Society Award Deadlines Soon

The Washington State Genealogical Society wants to recognize your good work! We know your society has great members doing great work — and we’d like to celebrate that. Below are the deadlines (and website links) for our recognition awards and special programs.

For more information about the WSGS recognition awards, contact Roxanne Lowe at roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Special Society Awards Deadline Next Week

Societies: The deadline for WSGS’s special recognition awards is Saturday, May 1, 2016. Societies are urged and encouraged to submit nominations for Outstanding Communication, Outstanding Project and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. For more information and nomination information, click on the links below.

Outstanding Communication – Recognizes the importance of how local genealogical societies or organizations communicate. Includes all forms of communication, including websites, social media, newsletters, lectures, videos, podcasts, etc.
Outstanding Project – Awarded to local genealogical society or organization in recognition of exceptional genealogical or historical projects implemented during the past year.
President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement – Recognizes that rare individual, society or organization who has demonstrated exemplary service above and beyond expectations.

There’s also another society support your group may want to consider: the Education Assistance Fund — funding assistance to societies so they can provide quality educational events such as conferences, workshops, seminars and programs.

Questions about any of this? Contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

New!! Education Assistance Available

WSGS is working to improve the services we offer to local societies and their members. Our latest effort: Education Assistance Fund!

The Education Assistance Fund (EAF) is designed to support WSGS-member societies’ abilities to provide quality genealogical educational events such as conferences, workshops, seminars and programs for their members and the public.

Here’s how it works: your society wants to sponsor a workshop, seminar or other educational event, but don’t quite have the funds to get started or put on the type of first-rate show you envision. Great. Apply for up to $500 from the Education Assistance Fund. After your event, we ask that you replenish the fund so other societies can take advantage of the assistance. While we have an expectation that the funds will be repaid, we recognize the financial risks associated with holding an event and accept part of that risk. More information is available in the Guidance Document.

Here are just a few possibilities for asking for EAF help:

  • Assistance in confirming a renowned speaker or facility.
  • Expanding your event to include more classes or workshops.
  • Help with promotional expenses, including printing and advertising.
  • Purchase of goodie bags, binders/folders or other day-of-event materials.

There is no deadline for applying for financial help through the EAF. Simply complete the application here and submit. Your application will be reviewed and we’ll get back to you so you can continue planning your event. Additional details about the Education Assistance Fund are available here.

For more information about the WSGS Education Assistance Fund, contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair.