Global security professionals impacted by pandemic receive assistance for certification and membership

ASIS International announced that since the launch of the program in November 2020, the ASIS Foundation has awarded more than 120 COVID-19 Support Grants to its global membership. This is a major component of the association’s efforts to address the global economic climate and those security communities hit hardest by the pandemic.

The ASIS Foundation Board of Trustees approved $100,000 in grants to be awarded to ASIS members in need, encouraging individuals who had been financially impacted by the pandemic to apply for a grant to renew their ASIS membership free of charge or to receive a complimentary online certification study program.

This program will continue through March 2021. Grant applications are reviewed by ASIS staff and all application materials remain confidential.

“Giving back to the security community is what the ASIS Foundation does best,” said Brian Allen, CPP, Chair, ASIS Foundation Board of Trustees.

“We recognize that security professionals around the world have faced unprecedented challenges and need support. I thank my fellow ASIS Foundation board members for their agility in addressing the challenges faced by our members throughout the world.”

Highlights from the program thus far include:

• 124 grants awarded to date, to recipients in 27 countries
• 76% of grants received were used for the renewal of ASIS membership
• 50% of grant recipients are located outside of the United States
• 24% of grants received were used for certification review courses

Recipients’ stories range from those who got COVID-19 themselves and now face high medical bills, to those who have endured pay cuts up to even 50 percent, those who have been furloughed for a month or more, or those who have lost their jobs altogether. Applicants come from a variety of positions—from front-line to senior level and business owners. Many worked in event security, hotels, airlines, and other industries that have been very hard-hit by the pandemic.

“This is a great example of ASIS leaving no security professional behind during these challenging times,” stated John Petruzzi, Jr, CPP, President, ASIS International.

“On behalf of our members in 158 countries, I would like to thank the leadership of the ASIS Foundation for their support of our global network of security professionals.” 

The ASIS Foundation was founded as an affiliate of ASIS International in 1966 to serve the security industry through education and research. The Foundation provides an opportunity to give back to security industry colleagues and awards more than 100 grants and scholarships annually to support security professionals.