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FAIRFAX, VA, April 29, 2026 – The Brad Sousa Impact Fund, organized by the AVIXA Foundation, is accepting applications for grants through May 25, 2026. Recipients will be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday, June 18th, during InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The fund was established to honor the late Brad Sousa, Chief Technology Officer of Forté (formerly AVI Systems) and a member of the AVIXA Board of Directors. It supports the AVIXA Foundation’s global mission through impact investing and strategic partnerships, with a primary focus on developing audiovisual and digital transformation professionals—and strengthening their understanding of each other’s interconnected needs. Through digital transformation, organizations and communities integrate technology into everyday life to drive meaningful impact and enable lasting change.

The Brad Sousa Impact Fund will award grants to:

• People in pursuit of educational and vocational outcomes
• Programs that impact society, community, and culture
• Partnerships that amplify missions of associations, community, and nonprofit organizations

Learn more and apply at www.avixa.org/impact.

In 2025, three grantees were selected from a diverse group of submissions and honored at InfoComm 2025 in Orlando, Florida. Rosie Riveters, Tech25, and WorkSource Montgomery (WSM) were given financial support for their missions. Their efforts provide hands-on STEM-learning for young women, address the demand for skilled AV broadcast and event technicians, and provide a cohort for career exploration and pathways to employment in AV and IT.

“Our 2025 grantees are unique changemakers in their own right. Each organization transforms lives and creates career pathways for more people to join our vibrant industry. We are excited to add to this impressive list, supporting similar impact around the globe again this year,” said Sarah Joyce, Executive Director of the AVIXA Foundation and Chief Global Officer of AVIXA. 

The Brad Sousa Impact Fund relies on a community of generous donors to fulfill its annual goals. To donate, visit www.avixa.org/impact. 

Image: AVIXA Foundation Logo

For ongoing conversations and news about the pro AV industry, visit AVIXA Xchange, a unique community for the AV industry that connects thought leaders, industry-leading solution providers, and innovative manufacturers with AV solution seekers.

About the AVIXA Foundation

The AVIXA Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization focused on cultivating a growing workforce on behalf of the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA). The Foundation does so by creating awareness of careers in the global AV industry; enabling potential and emerging professionals through skills training, scholarships, and scholastic support; and developing a bridge between the industry and those who want to become AV professionals. With the help of AVIXA members and the entire industry, the Foundation helps build a future with a diverse, skilled workforce eager to take on the challenge of creating integrated AV experiences around the world. More information is available at avixa.org/foundation.

About AVIXA
AVIXA is the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, producer of InfoComm trade shows around the world, co-owner of Integrated Systems Europe, and the international trade association representing the audiovisual industry. Established in 1939, AVIXA has more than 3,000 enterprise members representing over 20,000 AV professionals, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, consultants, programmers, live events companies, technology managers, content producers, and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. AVIXA members create integrated AV experiences that deliver outcomes for end users. AVIXA is a hub for professional collaboration, information, and community, and is the leading resource for AV standards, certification, training, market intelligence, and thought leadership. Visit www.avixa.org.