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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoPlainText> <span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Applications are now open for stipends for the 2024 National Convention to be held in Orlando, Florida July 3-8, 2024. Stipends are based on financial need and, therefore, those applying for funding should lay out their needs so that the funding committee can get a picture of your situation so we can make the most informed decision. Applications are kept strictly confidential and are shared only on an absolute need to know basis. Also, keep in mind that funding is very limited and will only cover a fraction of your expenses, but the hope is that it will be enough to make the difference on applicants’ ability to attend the largest gathering of blind persons in the world. Please read the bylaws below that govern the stipends. Those awarded the stipend will receive a check from the affiliate treasurer shortly before the convention Lastly an application does not guarantee any funding due to our limited resources.,. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>You must Email the application no later than 5:00 pm Central Time on May 20 to me at </span><a href="mailto:GCoulter@NFBMo.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>GCoulter@NFBMo.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> to be considered. Use the form that is attached to this message or the form below. All applicants will be notified within a few days of the deadline of the committee’s decision.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Eugene Coulter, Rittgers Committee Chair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Phone:573-474-3226<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>NATIONAL CONVENTION STIPEND APPLICATION <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.20 National Convention Stipends<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.21 The state convention shall determine if stipends should be allocated to help persons who may otherwise have difficulty in attending our annual national convention, as well as the amount available, if any, to be allocated. The chair of the Rittgers Committee shall send out a notice via email and on the affiliate website within five days of the end of the state convention regarding funding availability.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.22 If funds are available, the Rittgers Committee will accept the applications and determine the individual allocations. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.23 The application deadline shall be 5:00 p.m. May 20 of each year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.24 Allocations shall be based on need, and first-time national convention attendees shall be given highest priority by the committee. The next priority will be given to those who have never received a stipend from this source. If, after the above categories are determined, and funding is still available, the committee may allocate funds to someone with a financial need to receive funding to the convention for a second time. However, no one shall receive funding for a third or subsequent time unless they have a very extreme verified financial need, and a compelling reason to attend the national convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>1.07 Affiliate Scholarships, Rittgers Funding, or National Convention Stipends <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>which require attendance at any convention shall not be awarded to any person who has not attained their 18<sup>th</sup> birthday prior to the convention unless accompanied by their parent or guardian.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>4.15 When advance payment is issued, the recipient must provide receipts for expenses within fifteen days of the conclusion of the event. In addition, they must be accompanied by any funds advanced but not spent on the event. Persons not providing such receipts shall not be granted advance payment in the future. </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='color:black'>National Convention Stipend Application Form<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Complete and return to </span><a href="mailto:GCoulter@NFBMo.org">GCoulter@NFBMo.org</a><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Name:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Complete Address:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Cell Phone: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Home Phone: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Chapter: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> Will you be at least 18 years of age prior to July 3, 2024?: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Have you ever attended a National Convention?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Have you ever received any Funds from the state affiliate to attend the National Convention?:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>IS your chapter providing any financial assistance, how much, if known?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Have you applied for assistance from the Jernigan Fund?:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>What will be your arrival/departure dates at the convention?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Why do you want to attend this Convention?: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>What level of financial support would you need from the fund? Explain your financial circumstances.: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>I certify that I have read and understand all of the information that accompanied this application? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Your Additional Comments: </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>