Supporting clubs: our strategy, our budget, your idea
Esperanto‑USA believes a simple truth: the strongest way to grow Esperanto in the United States is through local people, local relationships, and local activities. Clubs and regional groups are often the first place a beginner feels genuinely welcomed. In many cases, local friends actively encourage those beginners to continue learning Esperanto—and, ideally, to also become members of Esperanto‑USA.
That’s why, in the current budget, we set aside a dedicated amount to support local and regional clubs. As Treasurer, my role is both to protect the organization’s finances and to ensure that our resources truly serve the mission. This grant program does both: it invests in the most effective channel for engaging people, while remaining transparent and responsible.
New grant application
To simplify the process, we recently launched a straightforward application form. You can request funding using the new grant application.
What kinds of projects can a grant support?
Grants are intended for concrete activities that strengthen learning, visibility, and community engagement. Examples include:
- rental of space for meetings, courses, or public programs
- printed outreach materials (posters, flyers, beginner guides)
- basic materials for “Try Esperanto” events or information tables at local events
- modest costs for outreach and reaching new audiences
- technical needs for public talks or hybrid meetings (as appropriate)
Tip: The strongest applications clearly explain (1) what you plan to do, (2) how much it will cost, and (3) how you will know the project is successful.
What we look for in a strong request
We aim to be fair, consistent, and transparent. A strong application typically:
- Has a clear goal (e.g., a series of meetups, a beginner course, a public lecture)
- Includes a realistic budget (what the expenses are and why they are necessary)
- Describes the expected impact (how many participants you expect, how many new contacts you aim to reach, and whether follow‑up activities are planned)
- Aligns with Esperanto‑USA’s mission: learning, community, and sustainable local presence
Accountability without unnecessary bureaucracy
We want this program to support volunteers—not burden them. At the same time, because these are organizational funds, basic accountability is necessary.
After the project, we generally ask for:
- a brief report (what took place, how many people attended, what you learned)
- basic documentation for major expenses (such as receipts or payment confirmations), as needed
- ideally, a short article submitted to Usona Esperantisto for publication
This protects both you and the organization, and it helps us show the membership: “This is how budgeted funds turned into real, local movement‑building.”
Invitation to clubs: propose, test, and grow
If your club has an idea—even if it is not yet perfectly polished—I encourage you to submit an application. A small, well‑planned grant can be the difference between “we would like to do something” and “we actually did it.”
Once again, here is the grant application.