Please read the following information before applying for a Travel Microgrant.
Purpose
Are you speaking about OpenStreetMap at an upcoming conference? Representing open mapping interests at a networking event? If you find yourself furthering the mission of OpenStreetMap US at your professional or academic engagements, consider applying for an OSM US Travel Grant! OpenStreetMap US is happy to offer financial assistance to cover travel and related expenses necessary to attend these events under our microgrant program.
Grant Requirements
- You must be a paid OpenStreetMap US member at any tier at the time of your application submission, and you must remain an active member at the time of the event.
- Your event and any funded travel must occur within the United States.
- You must have an active and significant presence at the event (such as presenting, organizing a panel, leading a workshop, etc.).
- The event must be publicized and we must be able to confirm your participation at the time of your application.
- You must complete a Post-Event Reflections document within 2 weeks of the event date, or co-author a blog post to be posted on the OpenStreetMap US blog.
- 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.
- The recipient must maintain a budget document for eligible expenses related to the event that is shared with OSM US.
- During the event you must act in accordance with the OpenStreetMap US Code of Conduct.
More Information
- This grant covers a maximum of $500 USD reimbursement for one domestic event.
- This grant covers registration, transportation, and/or hotel accommodations only. It does not cover meals, entertainment, event merchandise, or other ancillary expenses.
- Lodging may include a single room with a private bath in a moderately priced business class hotel or motel. Private lodging (e.g. Airbnbs) may be covered if their nightly rate is comparable to a hotel or motel in the area.
- Transportation expenses include:
- Mileage reimbursement at the currently allowable IRS rate.
- Car rental reservations made for a compact or midsize vehicle only (any insurance coverage, traffic violations, or damages to the grantee’s personal or rental vehicle will not be covered).
- Flights booked in coach/economy class only. Any upgrades are the financial and logistical responsibility of the recipient.
- Public transportation tickets.
- This grant is disbursed via reimbursement of expenses up to $500 to the recipient.
- All receipts must be sent to OSM US staff within 48 hours of event conclusion.
- Awardees must wait a full calendar year from their event date to re-apply for this grant.
- This grant may not be used to fund travel to/from State of the Map US. If you need financial assistance to attend State of the Map US, please apply to the dedicated conference scholarship program.
Evaluation Criteria
Localization: Does your travel introduce OpenStreetMap and/or OpenStreetMap US to new audiences and demographics?
Purpose: What will attendees gain or learn from your attendance at the event? What will you gain or learn from your attendance?
Inspiration: How will your participation at this event inspire event attendees to explore and/or adopt open mapping in their personal, professional, or academic life?
How to Apply
Complete the following proposal form, which will ask for:
- Information about the event and your level of participation, including a link to the event website or any public announcements.
- A copy of your event registration receipt.
- How your participation in this event will further the mission of OpenStreetMap US.
- Your best estimate of total eligible expenses.
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.
