The Winpisinger Center is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Chris Wagoner Memorial Leadership Grant. The grant aims to support local unions that wish to send current and emerging leaders to leadership training but may not have sufficient resources.
According to Official Circular 908, which established the grant, funding is available annually for one local from each International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Territory. This includes the Eastern, Midwestern, Western, Southern, Canadian, and Air Transport Territories, as well as Headquarters and vicinity, including the Rail Division. The grant covers all costs incurred by a local in sending a member to a leadership program at the Winpisinger Center.
The grant can be renewed for each selected local. A member chosen by their local can attend all four leadership programs—one per year—as long as they complete each previous program satisfactorily and the local submits an accountability statement confirming their participation in and contribution to local activities.
Seven locals across North America were awarded the inaugural Chris Wagoner Memorial Leadership Grant in 2025. These recipients included Local 550 from Surrey, British Columbia; Local 4538 from Towson, Maryland; Local 1894 from South Ozone Park, New York; Local 2916 from Corpus Christi, Texas; Local 104 from Huntington, West Virginia; Local 1613 from Vandalia, West Virginia; and Local W38 from Shelton, Washington.
The Chris Wagoner Memorial Leadership Grant was created by delegates at the 2024 IAM International Convention to honor Chris Wagoner’s contributions. Wagoner served as Director of the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center until his passing in 2022. He was a member of IAM for thirty years.
“Brother Wagoner, a 30-year member of the IAM, believed that expanding opportunities for Leadership training was critical to our future growth and strength as a union.”
Applications for the grant are due November 30.
