The newly created Member Empowerment Grant will provide financial grants to long-standing NYWICI members who are seeking professional development, whether that constitutes updating their skills, exploring new paths in the industry, or going into business for themselves. These grants can be used for things like continuing education, attendance at industry conferences, skills training, etc. — opportunities that will help our members empower themselves and advance their careers.

Individuals who have been members of New York Women in Communications for at least three consecutive years are eligible to apply. Grants will be paid to an institution (conference organizer, school, program, career coach, etc.) and will not be given to recipients directly. Winners must be present at the Annual Meeting (Spring 2012) to receive award. Recipients will be required to use the grant within one year of receiving it. At that time, each winner will be asked to submit a piece of writing (blog post, newsletter article, etc.) on how she used the grant; this will serve as a way that the winner can “share her learning” and enrich/empower other NYWICI members as well. Individuals cannot be awarded a grant more than two times.

The 2012 application process is now closed. The deadline was Friday, April 6, 2012.