Inform USA is thrilled to launch a new scholarship opportunity designed specifically for our unaccredited member organizations. If you have already taken the first step by purchasing the Accreditation Manual and are committed to formally applying for accreditation within the next year, we want to help lower the financial barrier.

Funding is limited, and priority will be given to organizations demonstrating both a strong financial need and an experienced staff team ready to successfully navigate the process.

Scholarship Details:

• $1000 toward Inform USA Accreditation (first-time applicants)

Eligibility

• A member in good standing (at least one year) with no outstanding balances.
• Must currently be unaccredited.
• Must have already pre-purchased the Accreditation Manual ($500). 
• Must commit to officially applying for accreditation within one year of receiving the scholarship.

Application Process

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

Requirements

• Must be used within 12 months.
• Must agree to provide a testimonial

The Request for Session Proposals for the upcoming Inform USA Virtual Conference - The Power of Connection is now open and ready to accept your session ideas! 

The primary audience is Community Navigation professionals at all levels within organizations that provide community navigation in the US or Canada. This is a live conference held on November 19th & 20th, 2026.

This is a great opportunity for those looking to start teaching or speaking, or share valuable experiences and lessons with peers. Selected speakers will be promoted leading up to the conference and honored for their expertise and willingness to share wisdom and experience with the Inform USA community. 

We recognize that all submissions are (in a sense) working drafts, and presenters will have time to tweak or enhance the initial RFP before the final conference copy is presented.  We are also open to submissions that envision a panel that may not yet be fully populated. We welcome submissions from in-the-trenches practitioners and supervisors/managers and trainers, IT staff, military members, consultants, academics, authors, and corporate vendors.

The deadline to submit a proposal is July 17, 2026.

Inform USA is pleased to invite applications for our Scholarship Grant, designed to support professional development within the Community Navigation sector. This scholarship provides funding for conference attendance or achieving certification, ensuring our members have the resources they need to grow in their careers.

Scholarship Details:

• Covers conference ticket or certification costs (travel/accommodation are not included)
• Preference will be given to first-time applicants
• Open to those in career transition seeking to remain in the field

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a member in good standing for at least one year, with no outstanding balances
• Applications must be submitted by an organization (e.g., a member of management determines that they would like to apply for a scholarship for an employee of the organization).
• Only dues-paying Individual Members (meaning you do not work for an organization or your organization does not hold a membership) can apply for themselves.
• The organization's Membership Profile must be complete. (Learn more)

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your professional growth! Submit your application by August 31, 2026 to be considered.

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. 

Eligible Project Criteria:

• 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

Funding Guidelines

• 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. 

Evaluation Criteria

• 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.

Submission  Requirements

• 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.

Ineligible Uses of Funds:

• 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.