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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Note: I misspoke at convention the By-laws state that applications for national convention assistance can be made until May 20. There fore the deadline is 5:00 central time on May 20. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Applications are now open for stipends for the 2025 National Convention to be held in New Orleans Louisiana July 8-13, 2025. 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\u2019 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=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>You must Email the application no later than 5:00 pm Central Time on May 20 to me at <a href="mailto:GCoulter@NFBMo.org">GCoulter@NFBMo.org</a> 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\u2019s decision.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Eugene Coulter, Rittgers Committee Chair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Phone:573-474-3226<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>NATIONAL CONVENTION STIPEND APPLICATION <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>5.20 National Convention stipends<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>5.21 The state convention shall determine if stipends should be allocated to help persons to attend our annual National Convention, as well as, the amount available if any to be allocated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>5.23 The application deadline shall be May 20 of each year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>5.24 Allocations shall be based on need, and first-time national convention attendees shall be given priority.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>1.07 Affiliate Scholarships, Rittgers Funding, or National Convention Stipends <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Convention Stipend Application Form<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Complete and return to <a href="mailto:GCoulter@NFBMo.org">GCoulter@NFBMo.org</a><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='font-size:11.0pt'>Name:<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><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='font-size:11.0pt'>Complete Address:<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cell Phone: <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Home Phone: <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>What, if any, Missouri Chapter/Division are you a member of?: <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Will you be at least 18 years of age prior to July 8, 2025?: <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Have you ever attended a National Convention?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Have you ever received any Funds from the state affiliate to attend the National Convention?:<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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='font-size:11.0pt'>Why do you want to attend this Convention?: <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>How many nights will you be staying in the hotel?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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='font-size:11.0pt'>What level of financial support would you need from the fund? Explain your financial circumstances.: <o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>14 . 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='font-size:11.0pt'>15. Your Additional Comments: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>