Industry Grant Program
Pi Chi Omega is offering Industry Grants to select qualified individuals who want to continue learning, further their career in pest management or promote entrepreneurial products that enhance the field of urban and industrial pest management. The object is to encourage and assist outstanding professionals to enhance our industry or their careers in pest management. Examples of activities that a grant would be considered appropriate for include, but are not limited to, conference attendance, college or technical level courses, other advanced skill acquisition, money for a new product creation, costs of publishing or disseminating relevant information to the industry.
If you work in the pest management industry and have the desire to grow professional and could use some financial support to get you there, apply for a Pi Chi Omega Industry Grant!
Industry Grant Application Process
Recognizing the need for professional advancement opportunities for operations, sales, service personnel, and others, Pi Chi Omega has created a grant program to help fund individuals seeking to advance their career path, training, or education. The object is to make grants available that can be used by industry professionals to advance their careers and, at the same time, elevate the urban pest management industry.
Deadline:
Spring Deadline: The 2025 Spring Grants have been awarded. Grant applications for 2026 will be accepted between January 1 and March 16, 2026 (tentative application deadline).
Fall Deadline: September 15, 2025
Eligibility:
- Currently hold one or more of the following: state applicator license or equivalent, state registered technician card or equivalent, ACE, BCE, Degree in entomology or chemistry, or other qualifications (please note these on your application).
- Applicants must have at least three years of pest industry-related experience and be currently affiliated with or employed in the pest industry.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: One from a person in a supervisory capacity and one from any person in the pest industry.
Basis of Award:
- Professionals who wish to enrich, enhance, and progress their Companies, Products, Careers, etc.
- Complete a Short Essay regarding: Character, personality, professional activities, and/or articulation explaining how this Industry Grant will better their careers or the lives of others associated with the Pest Industry.
- Include a budget that details the total amount requested, a breakdown of how funds would be used, and a timeline for when funds would be needed and/or spent. (Please be as specific as possible).
Provisions:
- Grant recipient will receive a letter of agreement outlining these provisions that must be signed, datedand returned prior to distribution or planning of the grant.
- The recipient is required to collaborate with Pi Chi Omega on an article and/or video for our newsletter showcasing what was achieved or learned from the grant award and how the grant has helped them. This will be due to the Pi Chi Omega Executive Director no later than 45 days after the granted item has been fulfilled.
- The recipient must use the funds for the approved activity, if not, the recipient agrees to repay the full amount of the grant to Pi Chi Omega
Named Grants that Support Professional Development & Industry Growth
Daniel A. Baldwin Industry Grant
The Daniel A. Baldwin Industry Grant, established by Pi Chi Omega, honors Dan Baldwin, BCE, CCFS, CP-FS, REHS/RS, for his significant contributions to the pest management industry. As Vice President of Technical Services at Hawx Pest Control, Baldwin has been instrumental in advancing technical excellence and education within the field. The grant was perpetually funded through a generous $50,000 contribution from Hawx Pest Services, following initial seed money from Trécé in 2022. Its purpose is to support professionals in the pest management industry by providing financial assistance for activities such as attending conferences, enrolling in college or technical courses, acquiring advanced skills, developing new products, or disseminating relevant information to the industry. The objective is to encourage and assist outstanding professionals to enhance their careers and the pest management industry.
Gene White Field Excellence Grant
The Gene White Field Excellence Grant was established to honor Gene White's significant contributions to the field of entomology. Recognizing his dedication and impact, the grant serves as a lasting tribute to his legacy. The perpetual funding for this grant was made possible through a generous endowment by [specific donor or organization], ensuring ongoing support for excellence in entomological research and practice. The objective of the grant is to encourage and assist outstanding professionals to enhance their careers and the pest management industry.
Grant Recipients
Daniel A. Baldwin Industry Grant Recipients
Samantha Malone (2025) received a $1650 grant to cover the ACE application fee and to assist with travel to PestWorld in Orlando, FL in October 2025.
Shofu Babalola (2025) received a $1,879 grant to cover the Pest-Insight for Schools program fee.
Sarah Layton, MBS (2023) received a $2,241 grant to take one three-credit course at the University of Kentucky to complete her master's degree.
Gene White Field Excellence Grant
John Steenstra (2024) received a $699 grant to take the ZOSI Internal Auditing Basic & Advanced Courses.
Corey "Wesley" Mallard (2024) received a $395 grant to cover the ACE application fee.
Help us Spread the Word!
The following PPT slides can be downloaded and used by any Pi Chi Omega member to help us promote the availability of Industry Grants that support professional development. Giving a presentation? Kick it off with a little teaser about the Pi Chi Omega Industry Grant Program!
