October 15, 2024 by SME Membership Exciting Changes for Stronger Chapters! SME is committed to empowering chapters to deliver exceptional value to our members. We're thrilled to announce a new chapter funding program and the Chapter of the Year Awards. These initiatives are designed to support your efforts at the local level. Boost Your Chapter with Funding What's New? Focus on Strategic Goals: The new funding model aligns closely with SME Membership’s core areas of brand, engagement, and growth. The new model ensures resources go towards projects that significantly enhance member value and strengthen the SME brand locally. Streamlined Process: We've simplified the application and reporting process using online forms, saving you time and resources. What Can You Expect? Increased Impact: Chapters will be able to focus on projects that directly contribute to SME's strategic priorities, leading to measurable outcomes. Enhanced Support: Access to additional valuable resources like training materials, webinars, and one-on-one consultations to ensure a smooth transition. Two Opportunities in One: By completing the chapter funding report at the end of the project period (November 2025), you’ll automatically be entered into the 2025 Chapter of the Year Awards. Winners will be announced in spring 2026, and up to six chapters (three student and three professional) will be recognized. Secure Your Funding: Application: The funding application was released on October 18. If you missed the Funding Overview webinar, you can watch it online. Examples of Eligible Projects: Growth: Targeted recruitment events, partnerships with colleges, and launching new chapter sections. Engagement: Exclusive member events, member communication campaigns, and social media engagement initiatives. Brand: Building relationships with local businesses, improving online presence, and creating a welcoming experience for new members. Get Ready to Thrive! Our new chapter funding program and awards initiative offer exciting opportunities for your chapter to flourish. We're confident these refinements will empower you to deliver exceptional value to your members and further strengthen SME's mission. For comprehensive details and upcoming training sessions, visit the SME Chapter Funding and Awards webpage. Contact the SME Membership Chapter Development Team at chapters@sme.org. We're here to support you! Together, let's build stronger chapters and a more vibrant SME community!
