National Convention Assistance Application | National Federation of the Blind of Missouri

National Convention Assistance Request Form

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’ 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. This application must be submitted no later than 5:00 pm Central Time on May 20 to be considered. All applicants will be notified within a few days of the deadline of the committee’s decision.

Eugene Coulter, Rittgers Committee Chair
Phone:573-474-3226

BYLAWS REGARDING CONVENTION STIPENDS

1.07 Affiliate Scholarships, Rittgers Funding, or National Convention Stipends which require attendance at any convention shall not be awarded to any person who has not attained their 18th birthday prior to the convention unless accompanied by their parent or guardian.

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.

5.20 National Convention stipends

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.

5.22 If funds are available, the Rittgers Committee will accept the applications and determine the individual allocations.

5.23 The application deadline shall be May 20 of each year.

5.24 Allocations shall be based on need, and first-time national convention attendees shall be given priority.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Address

Address 2

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Phone

Email Address

What, if any, Missouri Chapter/Division are you a member of? (check all that apply)

Columbia Chapter

Ivanhoe Chapter

Jefferson City Chapter

Kansas City Chapter

Lewis & Clark Chapter

Mineral Area Chapter

Show Me Chapter

Springfield Chapter

Will you be at least 18 years of age prior to July 8, 2025?

Have you ever attended a National Convention?

Have you ever received any funds from the state affiliate to attend a National Convention?

Are you receiving additional financial help from your chapter or other source? If so, what is the source and amount?

Why do you want to attend this convention?

How many nights will you be staying in the hotel?

What level of financial support would you require? Explain your financial circumstances.

I certify that I have read and understand all of the information that accompanied this application.

Additional Comments:

National Convention Assistance Request Form

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