The call for grant applications goes out to all members every spring. All applications are reviewed by the Executive Committee, who then submits a recommendation to the Chapter’s Board of Directors. Upon approval, the grant recipient will be notified to get the ball rolling. The grant recipient will be presented the grant at the chapter's annual Summer Celebration event in June.

The SMPS Pinnacle Experience grant covers full event registration, roundtrip airfare/transportation, lodging for three nights, and miscellaneous meals.

• Active members of the SMPS DC chapter involved in a committee or other active support of chapter operations
• Current DC member with a minimum of 10 years of AEC experience and five years of continuous SMPS DC membership
• Additional consideration will be given to those with CPSM accreditation
• Current SMPS DC board members are not eligible
• Past Pinnacle Experience grant recipients are not eligible

• Letter from your supervisor supporting your attendance and participation in the Pinnacle Experience, held October 17-19, 2018 in Dallas, Texas, should you receive the grant.
• Letter of reference from a current or former DC chapter board member
• Summary of your SMPS DC chapter activities and involvement to date
• Responses to the following questions (limit to one page):
  • How has SMPS benefitted you personally and professionally?
  • What do you hope to gain from attending the Pinnacle Experience?
  • Where does SMPS bring you the most value?
  • What value have you seen from obtaining your CPSM?
  • Other? If you feel you have anything else of value to share with the selection committee, please include here.
• Statement acknowledging that you will be required to compose a post-event blog on best practices learned at the Pinnacle Experience (to be shared on the SMPS DC blog) and that you may be asked to speak briefly at chapter events to share your impressions and experience at the Pinnacle Experience with others, and your agreement to do so.