[nfbmi-talk] Imagination Fund Grant

[Christine Boone]

Elizabeth and all:
Thanks to you Elizabeth, for posting this question for everyone to see, so
that all may have the chance to weigh in.  

I think that your idea about requesting a grant to provide scholarship money
is an excellent one.  This is a way to  support students who are working
hard to ensure that they have a future that is more than collecting SSI.
The connection with students will also give us the opportunity to assist
them in navigating the rehabilitation process, which can some times be a
challenge, especially when one is trying to focus on studies and all of the
other activity that is so important in college life.  

While I agree that the timing seems best right now to request scholarship
funds through an Imagination grant, I do want to say a word about Camp T:
This has been an incredible summer at that enchanted place among the lakes.
Through the generous heart of one of our most dedicated federation members,
the Federation was able to fund 3 camps this season.  These were Braille
Camp, Science Camp and Culinary Camp.  All 3 experiences provided fantastic
opportunities for learning and expanding confidence to the young people who
participated in them.  These kids will only benefit from such experiences if
we can provide them.  During this year, our 3 weeks would have been empty,
were it not for the generosity of our colleague.  I know that Camp T does
not really give back to us financially, but I believe it gives to us in
other ways.  Our members have been able to connect with young people,
serving as mentors and examples for them, and developing long lasting
friendships at the same time. Some of our number have been able to find
remunerative employment at the Camp, allowing them to save up some money for
the long school year ahead.  This summer's camp staff was fantastic.  They
were supportive, open, cooperative and wonderful to work with.  This Camp is
struggling right now and while I am not sure that we are the solution to its
troubles, I do believe that it is worth our while to support Camp Tuhsmeheta
by advocating for the continuation of its programs and substantial increase
to its funding through the Department of Education.  

Thanks for listening.     And for the record:
My vote is to write an Imagination Grant for student scholarships.  

Christine


-----Original Message-----
From: nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Elizabeth
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 6:08 PM
To: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] Imagination Fund Grant


So if this grant is due on September 1, then what do we as an affiliate want
to do with it? I know that our funds are vary limited right now, so I
believe it is important that we apply for this grant. I would recommend that
we apply for a grant to help the student division get their scholarship
program up and running again, or help out with the costs associated with
attending Washington Seminar. 
 
I am deeply opposed on the idea of applying for a grant to help fund more
camps at Camp T. They are a separate organization that is not a part of the
National Federation of the Blind, and I have a problem with us funding
programs for a separate organization when we have a problem funding our own
organization. We should be more concerned about funding our own organization
before we think about funding another organization that does not appear to
do much to help or support us.
 
What does everyone else think? It would have been nice to have a discussion
about this on the last conference call, but since that did not happen, I am
posting the question here on the email list. We need to make a decision fast
if we want to get in on this opportunity. 
 
Respectfully,
Elizabeth 

 
> Date: Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:27:13 -0700
> From: d_mohnke18 at yahoo.com
> To: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Imagination Fund Grant
> 
> <P>Hello, </P>
> <P> </P>
> <P>I e-mailed the national office and the Imagination Fund Grant is 
> due by 4:00 pm on September 1.  I was told the application is not 
> posted online but I did receive an application attached to the e-mail 
> I recieved. I forwarded that message to a few people but if you would 
> like a copy of the grant application please let me know. </P> 
> <P> </P> <P>Diana </P>
> 
> 
> 
> 
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