[Tall-Corn] Possible Funding Opportunity for State Convention for 1st Time Attendees

[elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com]

Dear members and friends,

 

As we continue planning for the swiftly approaching 2026 National Federation
of the Blind of Iowa State Convention, our affiliate leaders are aware that
attending an event of this magnitude can cause some level of financial
burden. We want to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from
participating.

 

The Iowa Department for the Blind's Gifts and Bequests Fund may be able to
help offset expenses associated with attending the 2026 State Convention.
First-time attendees seeking assistance may apply for funding to cover
eligible convention-related costs, including:

. Meal and registration expenses: Folks attending all meals (Friday dinner,
Saturday breakfast, lunch, and banquet) can anticipate spending $120 total
for meals and registration combined.

. Hotel expenses: Each night at the hotel will cost $109 + applicable taxes
and fees. Our event will begin during the day on Friday, October 9 and
conclude on Sunday, October 11, so folks may want to consider staying a
total of three nights.

. Self-configured travel expenses: Many modes of transportation may apply
here, so we encourage you to explore various options - bus, driver,
rideshare, etc. As a reminder, our event will be held at the Holiday Inn &
Kinnick Conference Center (1220 1st Avenue, Coralville, IA 52241)

 

Once you have the above information compiled, you can learn more and apply
for funding consideration using the below link:

https://blind.iowa.gov/about-idb/policies-guidelines/gifts-bequest-fund-guid
elines

 

In case the above link does not make this clear, our understanding is that
you do not have to be a client of the Department to receive funding, and
requesting/receiving funds for convention attendance is not subject to
income limitations.

 

Funding requests are reviewed by the Iowa Department for the Blind, and
approval is not guaranteed. Applicants are encouraged to provide complete
and accurate information regarding their anticipated convention expenses.

 

If you believe financial assistance would help make your attendance
possible, we encourage you to apply early. Please feel free to utilize the
attached letter, which we are diligently working to make available via our
website as well. More information regarding registering for State Convention
will be coming soon.

 

If you have questions regarding convention expenses or the application
process, please do not hesitate to reach out.

 

We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 State Convention!

 

Warmly,

Elizabeth Rouse | Chair, Convention Planning Committee

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