Embrace the Power of Change: Apply for the 2024 Points of Light Conference Scholarship

In the heart of Houston, from June 11–14, 2024, the Points of Light Conference will take place. This event is a nexus for changemakers passionate about civic engagement, empowering nonprofit, NGO, government and business leaders to drive real and sustained change in their communities. It’s an arena where inspiration and resources collide, fueling the drive to make a meaningful difference.

A Unique Opportunity for Nonprofit Professionals

Thanks to the generosity of our partner UPS, Points of Light is thrilled to offer two special scholarships to Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) nonprofit professionals and Daily Point of Light Award honorees to apply to attend the 2024 Points of Light Conference. This initiative is an essential part of our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the nonprofit sector.

Two levels of scholarships are available:

• The Capacity Scholarship: This level awards a cash grant of $1,200 to support local travel and hotel and will include conference registration.
• The Transformational Scholarship: This level awards a cash grant of $1,350 to support airfare and hotel and will include conference registration.

These scholarships are a learning opportunity for those seeking to further their knowledge of civic engagement efforts in their communities. It is limited in availability and will cover costs for one individual from an eligible nonprofit organization to attend the 2024 Points of Light Conference. Eligible applicants are BIPOC individuals at nonprofit 501c3 organizations or recipients of the Daily Point of Light Award based in the U.S. with an annual operating budget of less than $2 million. Individuals must be 18 or older. The application is open from February 1 through February 29.

A Glimpse Into the Experience: Insights from Dynasty Taylor

Daily Point of Light Honoree #7151 Dynasty Taylor, founder and CEO of Dynasty’s United Youth Association, knows firsthand the impact of this scholarship. Dynasty was the 2023 Points of Light Conference Scholarship recipient. Her journey underscores the transformative potential of this opportunity.

Dynasty’s journey with Points of Light began in 2021 when she was recognized with a Daily Point of Light Award.

“Ever since I joined, the Points of Light has done a remarkable job of keeping me informed about available opportunities,” she shares. “When I learned about the Points of Light conference, I immediately resonated with the emerging topics and decided to apply. My aim was to participate in an event that would help me grow both personally and professionally as a non-profit leader working in civic and community engagement.”

After attending the 2023 Points of Light Conference, Dynasty recognized the value of this gathering in helping her refine her systems. “Attending the Points of Light conference allowed me to gain a fresh perspective on civic engagement and volunteer systems through the various workshops I participated in,” she recalls. “As an executive director, it gave me the opportunity to step back from my daily routine and reassess the current systems utilized by my nonprofit. I was able to evaluate how we can better serve our volunteers to have a more transformative impact. Personally, the conference reinforced the importance of volunteers and how they contribute to the well-being of people, communities and agencies they work with.”

Dynasty acknowledges the impact that the scholarship provided for the beneficiaries of her organization’s services. She says, “I believe the Points of Light scholarship helped us to standardize and deepen our volunteer programs to meet the needs of our constituents (youth and families) and formalize our structure and processes to ensure organizational vitality.”

Dynasty highly recommends the Points of Light Conference for anyone looking for leadership enhancement, civic engagement strategies and volunteer program development. She was appreciative of the diversity represented at last year’s conference as well. “At the conference, I noticed that diversity was well represented among the Points of Light leadership, executive members, performers, attendees and speakers,” she shares. “I had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from all over the world who shared my passion for the work.”

Join Us in Shining Light on a Brighter Tomorrow

The 2024 Points of Light Conference is more than an event; it’s a catalyst for change. By applying for the scholarship, you’re stepping into a realm of possibilities, ready to amplify your impact and drive transformative change in your community. Apply by February 29, 2024, for one of our scholarships, and join the movement of growth and empowerment.