The ARRL Foundation generally awards start up funding to organizations for new amateur radio related projects, and are rarely awarded for follow up projects. The funding awards range from $1,000 to $3,000, with most awards approximately $2000. The majority of grants fund the acquisition of equipment, fixture and material, including some grants for study materials. The ARRL Foundation does not fund on-going operations or expenses.
The review process for grant proposals takes about 8 -- 10 weeks. Proposals are sent to a three member Grants Committee that makes a recommendation to the full Foundation Board. A majority vote of the full Board is required for grant approval. The Grants Committee may have questions or seek clarifications from applications. Responses to such inquiries are required in writing before the review process is finalized and the proposal is submitted for Board vote.
Proposals may be accompanied by electronic or printed attachments that are needed to clarify elements of the proposal.
There is no formal proposal period and proposals are reviewed as they are received during the year. Using the forms provided on the ARRL website, applicants may download the forms and submit a proposal electronically, or print the forms as a PDF file and complete the forms manually. Written proposals should be mailed to:
Successful grantees are required to provide the ARRL Foundation with progress reports and final reports on completion of the project, detailing the results and impact of the project, and a final financial report. The ARRL Foundation should receive copies of any press releases or coverage, including photographs that may be used for a web story or in QST.
Questions about the grant-making process and contributions to the ARRL Foundation may be directed to Mary Hobart, K1MMH, ARRL Foundation Secretary by email at foundation@arrl.org or by phone at 860-594-0397.