Start Your Field Day Planning / via ARRL
The 2024 ARRL Field Day is June 22 and 23 and is always one of the biggest operating events of the year. Many clubs across the country say that Field Day is their most popular event for a variety of reasons. Some clubs treat it as a contest (even though no one wins Field Day). It is a great chance to see what contesting is like with much less pressure. Some clubs make it a training event for emergency operations by setting up in a different location and trying to communicate with antennas using power that is temporary. Other clubs hold a family gathering for members and guests to get together and have fun around the radios. It is also a fantastic opportunity to show off the capabilities of ham radio to the public. Invite the mayor, the fire chief, the police chief, or other local agencies to come by. Get them on the air to make a contact or two. And do not forget the GOTA station. Give new or shy hams the chance to operate HF.
ARRL resources are available online at field-day.arrl.org. Do not forget to check out the ARRL Store for Field Day swag to help make the weekend fun. Get a t-shirt, a hat, or other merchandise to commemorate the event. Also, make sure to put your club’s Field Day site on the Field Day Station Locator at https://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator
Field Day is something different to all hams, but the important part is that you have fun and “Be Radio Active.” Be sure to read the “Club Station” column in the June issue of QST (the digital edition is available May 3) for some tips on how clubs can make Field Day their own.
Club Grant Program to Return / via ARRL
The ARRL Foundation Club Grant Program https://www.arrl.org/club-grant-program is returning for 2024. After receiving additional funding from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC), the next round of grants will be available later this year. More than $500,000 in grants have been awarded to clubs across the country. This program centers around club projects that are transformational in nature (i.e., projects that have the greatest impact on the local community). Previously successful grants concentrated on the recruitment and training of new hams, STEM programs, emergency preparedness, and amateur radio technology development. ARRL Director of Development Kevin Beal, K8EAL, said, “ARRL is proud to partner with ARDC to administer the Club Grant Program. These grants offer an opportunity to have a significant impact on amateur radio’s future.”
More information will be announced on all ARRL news outlets in the coming weeks. Now is the time for your club to consider if you have a project that could qualify for a grant. Start thinking just how your club can impact amateur radio, today and in the future. Grants will be available for up to $25,000 and will include reporting and media requirements. Stay tuned for additional information, and get ready for the next round of the Club Grant Program.
