FMIGs can take advantage of the two programs listed below to receive funding for programming. FMIGs should also explore local funding streams such as through their state chapter, local community foundations and medical school. For information on individual fundraising efforts, see the FMIG Manual.

The 2012 FMIG Funding Initiative application cycle is closed. The 2013 application cycle will open August 1, 2013.

Family Medicine Interest Groups at all U.S. allopathic medical schools and branch campuses are eligible for a $600 grant from the AAFP and the AAFP Foundation to put toward their group's operation in whatever way they see fit. The purpose of the program is to provide crucial funding to FMIGs to work on the front lines at their colleges and enhance student interest in family medicine.

In order to qualify, FMIGs must:

• Complete and submit an application that brings together information from the FMIG, its medical school and its state AFP chapter (1-page PDF; About PDFs);

• Complete the online FMIG faculty advisor / activity survey;

• Host at least one presentation on what family medicine is or innovations in family medicine (e.g., PCMH), or orchestrate and complete a project in community service or advocacy.

• Download and administer pre-event surveys and post-event surveys during the chosen activity (1-page PDFs; About PDFs);

• Complete the program evaluation form provided by the AAFP (1-page Word document; About Downloading), and;

• Complete an end-of-year online community service survey provided by the AAFP by May 31, 2013.

For answers to frequently asked questions, as well as ideas for FMIG programming, presentations, speakers' notes, resources for community service and advocacy projects and other helpful materials, visit the Funding Initiative Ideas and Resources page.

In the 2011-12 academic year 138 FMIGs applied for the FMIG Funding Initiative grants — a number that is trending upward. More than half of the schools reported the FMIG Funding Initiative as a major source of FMIG funding.

Questions? Email Ashley Bentley or call (800) 274-2237, ext. 6725.

Students who are AAFP members can sign up to be the designated Student Membership Coordinator for their medical school. In doing so, your FMIG will receive numerous materials from the AAFP and earn incentives for increasing AAFP student membership.  Both the membership coordinator and the FMIG earn incentives.

Incentives for FMIGs:    

• 25 new AAFP student applications - $25
• 50 new AAFP student applications - $50
• 75 new AAFP student applications - $75
• 100 new AAFP student applications - $100
• 150 new AAFP student applications - $150

Each time the FMIG earns an incentive, the Student Membership Coordinator chooses to receive a $20 gift card to Amazon.com, iTunes or Starbucks.

For more information, please contact Julie Herzog in AAFP's membership division.