Started in 1998, the Oregon Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) Small Grants Program allows all OSGC affiliates to compete for small aerospace-related research or educational outreach grants up to a maximum of $10,000. Proposals showing the utilization of non-federal matching funds to further extend the effectiveness of the program’s limited funds receive preferred consideration. A subcommittee of the OSGC Advisory Committee judges the proposals that are submitted. Of the five Small Grants awarded in 2001 to OSGC affiliates, all were completed in 2002.

Previous Small Grants funding opportunities include The Revolution in General Aeronautics conference in June 2002. OSGC hosted the conference in collaboration with the Transportation Research Institute at Oregon State University and the Oregon Office of Aeronautics in the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Held in Redmond, OR, the conference brought together more than 150 speakers and interested individuals from across the Northwest to discuss the next steps to be taken in general aerospace. Speakers, posters, and demonstrations from NASA, the FAA, ODOT, industry and academia addressed new and exciting aerospace opportunities. Also funded under the Small Grants program in 2002 was an educational outreach component at the Oregon Air Fair.

Unfortunately, there are currently fewer funds available under the Small Grants Program and new grants will not be awarded at this time. The success and importance of this program to our affiliates has been demonstrated over the past few years and makes this program a high priority to receive additional funding should it become available.