SHFM Foundation Programs

SHFM Foundation Food and Hospitality Course Funding grants are available for up to $2,500 to support the education of future foodservice and hospitality managers in the industry that focuses on the corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality segment (onsite / non-commercial / managed services foodservice segments). Three (3) SHFM Foundation Course Funding grants are available annually. 

In honor and memory of long-time SHFM Foundation leader and Johnson & Wales University professor, William “Bill” Day, one of the four grants has been permanently named “The William J. Day Memorial Course Funding Grant”. Bill passed away after a battle with cancer.

In order to qualify, an application must be completed during the program application cycle. In addition to the application, applicants must also submit the required materials and describe how you will use the funds provided. Applications for this program go-live in September of each year. 

Course Funding Guidelines/Examples

• The purchase of textbooks and published materials focused on the onsite / non-commercial / managed services foodservice segments for use by students at no cost.
• Purchase of research, case studies, computer programs and other items focused on onsite / non-commercial / managed services foodservice segments.
• Purchase of supplies and resources for student semester projects focused on onsite / non-commercial / managed services foodservice segments.
• Trade magazine and other subscriptions focused on onsite / non-commercial / managed services foodservice segment.
• Transportation and meals for student field visits to corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality operations (onsite / non-commercial / managed services foodservice segment).
• Other areas of funding are subject to approval by the SHFM Foundation and must be focused on onsite / non-commercial / managed services foodservice segments.

Questions about this program can be directed to Executive Director, Tony Butler at tbutler@hqtrs.com.

The newest program from the Foundation is to establish relationships with higher education institutions in order to educate and inform students, the future leaders in our industry, on the benefits and creativity of the Workplace Amenities and Foodservice industry. This segment of the foodservice and hospitality industry where hospitality creativity is endless in an environment which can provide a high-quality of life for individuals seeking a work-life balance.Preparing students for real world experiences in the workplace is critical to their success. By necessity, the workplace hospitality industry is changing rapidly. Our organization provides and early entry point with access to key thought leaders, actionable insights and important trends that are shaping the future. Some of the specific elements that student chapters have access to are as follows: Conference: Active students will have an opportunity to attend our SHFM National Conference and experience Student Programming each year at the conference. Each year prior to National Conference, a virtual meeting would be held with a panel discussion for students to make the most of their conference participation.  SHFM Foundation Affiliation: Universities looking to partner with SHFM can do so in a number of ways, including course funding, student chapters, and other engagement opportunities. Guest Speakers: SHFM key members, can be coordinated to participate in monthly chapter meetings. Topics can range from “a day in the life” shared by one of our younger “Rising Stars” to a strategic outlook for the industry post-Covid and beyond. Educational Content: Resources include our website which provides unique primary research regarding industry trends, access to podcosts (Served by SHFM) and access to industry experts with live Q&A sessions with some of the biggest names in our industry. Other Networking Opportunities: Student involvement in virtual webinars and information series throughout the academic year.  Students are our future and we are excited to invite them in to help them better understand our segment of the hospitality industry! We would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you and your institution about the benefits of having a SHFM chapter on your campus. For information about this program contact our Executive Director, Tony Butler at tbutler@hqtrs.com.

Through an application program, the SHFM Foundation will select and pair students and military members from our affiliates with leaders within SHFM. Participants from the fellowship program will be provided admission to the National Conference event on behalf of the Foundation.

Additionally, fellowship program participants will be able to attend one addition SHFM event during the year (including: Young Professional Summit and Critical Issues Conference. The fellow and mentor will meet at these events, if both are in attendance. The meeting will be facilitated by Student Affiliation Chair and Foundation Chair prior to event start. The fellow will also be given a one-year SHFM membership.

Student and Military Fellowship Program 

Students who are members of our Student Affiliations/Chapters or affiliated with the SHFM Foundation may apply for funding to attendee the SHFM National Conference. 

This same program is available to active-duty military and those individuals who are exiting the armed forces to join the workforce. 

Applications are accepted annually and provides the benefits detailed below. Finally, applications for this program go-live in January each year. 

Program Benefits

• Complimentary registration at National Conference, plus airfare, hotel and ground transportation to and from the event (travel policy rules apply*)

• Complimentary registration for another SHFM event (Critical Issues Conference and Young Professional Summit (2 Day Event), plus airfare, hotel, and ground transportation to and from the event (travel policy rules apply*)

• Complimentary SHFM Membership for the Year

• Access to mentors, including executives, suppliers and SHFM Leadership (before, during and after event)

• Opportunity to build a network and explore career opportunities 
• Opportunity for recognition

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be a current student at a higher education institution, majoring in Food & Beverage, Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Event Management, or similar

• Student applicants must have the recommendation of a faculty member

• Military Applicants must be an active-duty military member or recent former military member seeking employment within the Workplace Amenities and Foodservice Industry. NOTE: Funding guidelines vary for military members and must be approved by leadership.

• Program participants shall agree to active student or military membership in SHFM for a minimum of one year. 

Questions about this program can be directed to Executive Director, Tony Butler at tbutler@hqtrs.com.

Review the fellowship program guidelines here.

Download the application here.

The Military/Hennessy Traveler Program was created to promote educational opportunities for members of the U. S. Armed Forces serving in hospitality assignments. The program provides encouragement and support for those members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have an interest in pursuing career opportunities in foodservice hospitality upon their departure from military service. The partnership of civilian foodservice organizations like SHFM is invaluable to the men and women in uniform that benefit from our career mentorship and ongoing advice.

SHFM and the SHFM Foundation is proud to have been a part of the Military Traveler Program since its inception through the legacy associations who merged to create SHFM. Our first traveler participated in 1957! Today, the tour is still designed to find the best dining facility in the Armed Forces, and in the process discover outstanding young military men and women who the evaluation team determine to be the most deserving of special recognition which consists of attending the NRA Show in Chicago for recognition and training and also attendance at the Armed Forces Forum for Culinary Excellence held at the CIA, Greystone in Napa each year.

Hear from Dick Hynes about the History of the Traveler Program 

View all the Past Military/Hennessy Travelers

Questions about this program can be directed to Executive Director, Tony Butler at tbutler@hqtrs.com.

The We Care program allows SHFM members to support a member of the military by purchasing goods, packing and sending a very much appreciated Care Package to an Active-Duty Service Member. Many of our Air Force Personnel, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers are deployed, far from home, in areas with limited access to retail convenience items, the everyday things we take for granted.

Questions about this program can be directed to Executive Director, Tony Butler at tbutler@hqtrs.com.

Learn more about the We Care Program here!