February 10, 2026
ESP-Alpha Rho Endowment Update
The Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) Alpha Rho Endowment Board met in January to review funding requests submitted by the January 14 deadline, and the Board is pleased to report that all four requests received funding.
This funding round supported a variety of professional growth opportunities for ESP members. Three awards provided professional development support, including assistance to attend the National Urban Extension Conference and tuition support for the KARL program (pending acceptance). The Board also approved funding for the Burnout to Brilliance professional development days, supporting programming that strengthens and sustains our ESP members.
In total, $3,900 was awarded through the Endowment during this cycle.
The Board is sharing this update to highlight the wide range of opportunities the Endowment Fund can support and to encourage ESP members to consider applying in the future. Whether your request is for professional development or program support, the Endowment Fund is here to invest in you and your work.
The next call for applications will be due May 1, 2026. To learn more about the ESP Alpha Rho Endowment Funds and how to apply, visit the Alpha Rho website under the Extension Endowment Fund heading. There is also information about how to become a member should you like to join ESP and be able to apply for these types of grants. ESP includes a cross-section of Extension professionals and is dedicated to fostering standards of excellence in the Extension system and developing the Extension profession and professionals.