Conference Participation FuND
Council’s Mission:
The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council is a public policy organization that advocates for the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.
What is the Conference Participation Fund?
Each year, the Council sets aside funds to assist individuals with developmental disabilities and family members of individuals with developmental disabilities with the cost of attending conferences.
A request for funds will only be considered if it is 1) consistent with the Council’s mission and 2) includes a specific plan on how information learned will be shared to benefit others.
Priority will be given to individuals who have not received Council funding in the past.
What can these funds be used for?
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Conference registration
- Transportation
- Hotel accommodations
- Personal Assistance Services
- Child care
- Other costs directly related to attending the conference
The Council has very limited funds to support conference attendance. In order for these funds to support as many people as possible, attempts should be made to locate other sources of funding, rather than approaching the Council for the full cost.
What can the funds NOT be used for?
- The Council will not support conference attendance that only benefits one individual or family.
- The Council will not fund attendance at conferences or workshops that are intended to design treatment or program plans for specific individuals.
Who may apply?
Individuals with developmental disabilities and family members of individuals with developmental disabilities who live in Maryland.
When can a request for funds be made?
Requests may be submitted at any time but they should be submitted well in advance of the conference. Generally, requests should be submitted 45 days ahead. However, the Committee that reviews requests does not always meet every month.
To ensure that you allow adequate time, contact Linda Nelson, to obtain current information on timelines. Ms. Nelson can be reached at: LindaN@md-council.org or at 410-767-6249 or 1-800-305-6441, ext. 1
Funding requests should contain:
- A letter explaining the request for funds including contact information for the applicant
- A copy of conference materials with information about: the sponsor, location, registration costs, and the agenda and breakout sessions
- A complete proposed budget, using the Council’s Conference Participation budget form.
The letter should include the following:
- Information about the conference, including: the dates, location, sponsor(s), and title.
- An explanation of why you want to attend this conference.
- A specific plan on how you will share what you learn to benefit others.
Where should requests be sent?
Send one electronic copy to: info@md-council.org
and send one copy to: Brian Cox, Executive Director
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1300
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
If it is not possible for you to send an electronic copy; one hard copy sent to the address above is sufficient. You must note that you are unable to send an electronic copy.
PLEASE NOTE: All applicants will be notified by email when the electronic version of their funding request is received by the Council. If you have not received confirmation within five (5) working days, it is your responsibility to contact Linda Nelson at the phone numbers listed above to ensure that your funding request was received.
How will you be notified about the Council's decision?
Applicants will be notified in writing within two weeks of final funding decisions.
Decisions are made by the Council’s Executive Committee and are final.
Please Note: If your request is funded, the Council will reimburse approved expenses when receipts are submitted.
Adopted: November 2006
Revised: June 2009
