<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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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>Dear members and friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• 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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• 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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• 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 <b>Holiday Inn & Kinnick Conference Center (1220 1st Avenue, Coralville, IA 52241)</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Once you have the above information compiled, you can learn more and apply for funding consideration using the below link:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blind.iowa.gov/about-idb/policies-guidelines/gifts-bequest-fund-guidelines">https://blind.iowa.gov/about-idb/policies-guidelines/gifts-bequest-fund-guidelines</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have questions regarding convention expenses or the application process, please do not hesitate to reach out.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 State Convention!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Warmly,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Elizabeth Rouse | Chair, Convention Planning Committee<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>