This fund is designed to help faculty and staff gain the knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviors to enhance Extension education programs and services.

The fund is able to support a LOT of opportunities! Everyone is eligible to apply — as long as they have at least a .25 FTE and the other funding criteria are met!

Other Funding Criteria

• At least 50% matching funds available from other sources.
• Application submission precedes date of event.
• There is no limit to the number of applications accepted from an individual.
• A total limit of $1,000 will be awarded to an individual in one calendar year.
• Awarded funds must be used within one year of award.

Activity also must support one or more of the following five strategic objectives and priorities:

• Improve OSU Extension’s ability to reach culturally diverse audiences.
• Enhance faculty members’ proficiency with impact evaluation and reporting.
• Increase efficiency and effectiveness of office and program support staff through new and improved practices.
• Develop ability to make decisions and positively influence diverse groups and individuals.
• Invest in lifelong learning of faculty and staff through undergraduate and advanced degrees.

Apply

For complete information and application form, see: OSU Extension Professional Development Fund

Extension faculty and staff may help “GROW the Fund” at any time during the year.
Keep the following in mind:

• The principal of the OSU Extension Professional Development Fund is an endowment.
• Earnings from the endowment feed into the current-use-fund.
• Each quarter, the amount in the current-use-fund pays for the professional development requests selected for funding.
• The fund supports on average, about 100-160 different professional development opportunities a year.

Ways individuals may currently contribute throughout the year are:

• Through payroll deduction (deductions could range from $5.00 a month to any larger amount).
• Through individual contributions (payable by check or credit/debit card).
• Either of these types of contributions may be processed on-line through the OSU Foundation
• As you complete the on-line process, be sure to designate contributions to the following fund.
  • 6220-820450 OSU Extension Professional Development Fund (Endowment Fund)
    

Current Status of the Endowment (10/2023)

Updated: November 2023