Project Grant Program

We highly encourage projects related to wireless communication within the club. Whether you're building a new station, designing antennas, experimenting with digital modes, working on satellites, or developing test equipment, the club wants to support member innovation and technical learning. 

To help you in your project, W2AEE offers two ways to fund member projects:

Project Grant - up to $200

The Board can approve grants of up to $200 directly from club funds to support projects, prototypes, repairs, or parts purchases. Senior active members can apply for up to $300.

Project Grants are intended to be simple and fast to apply for. Typical funded items include electronic components, PCBs, connectors, antennas, test equipment, microcontrollers, RF hardware, mechanical parts, and software licenses related to a technical project.

What we like to fund

The club prioritizes projects that are technical, educational, and benefit the broader membership. Examples include:

  • RF projects (antennas, filters, amplifiers, measurement equipment)
  • Digital communications projects (APRS, packet radio, SDR, satellites, GPS)
  • Station improvements or portable operating setups
  • Test equipment and measurement tools
  • Workshops or build sessions for members
  • Open-source hardware or software related to wireless communication
  • Projects that attract new members

 

How to apply

To apply for a grant, please contact the board at [email protected] with a short project proposal and a budget. Your proposal should include:

  • A short description of the project
  • What you plan to build or purchase
  • A budget and list of materials
  • A timeline for the project
  • How the project is related to wireless communication

The board will review proposals on a rolling basis and may ask for additional details before approving funding.

After the project

When you have completed your project, we would love to showcase it on the website. Upon completion, we would like to receive a text about your project (you can go crazy!) and some pictures. Also, we would like to see your project in action!

The fine print

As with all things in life, the grant program has some things to take into account:

  • All grants are subject to board approval. The board has the final say.
  • The grant can only cover materials, equipment, and project-related expenses. It cannot cover your own labor.
  • You must be a member of W2AEE to receive a grant.
  • Equipment purchased with grant money may become club property.