Grantmaking Focus
The foundation supports programs that are practical and directly benefit the hospitality industry. Of particular interest are efforts that apply rigorous academic research to solve practical hospitality issues. All grants are measured on the direct results of improved efficiency and efficacy for the hospitality industry. The Foundation emphasizes activities in the following areas and organizations that work in the following areas:
Research programs that improve employment possibilities and career advancement for those entering or incumbents in the hospitality industry.
Research programs that enhance efficiency in the hospitality industry.
Articles or textbooks that contribute to the comprehensive body of knowledge and/or promote industry practices, standards, and ethics.
Practical and applicable research projects with immediate benefit to the hospitality industry.
Eligibility
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:
General operating or capacity building for individuals or organizations with an annual operating budget of less than $1,000,000.
Programs or research 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.
Applicants must reside and conduct research within the United States.
Research teams are eligible to be awarded two (2) hospitality research grants from the TSYLF per lifetime.
Grant Funding
Grants range from $500 to $10,000 and are payable to the organization or institution and not to an individual.
Grant funding is dispersed in two payments. One payment will be made upon award approval and the second will be made once the research grant report has been submitted.
Apply Online: Click here to apply for funding for a hospitality-related research grant.
Research Grant Application Your completed application must include:
Current operating budget
Estimated expenditure plan
501(c)(3) nonprofit status letter or business license
Acknowledgment of terms and conditions agreement
Signatures of representative and witness
Letter of support/recommendation from a hospitality professional (not currently on the applicant research team)
A letter of support/recommendation must be submitted from a current or former manager, instructor, or peer who can attest to your commitment to the hospitality industry. The letter must be on official letterhead and include complete contact information of the referrer. Letters can be submitted through the tab below:
Please review the Research Grant Funding Approval Guide.
Grant Application Schedule: There is no specific deadline for the research grant applications or the research project duration as the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation realizes that research projects are long-term endeavors and that research needs can arise anytime. It is also understood that research results and report submission times will vary with each research study. TSYLF staff will check in with research teams after 18 months if a final report has not already been submitted by that time.
Reviewing Grant Applications: Completed applications will be discussed and reviewed by the TSYLF board. Applicants will be notified of the board’s decision to approve or deny a grant within 6 weeks of the application submission unless additional information or interviews are required. The Foundation may request additional information in writing from applicants. We might also consult with people knowledgeable about the proposed activities and we welcome your suggestions as to who might be qualified to assist us in our review of your application.
Please review the Hospitality Research Report Structure Guide.
Please submit completed research reports through the tab below: