Grant Program

AST Grant Programs In 2012

The Association for Software Testing (AST) philanthropy program is designed to reimburse local volunteers who are doing good things for the software testing community that align with AST’s mission. We expect grants will range between $200 to $500; no grant will exceed $1000 US Dollars. No individual or group will receive more than two grants in a given calendar year.

Peer Conference Program: A peer conference is a small gathering where every person attending is expected to contribute; they generally occur over a two to three day period. A conference organizer or user group may request funds to assist in organizing a peer conference within 100 miles of their work or residence. Historically these funds are used for travel assistance for a trained facilitator. but the funds may be used in any way the organizer sees fit so long as none of the money is used as payment for the applicant and that the conference itself is a non-profit testing event. Typical uses for the funds include funds for rental facilities, food/beverages, various supplies, registration service fees, and so on. Additional non-monetary assistance provided under this program could include, but is not limited to, advice, support in finding speakers, support in finding a facilitator, mentoring, etc..

Local User’s Group Program: This program is designed to support local user’s groups. AST defines a local user’s group (for purposes of this program) as two or more people talking about software testing in a public place that is announced publicly at least one month in advance.. Under this definition, AST can provide assistance to any individual who incurs out of pocket expenses in support of a user’s group meeting. User’s Groups do not have to have “Testing” or “Quality” in their title, but the application does need to make clear why supporting this group, and this meeting, is in the best interest of AST and its membership. Assistance could include, but is not limited to, advice or funds for rental facilities, appetizers, meals, soda, pens, papers, books, CDs, DVDs, or other supplies that are expected to last less than six months. Local user groups must include at least one AST member.

Guest Speaker’s Program: Is intended to support user’s groups, colleges, universities, non-profit conferences, and other non-profit organizations that want to defray travel costs for a speaker. Any such group with a testing focus, or that will provide exposure to software testing,, is welcome to apply.

Students Program: An individual may request travel assistance (or conference fee assistance) in order to attend a conference. In this case, this applicants attendance must represent a significant and compelling opportunity for AST; which will result in a significant publication, video, or some other deliverable important to testing and the testing community.

Application Requirements

All programs have a similar application process: An individual must contact the committee chair via email (grants@associationforsoftwaretesting.org) with their request, which should include:

• Requester name, phone, email address, relevant links, and their AST membership status
• Contact information for the organization, if applicable
• The nature, location, and date of the event
• The amount of funds requested and general outline or plan about how it will be spent
• A brief explanation of how the event will contribute to AST’s mission and vision
• An proposed method to document the event (after-action-report, video snippet, etc) for AST. For peer conferences, some explanation of the conference’s organization, governance model. (AST endorses the LAWST style peer conference), and a topical outline.

If accepted, the committee chair will email reimbursement net/30 of invoice, which will generally be after the event. For each grant, at least one person must be a member of AST (sponsoring organization or a speaker), and the content discussed should align with the objectives, mission, and guiding principles of AST.

2012 committee members: Matthew Heusser, Lynn McKee, and Michael Larsen