The R Consortium is excited to announce the 2021 R User Group and Small Conference Support Program (RUGS). We give grants to help R groups around the world organize, share information and support each other.  We are now accepting applications!

Find out details and apply now: R User Groups Support Program (RUGS)

Because of the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic on face-to-face meetings, the RUGS program has accordingly shifted its application criteria. The changes are intended to continue to support the energy and creativity of R groups around the globe but focus on virtual and remote solutions.

Changes to the 2021 RUGS program are as follows: 

• Free access to R Consortium Meetup Pro account
  • Manage and build events/meetings 
  • Analytics on events and networks 
  • Organize communications with your team
• Tiers of grants no longer specified. Draft a proposal including your requested grant amount and purpose

The RUGS 2021 User Group Grants program will award grants in two parts. First, R user groups not affiliated with the RUGS meetup.com Pro will be enrolled with dues covered by the R Consortium for twelve months. Groups will be eligible for a cash award of up to $500. 

The RUGS Small Conference Support program will award grants of up to $1,000 to conferences arranged by non-profit or volunteer organizations. 

In order to participate in the R Consortium RUGS program (generally smaller organizations), user groups must meet the following criteria:

• Have R as a primary focus 
• Adhere to R Consortium Code of Conduct 
• Use RUGS meetup.com Pro program to announce and track meetings
• One blog post per year 
• Completed W9 Form (US applicants) or Wire Transfer form (non-US)

To participate in the small conference support program (generally slightly larger organizations), conference organizers must agree to the following criteria: 

• Have R as a primary focus
• Adhere to R Consortium Code of Conduct
• Publish a code of conduct on conference website, including violation or help report option
• Acknowledge R Consortium as a sponsor, showcasing R Consortium logo on event site
• Post event blog post with summary of key metrics for possible publication on R Consortium blog.
• Offer R Consortium same benefits that other sponsors at the same level of support are offered.

For more information and/or to apply, please visit the R User Groups Support Program (RUGS) page on our website.

There’s still time! The 2021 RUGS program began accepting applications on January 28, 2021, and will continue to take applications through September 30, 2021. 

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