advisor and/or chapter president/leadership

  • A letter of application from the student outlining the professional development program desired and the future application of this program on their professional career

  • One additional letter of support for the nominee highlighting the future leadership potential of the nominee in the area of DEI

  • A completed grant/fund application

  • A resume

JUDGING CRITERIA

  • Demonstrated DEI mentorship and leadership, or tremendous potential to step into one of these roles as observed primarily from letters of application and recommendation

  • Demonstrated commitment to improve the understanding of DEI in themselves, PRSSA, WMPRSA and/or their community

  • Commitment to public relations and the communications profession

  • Letters of nomination

  • Strength of experience applied to/for

DEADLINE

Submission deadlines are Jan. 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct. 1. Awards will be made and communicated by the 15th of the following month. Please plan accordingly and apply with sufficient time in advance of any enrollment/registration or payment deadlines for your DEI opportunity.

Please contact us with any questions.