NASSPDA Scholarship Fund Application and Approval Procedures
1. The NASSPDA Scholarship Fund had been established at the end of 2012 to provide funding for dancers who wish to compete in the 2013 North American Championship, expanded in 2014 to include IFSSDA’s World Championship, when it was held in North America, and as of 2018 is open to all dancers (members and non-members), who wish to compete in any NASSPDA sanctioned event (see http://nasspda.org/calendar/) and lack the necessary funds, especially with a focus on those who are new to the competitive scene.
2. The NASSPDA Scholarship Approval Committee shall consist of three persons: the President (Chairperson), Vice President, and Treasurer of NASSPDA. All three persons are voting members of the Committee. The Committee’s recommendations shall be presented to NASSPDA’s Board for approval.
3. Prior to each calendar year and no later than 5 months prior to the following year’s first sanctioned event, NASSPDA’s Board shall determine and announce the number of scholarships to be available and awarded for that following year. This shall be based on any amount rolled over from the previous year and a review of the balance in NASSPDA’s general funds, resulting in the allocation of up to 25% of those funds to the NASSPDA Scholarship Fund.
4. The deadline for submitting an application shall be forty-five (45) days prior to the date of sanctioned event. All applications must be completed and submitted no later than this deadline. Late applications may be considered under certain circumstances.
5. Former scholarship recipients may apply again, but priority will be given to applicants applying for the first time.
6. Applicants must meet all qualifications for scholarship as listed on the NASSPDA Scholarship Application.
7. The Chairperson shall notify each applicant via e-mail within a timely manner that the application has been received and is being considered for approval.
8. The Chairperson will share copies with each member of the Scholarship Committee within 15 days, asking for a review and recommendation within the next 15 days.
9. A simple majority for approval of NASSPDA’s Board is required. Board members with conflicts of interest should abstain. Members who abstain or vote ‘no’ are not required to give reasons. Voting must take place at the latest one (1) month prior to the sanctioned event applicant is intending to attend.
10. Upon completion of the procedure for approval (or disapproval) and verification of available funds, the Chairperson shall immediately notify each applicant via e-mail.
11. Once attendance and participation of the approved applicant at the sanctioned event has been confirmed, the approved scholarship will be distributed to the applicant by NASSPDA’s Treasurer, in person, by mail or through other means.
12. The payment of any awarded scholarship shall be reported by the Treasurer and recorded in the Minutes at the following meeting of NASSPDA’s Board.
13. NASSPDA’s Treasurer shall maintain a confidential list of all persons awarded a NASSPDA Scholarship, including name of applicant and date of the event.