In the Spring of 2019, we saw the retirement of the Fund’s Founder and President for the past 30 years, Jeffrey Milham. Jeffrey’s tireless commitment to the Fund led to a remarkable set of achievements, among them the creation of the original Nuckolls Fund Grant in 1989 to expand college level lighting curricula; followed by the Lesley Wheel Grant, which provides grant monies for introductory curricula for lighting programs. These were followed by the Edison Price Fellowship Grants awarded for teacher enrichment relating to lighting. Additionally the Fund provides another $20,000 in scholarship stipends to 4 lighting students each year. This admirable work has provided a substantial foundation of lighting enrichment for thousands throughout the industry.
In 2010, the Board explored opportunities to expand lighting education with the New Grant Option. The idea was to provide individuals and schools a means for funding that would further the cause of quality lighting education but did not fall into one of the listed grant categories. The result was successful lighting modules from the “Lighting Across the (Design) Curriculum” work.
In 2020, the Jeffrey A. Milham Catalyst Grant was established. It is to be awarded every 10 years for a special endeavor dealing directly with lighting education and how it might stimulate a beneficial future for the lighting industry. This newly created decennial landmark grant is a compliment to the achievements of the 2010 New Grant Option.
This grant option in the amount of $50,000 will provide for innovative programs which can enact changes in furthering the development of lighting education in unique and challenging ways. The next offering of this grant will be in 2030.