The Consumer Participation Fund provides financial resources to support consumer participation in the development of standards, with a primary focus on health and safety standards. Launched in May 2022, the Institute-administered fund reimburses eligible expenses and fees incurred by consumer representatives participating in an activity that is related to the development of a new or revised American National Standard (ANS) sponsored by an ANSI-accredited standards developer. In 2025, the fund expanded to help consumers who participate as a member of U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) by reimbursing eligible TAG fees. Details are listed under "Eligible Expenses" tab below.
Consumers have a unique and influential role in the standards development process, however consumer representatives and standards developers alike cite insufficient funding as a major obstacle preventing consumer participation in standards development. Given the importance of consumer participation, ANSI has established the fund with the support of five founding sponsors from the ANSI membership community—ASTM International, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), NSF International, UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), and the Toy Association.
Please review more details about what expenses are eligible for reimbursement on the "Fund Background and Scope" tab.
To apply for reimbursement, please fill out the form on the "Participation Reimbursement Application" tab.
ANSI, with input from its Consumer Interest Forum, established the Consumer Participation Fund to encourage and foster participation by consumers—an important stakeholder group often underrepresented in standards development activities.
Both consumer representatives and standards developers cite lack of funding as a barrier to consumer participation in standards development (see roundtable report). Individual consumers, consumer advocacy groups, and public interest groups often are unable to cover the financial costs associated with sustained participation in the development of a standard. Many of these groups are non-profit grassroots organizations dependent on small and/or volunteer staffs and limited funds. The Fund is also for individuals; often consumer representatives who wish to participate are not affiliated with a nonprofit at all, and spend their own funds to participate. The Consumer Participation Fund hopes to help alleviate the financial burden for consumers and/or consumer group representatives who want to be involved in the standards development process. ANSI continues to evaluate the program and the needs of consumers as we determine eligible activities for reimbursement.
For consumer representatives participating in an activity that is related to the development of a new or revised American National Standard (ANS) sponsored by an ANSI-accredited standards developer expenses eligible for reimbursement may include travel expenses (transportation, hotel, food per diem – as per using GSA guidelines). ANSI staff will determine any additional allowable expenses at the time of application on a case-by-case basis and will determine and advise the applicant which expenses will be acceptable (and maximum allowable expenses) at the time of notification of approval of their application. As a rule, allowable expenses are determined based on the General Services Administration current guidelines. Also please note that for our reimbursement tool (Concur), we will require a W9.
For consumers who participate as a member of a U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG), if applicable, (TAG) fees are also eligible for reimbursement (no travel fees are eligible for TAG participation). For TAG fees, consumers should first apply for a fee waiver and/or reduction per the form on TAG procedures process before requesting reimbursement from the Consumer Participation Fund. If you have questions, contact Cleo Stamatos ([email protected]).
To apply for reimbursement of participation expenses, please fill out the application on the “Participation Reimbursement Application” tab on this page.
