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Proposals for 2022 are due Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

SRGP Overview and Purpose

The ASAE Research Foundation advances association management and leadership, focusing principally on three areas important to the success of association professionals and the organizations they serve: research, leadership, and innovation. 

As one of the strategic objectives of the ASAE Research Foundation, the Scholarly Research Grant Program aims to encourage collaborative research between members of the academic and practitioner communities to expand and advance knowledge in association management and leadership.

Priorities

There are no restrictions on the specific area(s) within association management and leadership that may be studied. However, the most successful proposals will:

  • investigate topics that are aligned with the Research Foundation’s mission and overarching research agenda
  • focus on an innovative and relevant research question
  • address what new knowledge the research study may uncover
  • outline a dissemination plan to share key findings with the association and academic community
  • clearly articulate the practical value and application of key findings to nonprofit membership and member-based associations
  • include research teams that embrace academic and professional collaborations
  • use acceptable research methodologies to offer high quality (e.g., valid, reliable) results

Funding

The program may provide multiple awards of up to $15,000 each to meritorious proposals addressing research questions relevant to nonprofit membership and member-serving organizations. The intent of the program is to support research efforts, and therefore, proposals for career development, travel*, and product or resource development will not be accepted.

*Travel expenses may be included as a separate line-item if directly associated with the execution or dissemination of the research activity.

Awards will typically be made on an annual basis (see submission and review schedule), however, special review panels may be convened when proposals in high-priority areas are received. The funding cycle for each award is 12-18 months, however, applications for Continuation of Funding will be accepted for up to one additional cycle.

Award Eligibility

The program is intended to support research activities of those working (or matriculating) in an academic community, such as academic faculty, students, and research interns; or association management professionals, such as full-time employees and consultants.

ASAE membership is not a condition of the award but is strongly encouraged.

Funds will be issued to the employing entity (e.g., academic institution), not individuals, for direct costs only.

Application Requirements and Restrictions  

Indirect costs are not allowed under this award program. Travel funds may only be included if directly related to the research activity. Award recipients will be required to submit an Interim and Final Report, and to present a summary of findings at the ASAE Annual Meeting or other appropriate ASAE-sponsored learning events when applicable.

The Letter of Intent (LOI) is not a requirement for full proposal submission.