Beyond its fiscal support for new Honor Rings noted above, EDF has launched two new initiatives that foster Ring development. Funding decisions are based on EDF peer review judgments and do not represent automatic entitlements for Rings.  Both grant programs are experimental and will be reviewed after two years to determine future continuation plans.

 

·       Grant Support for New Rings. While Territorial Vice Presidents, the Ring Coordinator, and Ring Counselor can provide considerable advice and counsel as new Rings are being developed, these startups often lack the financial resources to afford guest lecturers. To aid in the launch of new Rings, the EDF Board has created a grant program that will pay up to $1,000 over two years on a reimbursable basis to fund guest lecturers. The money will be reimbursed to Rings once proper documentation has been received by EDF. New Rings are invited to apply for funding by following the EDF Grant Application Guidelines. The EDF Trustees will review the application and if it is judged worthy, will provide a maximum of $1,000.

 

·       Grant Support for Existing Rings. The EDF recognizes that some Rings may need to be revitalized. In such instances, modest“jump start” funding may help reinvigorate a Ring.  To that end, EDF invites applications for up to $500 to support new activities that will help rejuvenate existing Rings. Applications can be submitted at any time following the EDF Grant Application Guidelines. The EDF Trustees will review the application and if it is judged worthy, will provide a maximum one-time support of $500.

 

·       Fundraising Initiatives. EDF will expand its fundraising initiatives both within and external to I.B.M. The current fiscal status of EDF is reported at I.B.M. Board Meetings.  Further, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, our tax filings (990s) are always available for public review at www.guidestar.org; search for EIN 34-1181216.