A charity fund aimed at developing the DM industry is calling on companies, organisations, educational institutes and individuals to apply for grants to support research and education initiatives.
The DM Foundation is offering grants to finance non-commercial initiatives that will have provable benefit to the long-term development of direct marketing. The closing date is May 8.
Applications for grants and bursaries will be assessed by the DM Foundation’s board of trustees, which is headed by RSA Direct managing director Rosemary Smith, a former DMA board chair.
Particular attention will be paid to applications to fund research that provides wide-reaching insight into direct marketing trends and issues, and to support training and education courses or work placements that advance the skills of individuals working in the industry.
The DM Foundation will support multiple initiatives every year. Initial funds for the charity have been donated by the DMA. Various fundraising initiatives will bolster the charity’s coffers annually.
Smith said: “The DM Foundation will help those people and organisations that stand to make great long-term contributions to the direct marketing industry but have found it impossible to source financing for their projects from the market. Whether you’re looking to cover tuition fees for vocational courses to climb up the marketing career ladder or want to fund important research that will help drive industry growth, we want to hear from you.”
DMA chair Scott Logie added: “The DMA has donated the start-up funds to this worthy charity because it complements our mission to drive industry growth by providing companies with the tools they need to do better business. This includes knowledge, insight and a skilled workforce.”
