Grassroots Scholarship Fund

Every year the ACM Foundation invests in young community media talent, emerging leaders and staff from rural and small town Public Educational and Government access centers.    

We're making a bet that investing in people and ideas will help grow our cause - vibrant, community-based media that serve local needs and local folks not served by other media in every American community.

We also know that rural and small media organizations don't have the resources for that professional education to help them grow.

That's where you come in.   When you give a tax deductible gift to the Grassroots Scholarship Fund, you'll be supporting the professional education of folks who represent the future of community media. 

Listen to what last year's Scholarship winners have to say.

Here's Ben Waddell of Chico, CA:

"I had never been to a national conference before because neither I nor my station could afford to send me.  The Grassroots scholarship was the only reason I was able to attend and learn so much.  These conferences are so important to the success of community media.  Running a community access media center is hard and sometimes it can feel like we are on our own against the world but these conferences show us that we have allies, we have friends and we have support.  We can learn from each other and grow and continue to improve and adapt in an ever changing field. "

And here's Pam Haessly of Novato, CA:

"I learned so much (fundraising, better understanding of PEG fees, Board development, playback equipment, etc.).  In fact, I still refer to my notebook from the Conference periodically when I need an idea or motivation.  And I'm quickly reminded how much I still need to do!   But it keeps me grounded, optimistic and focused - and I'm ever more excited to be part of this industry.    I've gained much greater confidence and I'm certain my Board of Directors can see that I have grown as a leader."

Your gift today to the Grassroots Scholarship Fund will help us build a network of skilled, connected leaders across the country who are devoted to community media.    All of your gift will go to supporting educational and travel costs for Grassroots scholars to the ACM National Conference.   

Thank you for supporting the future of community media with your gift!