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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=MsoNormal><a name="_Hlk126146296">Greetings,<o:p></o:p></a></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>Applications are now open for convention assistance through the Gwen and George Rittgers convention Memorial fund. Applications must be submitted on-line or by E-mail using the attached form by March 11,2025 at 5:00pm. Applicants will be notified by March 16 of the committee’s decision. The preferred application method is completing the on-line form using the convention assistance link in the state convention section of the </span><a href="http://www.nfbmo.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>www.nfbmo.org</span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'> website which should be available shortly. Applicants should make hotel reservations but should NOT register for the convention until after they are notified of the results of their application.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'> Rittgers Stipends are based on financial need and, therefore, those applying for funding should lay out their needs so that the Rittgers 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 part of your expenses but the hope is that it will be enough to make the difference on applicants ability to attend the state convention. Please read the bylaws below that govern Rittgers Funding.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>RITTGERS FUND APPLICATION<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>Complete and return to </span><a href="mailto:GCoulter@NFBMO.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>GCoulter@NFBMO.org</span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'> Name:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=1 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>Address:<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>City, State:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>Zip Code:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=2 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>Phone: <o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=3 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>What, if any, Missouri Chapter/Division are you a member of?: <o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=4 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>Have you ever attended a Missouri State Convention?:<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=5 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>Have you ever received any Funds from the Rittgers Fund?:<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'> Are you receiving any financial assistance from your chapter or other source? If so what is the source and amount?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>Will you be arriving on Thursday or Friday? <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>Will you have a roommate or are you willing to share a room? <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'> If you already have a roommate what is their name? <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>Why do you want to attend this Convention?:<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=11 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>What level of Financial support would you need from the fund?: <o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=12 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>Additional Comments: <o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>5.00 George and Gwen Rittger’s Stipends for state convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>5.01. s The state board will allocate the maximum amount to be <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>used from the fund by January 31 of each year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>5.02 An individual application must be made 30 days before the <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>beginning of convention by the person requesting the funds, or by their <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>chapter president, which explains the reason for the request.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>5.03 It is not intended that these funds pay the entire cost of <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>convention attendance, and the committee is only to allocate funds based <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>on need and will not use the entire allocated amount unless recipients <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>needs justify it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>5.04 The state president may authorize funding after the <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>deadline in extraordinary circumstances if funds remain in the <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>allocation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>5.05 Whenever practical, funds will be directly paid either to <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>cover hotel costs or convention registration and meals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>5.06 New or perspective members will be given highest priority <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>in their request.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>5.07 Persons who have previously attended a Missouri convention <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>will then be given consideration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>5.08. No person shall receive funds a second or subsequent time <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>unless they experience an unexpected financial crisis that would otherwise prevent their attendance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>1.07 Affiliate Scholarships, Rittgers Funding, or National Convention Stipends <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'>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></span></p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk126146296'></span><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>