The SFMA awards program, scholarship and grants programs will open later this month for applications. Although the deadline to submit for all programs is Oct. 15, now is the time to begin assembling the information for your application. There are six specific programs:
Field of the Year –Awarded to natural grass fields that exhibit excellent playability and safety and whose managers utilize innovative solutions, effectively use their budgets, and have implemented a comprehensive agronomic program. Fields may be entered for the sports of baseball, softball, football, soccer, and sporting grounds (non-mainstream sports such as lacrosse, rugby, horse racing tracks, etc.) These awards are given in three categories: schools/parks, colleges and universities and professional stadiums. Sponsored by Carolina Green Corp., Precision Laboratories, World Class Athletic Surfaces and John Deere
SAFE Turfgrass Scholarships –Awards are given to students who are pursuing turfgrass management or post-graduate research. Several of these are named in Dr. James Watson’s name and are completely funded by The Toro Company
SAFE non-Turfgrass Scholarship: The Darian Daily Legacy Scholarship –Named in honor of a legendary supporter of SFMA and SAFE and a family man, this scholarship is awarded to dependents of members who are pursuing a field of academic study outside of the turfgrass industry.
Leo Goertz Membership Grant –Multiple grants are awarded to sports field managers or crew members who are not members of SFMA. This grant is generously supported by Pioneer Athletics.
Gary Vanden Berg Internship Grant –Named in honor of Gary Vanden Berg, CSFM, for his contributions to the industry in promoting internships, students who have interned are eligible to submit post-internship to augment their internship wages.
Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant –This named grant provides funding for a SFMA chapter member to attend the SFMA annual conference. This grant is made possible through the support of Turface Athletics.
For more information on SFMA’s scholarship, awards, and grants programs, go to SFMA.org.