SPAG (State Public Affairs Grants) Program

The State Public Affairs Grants program was created in 1997 as a resource to help ASCE Sections undertake public relations (PR) and government relations (GR) projects at the grassroots level. The goal of the program is to enhance the image of civil engineers as leaders and experts on America's vital infrastructure systems and to encourage advocacy on issues that are important to civil engineers.

Through the years, the PR and GR programs produced through SPAG funding have grown in size and scope. Sections are addressing complicated policy issues and planning large, multi-year outreach programs. In order to better serve the changing PR and GR needs of Sections, an all-merit award structure with two categories of funding - Small Grants and Large Grants - was adopted in 2004. Each grant category has its own proposal and reporting guidelines.

Small Grants: Proposals up to $1,500 are eligible for Small Grants. One grant proposal is required per project. Small Grants are designed for Sections to fund a single component of a larger program or for a one-time expense. An abbreviated proposal and report is used for Small Grants.

Large Grants: Proposals between $1,500 and $7,500 are eligible for Large Grants. One grant proposal per project is required. Large Grants require more comprehensive proposal information and more detailed reports than Small Grants. The Section should do a considerable amount of project planning prior to applying for a Large Grant.

• 2010 SPAG Guidelines
• 2009 SPAG Final Activity Report
• Government Relations Best Practices Guide