Events Microgrant

Please read the following information before applying for an Events Microgrant.

Purpose

OpenStreetMap US strongly encourages local OSM groups, clubs, and organizations to hold events that strengthen the bond between existing OSM community members, build relations with like-minded local groups, and introduce new individuals to OpenStreetMap and mapping.

To show our support, OSM US is happy to offer small grants to facilitate one-time events or to cover the cost of regular group meetings. Grant applications must be submitted by an individual on behalf of their local organization.

We have a special place in our hearts for new groups starting up, so if you are hosting your first event we encourage you to apply for this grant. Interested to know if there is already a local OSM group in your area? Check out The OSM Community Index, or join a #local- channel on the OpenStreetMap US Slack!

Grant Requirements

1. A member of your local group, club, or organization must be a current paid member of OpenStreetMap US at any tier at the time of submission, and must still be an active member at the time of the planned event(s).
   1. If your group is newly formed and no individuals are members of OSM US, we encourage you to reach out to adjacent local mapping groups who may include members, as joint events are a great way to get to know your fellow mappers!
2. The event(s) must occur in the United States.
3. The event must advance the mission of OpenStreetMap US and align with our Code of Conduct.
   1. Virtual events may be open to international participants, but they must have a US focus.
4. The title of your event(s) must include “sponsored by OpenStreetMap US” in all public promotional materials.
5. Your event(s) must be noncommercial in nature and be accessible to all who are interested in attending.
6. The Primary Applicant must complete a Post-Event Reflections document within 2 weeks of the event date (or for each event date if this grant is funding recurring events), or co-author a blog post to be posted on the OpenStreetMap US blog.
   1. Please note that the information recorded in these documents can be used at the discretion of OSM US for promotional purposes, such as promoting the event(s) via social media.
7. The Primary Applicant must maintain a regularly updated budget document for the event(s), shared with OSM US.

More Information

1. Maximum grant amount is $200 USD for a single event, or $500 USD for recurring events.
   1. A “recurring event” is defined as hosting three or more events of similar nature within a 12 month period (for example, a monthly or quarterly meetup).
2. This grant may be used to cover the following expenses:
   1. space and equipment rental,
   2. event advertisement, and
   3. food and non-alcoholic beverages offered for free to attendees.
3. This grant can only be used to fund an event or ongoing events that occur within 12 months of the award date.
4. This grant is disbursed via reimbursement of expenses to the Primary Applicant.
   1. All receipts must be sent to OSM US staff within 48 hours of payment.
5. Along with awarding grant funds, OpenStreetMap US will also promote event instances in our monthly newsletter.
6. Awardees must wait a full calendar year from their final or only event date to re-apply for this grant.

Evaluation Criteria

Localization: Do the event(s) improve OpenStreetMap data locally and provide a welcoming community for OpenStreetMap enthusiasts in the general area?

Purpose: What will attendees gain or learn from the event(s)?

Collaboration: How well do the event(s) promote interaction between like minded individuals?

Inspiration: How will this activity impact the continuation of open mapping both in your community and between the people involved?

How to Apply

Complete the following proposal form, which will ask for:

1. Information about the event(s), including a link to the event website or any public announcements.
2. Information about the local group, including information for a secondary point of contact.
3. Your best estimate of total eligible expenses.
4. How your local group’s event(s) benefit and strengthen the OpenStreetMap US community.

Apply

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Grant applications are reviewed and selected on a quarterly basis. Please see the program webpage for the 2025 application deadlines and other relevant dates. All grants are awarded at the discretion of the OSM US staff and Board of Directors.