The AMA Foundation offers various grant opportunities for clubs across the country to take advantage of. One of these grants is the Flying Site Improvement Grant (FSIG)! The FSIG program provides funding for AMA chartered clubs that have made improvements or are making improvements to their flying site. This grant serves as a form of encouragement for clubs to utilize well-maintained flying sites to promote club visibility to the public, community engagement, aviation education, safety, and satisfaction among hobbyists.
Through this grant, clubs have the chance to get up to 25% of their total project costs covered by the AMA Foundation, with a minimum contribution amount of $100 and a maximum contribution amount of $3,000!
Prior to applying, we encourage you to review the eligibility and application requirements in depth. A brief summary of these requirements follows; however, visiting the main application page will provide you with more information on topics such as what we do and do not fund, how to submit your application, an example of the judging rubric, the grant review process, and frequently asked questions.
Eligibility
- All currently chartered AMA clubs are eligible to apply, and FSIG applications can be submitted by any club member who is an AMA member. Only one application can be submitted per club.
- Clubs are eligible to apply for funding for a project that was completed within the last 12 months or projects that will be completed within 12 months of the application deadline (February 1, 2025).
- Clubs who have applied for and were awarded FSIG funding in previous years are eligible to apply each year; however, priority will be given to clubs that have never received FSIG funding. Additionally, clubs who have been awarded FSIG funding in previous years must have submitted their final reports prior to or by the final application deadline to be eligible for grant funding in the current cycle.
Application Requirements
- Project Description: A rationale for the completed or proposed project
- Project Workplan & Timeline: A description of the work completed or work to be completed, who completed it or will complete it, and the time required for the project
- Project Budget: An itemized list of expenses for the project
- Appendices: Supplemental evidence of improvements needed
Grant Review Process
Applications will be evaluated and scored on the following criteria:
- Project need
- Project workplan and timeline
- Impact on club and community
- Alignment with AMA's mission
- Project budget
Bonus points, intended to prioritize clubs that have never received funding and incentivize Leader Clubs, may be added to application scores based on the following items:
- Clubs who have never received FSIG funding
- Clubs who have not received FSIG funding within the last three years
- Clubs who hold Bronze or Silver Leader Club status
- Clubs who hold Gold Leader Club status
Final applications must be submitted through the online application form by Saturday, February 1, 2025. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted. For a tutorial on how to submit an FSIG application, click here.
If you have any questions about the FSIG program or submitting your application, contact AMA Foundation Deputy Director Rachelle Haughn by emailing foundation@modelaircraft.org.
