The Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation offers hospitality association grants annually to hospitality associations or other organizations seeking to expand their educational programming and certification training. Through these efforts, the foundation aims to improve the professional lives of hospitality workers and help build the next generation of leaders. All 2025 funding has been awarded and the deadline for 2026 grant applications is November 15, 2025.
Hospitality associations must operate within the United States. The TSYLF board of trustees adjudicates grants of up to $3,000 for first-time applicants unless foundation staff advises another amount. At the board of trustees' discretion, applicants in good standing who have fulfilled all of the agreed-upon terms and conditions can apply for a larger amount in future grant requests. Annual funding is limited, and all grant requests are evaluated based on merit and community benefit against others received.
ATTENTION: Recent changes have been made to the association grant guidelines, application, and terms and conditions.
Hospitality Association Grant application: Click here to apply.
Hospitality Association Grant Awardee Reports: All hospitality associations will be on a reimbursement track and require a report submission for each educational event before receiving payment. Please refer to the funding guidelines for the approved use of funds. Submit reports here.
Your completed application must include:
Association information, background, and supporting documentation
Grant amount request along with an estimated schedule of how funds will be utilized throughout the year (include full names of certifications, courses, and institutions. Refrain from solely using initials or acronyms)
Acknowledgment of terms and conditions within the application
Signatures of representative and witness
First-time applicants- a letter of support/recommendation from a hospitality professional (not currently sitting on the association’s board)
Please have a hospitality industry partner or colleague provide a letter of recommendation or support about how you/your team have already contributed to your community and the hospitality industry and why this project would benefit the cordiality, growth, and development of hospitality service and education. The letter must be on official letterhead and include complete contact information of the referrer through the tab below:
Please review the association and non-profit Grant Guidelines here.
Eligibility: To be considered, the application must be complete, including all attachments and a letter of recommendation where applicable. The foundation may request additional information in writing from applicants. The foundation may consult with knowledgeable parties regarding your organization’s proposed activities. We welcome suggestions for qualified contacts who may be able to assist the TSYLF board in reviewing your application.
The Foundation makes grants to accredited institutions, industry associations, or charitable organizations that have been recognized by the IRS as described in Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), and 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation tends to make grants to the following types of organizations and projects:
The organization's proposed program's general operating or capacity building has an annual operating budget of less than $1,000,000.
Programs with measurable benefits for the hospitality industry for which funding may be difficult to obtain, i.e., smaller organizations with limited resources for fundraising, new projects, or grassroots programs. Programs for educational courses or materials that enhance the hospitality industry or bring community awareness to hospitality services & professionals.
Programs that provide occupational & emergency support for hospitality professionals of a specific organization. To associations within good standing of the TSYLF association grant guidelines & partnership.
Past Hospitality Association Grants have been awarded to: International Live Events Association Las Vegas Chapter, Les Clefs d’Or USA, Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association, National Association for Catering and Events National and Las Vegas Chapter, Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association, Vegas Wedding Chamber, Wedding Industry Professionals Association, Association for Talent Development, Benton Harbor Area School’s Career Training Education Hospitality Program, Salvation Army of Southern Nevada’s Culinary Program, Middlesex Community College’s Hospitality Program, and many more.