2026 Calendar

Blueprint Conference Grant

SHRM conferences allow HR professionals to meet one another, as well as learn and discuss issues and ideas relevant to their work. As such, members are encouraged to apply for SHRM Blueprint for I&D Conference grants.

SHRM Blueprint for I&D is a premier conference focused on building inclusion and diversity strategies that deliver real business results. Taking place November 15-18, 2026, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN, Blueprint brings together HR professionals and I&D specialists to explore strategic frameworks, legal compliance, and workforce performance. Attendees will leave with practical, enterprise-ready approaches to advancing inclusion in today's complex environment. SHRM-certified attendees can earn up to 24 PDCs toward recertification.

*The SHRM Foundation reserves the right to adjust the award package as needed. This may include shifting from an in-person to a virtual registration, changing travel stipends, or canceling the award.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an award, applicants must be ONE of the following:

• Employed (full or part-time)
• Full-Time Student

To be eligible for this grant, applicants must also meet the following criteria:

• Have an active SHRM membership through November 30, 2026
• Not receive any organizational support or reimbursement to attend the conference
• Not be registered for the conference
• Not have received a SHRM Foundation Conference grant in the past five years

How to Apply

Complete the online application including:

• Contact & demographic information
• A few short essay questions about your career and learning objectives
• A current resume
• A letter of recommendation

*The letter of recommendation may be completed by a colleague, current or former supervisor, professor, or other professional contact. Statements from family members will not be accepted. All letters of recommendation must be submitted by the recommender through the Submittable platform.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated and scored by groups of SHRM volunteers and reviewed by SHRM Foundation staff. They will seek candidates who are eager to learn and plan to apply the skills and knowledge gained to benefit their careers, their organizations, and their communities. HR professionals who are new to the field are encouraged to apply.  The review committee will select individuals whom they believe are most likely to leverage this learning opportunity. This process takes approximately 8 weeks and may occasionally take longer depending on volume. Please note, individual status updates are not available during the 8 week review period. 

All decisions are final.

Grant Distribution

SHRM Foundation Blueprint for I&D Conference grant recipients will receive one complimentary conference registration for SHRM Blueprint for I&D, taking place November 15-18, 2026, in Nashville, TN.

All applicants will receive a decision via email 8 weeks following the application deadline. Please note, individual status updates are not available during the 8 week review period.

Please note, the SHRM Foundation does not reimburse for any fees or expenses incurred by applicants prior to being awarded the professional development grant. SHRM/SHRM Foundation employees or board members and their immediate family are not eligible to apply for SHRM Foundation Scholarships, Grants, or Awards.