Request for Proposals:
NAMSC Education Grants
June 1, 2025
North American Maple Syrup Council member associations are invited to apply for grants, up to $5,000, to support educational projects meant to help maple producers make high-quality products safely, efficiently, and sustainably. The types of projects we will consider include, but are not limited to workshops, written materials, and videos that provide clear instructional guidance for implementing best practices and proven innovations. Topics related to any element of the production of pure maple products
are welcome, including, but not limited to, forest management, tapping, sap collection, syrup production,
and value-added products. The goal of these projects is to build a shared library of resources regarding the practical application of best practices, in order to improve the quality of pure maple products being
produced by sugarmakers throughout the industry.

Proposals should be 2-5 pages long. Brevity is appreciated, though not at the expense of a clear and
thorough explanation of the proposed project and its value to sugarmakers. Proposals should include:

• A description of how the funds will be spent.
• A description of the final product, and how it will be made available to sugarmakers in all parts of
  the maple producing region (NAMSC resources, including the Maple Syrup Digest, our websites,
  and our annual meeting are available to help support distribution).
• A budget for the project, including any funds from sources other than the grant.
• A timeline for the project.
• A brief letter of commitment from any presenters (extension agents, specialists, etc.) who will be
  engaged in the project. Applicants are encouraged to partner with experts and educational
  institutions as appropriate.
  Criteria used to evaluate proposals will include:
• Demonstrated need among producers.
• Commitment to representing the most current industry standards.
• Applicability to a broad range of producers beyond the applicant’s state or province.
• Ability to distribute the materials in accessible formats.
• Capacity of applicant to deliver project as proposed.
• Additional considerations are given to projects that collaborate and/or partner with
  experts, educational institutions, and multiple member associations.
  Lower priority will be given to requests for capital expenses, such as cameras or computers. Funding can not be provided for projects that promote a single brand of equipment, or those that support a single producer or single state or province’s products over others.
  Proposals are accepted on a rolling bases and are to be submitted electronically to
  mapledigest@gmail.com. The NAMSC education committee will review proposals and select finalists to be presented to the full NAMSC board for a final decision. These are one-year grants.
  Only applications from NAMSC member associations will be considered. Partnerships between multiple member associations are welcome. Associations may only receive one grant through this program every three calendar years. Questions while preparing proposals are welcome, at mapledigest@gmail.com.