Micro-Grant Purpose

The primary purpose of the HEA Leadership & Learning Micro-Grant is to empower and support Halifax Education Association members' professional growth by providing direct financial assistance to attend VEA/NEA-sponsored trainings, leadership conferences, and professional development events.

This micro-grant aims to:

• Lower Financial Barriers: Minimize out-of-pocket costs for members attending VEA/NEA events by providing reimbursement for registration fees, lodging, meals, and mileage.

• Cultivate Association Leadership: Support members in building leadership capacity, advocacy skills, and bargaining knowledge that directly benefits our local association efforts, as well as the overall profession.

• Promote Knowledge Sharing: Ensure collective benefit for the entire membership by requiring awardees to share key takeaways and insights through a "Membership Matters Moment" presentation or write-up.

• Total Grant Pool: $750 available annually per fiscal/school year.

• Award Structure: Grants will be awarded up to $250 grant per member per year on a rolling basis until the $750 fund is fully expended.

• Eligible Expenses:

  1. * Event Registration Fees

  2. * Lodging / Hotel (room rates and standard taxes only)

  3. * Meals (excluding alcoholic beverages)

  4. * Mileage (reimbursed at the approved district/standard mileage rate)

• Process Timeline: Applicants must submit an application at least 2 weeks prior to the event date.  The HEA Membership Committee will respond to applicants within 1 week of the event date.

• Reimbursement Policy: This is a reimbursement grant. Funds are released after attendance upon submission of detailed, itemized receipts, proof of conference attendance/completion, and a specified informational report.