John F. Helmer Professional Development Awards

Orbis Cascade Alliance promotes professional development and engagement in support of our strategic initiatives, and announced the creation of the John F. Helmer professional development award program in 2017. The current award program supports the efforts to promote collaboration and learning across the Orbis Cascade Alliance.

For example, funding could support a workshop, a one-day symposium, a collaborative learning program, or a guest speaker/trainer. Alliance working groups and individual member staff are encouraged to submit applications.

Award Objectives

  • To cultivate a strong professional cohort that perpetuates the spirit and practice of collaboration.
  • To contribute to the growth of innovative and creative projects associated with the Strategic agenda.
  • To support development of programs, activities and services that benefit the entire Alliance.  

Timing and Amounts

The Helmer Award will be offered on an annual basis. The amounts of the Award will be two awards up to $2000 each. 

Timeline

  • The time line is as follows:
    • Begin accepting proposals in Autumn  
    • The awards would be presented to the Board for approval.
    • Review Committee contacts the Award recipients in early 2025
    • Award recipients should file a report by end of October

Award Guidelines

  • Award funding would need to be spent in the designated Award year.
  • We do not recommend an annual fundraiser for this event.  However, if the opportunity arises to work with a vendor or have a fundraiser in the future, this is something the Board can revisit.
  • Every effort should be made to streamline the distribution of the Awarded funds. To this end, clear guidelines will be provided for reimbursement of expenses. Failure to follow said guidelines will result in no reimbursement. 

Criteria

  • Submit a complete Application by the deadline
  • Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate collaboration and training.
  • Projects must support the Strategic Agenda.
  • The purpose, content, and impact of the project will be evaluated. 

Application Guidelines

  • Applications must include a summary no longer than 2 pages of the project with learning objects, outcomes and clearly state the connection to the strategic agenda.  The application must include the name of the project leader as well as sufficient documentation for the review committee to understand.
  • Include no more than 2 letters of support, one of which should be from a Council member.
  • Include a detailed budget that demonstrates how Alliance funds, not to exceed $2000, would be used. Provides a detailed breakdown of expenses; in-kind support; individuals projected to be paid directly; and individuals projected to be reimbursed.
    • Standard Alliance travel and expenses policies will apply. Award recipients should try to limit reimbursement to one payment
  • Identify the designated Financial Contact and Funds Recipient (one who will make any financial reimbursement/disbursement request and receive funds).
  • Include a feasible plan for coordinating the proposed event; Including the use of Alliance e-mail lists which can be used to publicize events, the Alliance Events Manager will also offer assistance in coordinating the event (booking rooms, registration, etc.); arranging Zoom/on-line meeting software;  assisting is group scheduling, and staffing events.
  • Agree to prepare a project report for the Board at the end of the project and share results with the Alliance community as appropriate by distribution of documentation, presentation at Council or Board meeting, or at the Annual Summer meeting.  This will be determined by project leaders in collaboration with the Board upon receipt of the final project report.

Please note, that the projects are first and foremost to support personnel working in Alliance institutions.  If an event or program is planned, it is important to coordinate registration to ensure that Alliance personnel are given sufficient time to register prior to opening an event up to a larger community.

How to apply

Send your application summary with endorsement and budget to jfhaward@orbiscascade.org

Timeline:

Proposals are due by end of day January 17, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Duell.

John F Helmer Professional Development Awards Committee 2024-2025
Ping Fu, Whitman College, Chair
Jennifer Cox, Chemeketa Community College
Stefanie Gorzelsky, St. Martin’s University

Awardees