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Alvin (Eric) Haivala Memorial Fund
The family of Alvin (Eric) Haivala have established this fund in his memory. Eric attributed much of his success in life to the impact athletics and coaches had on him during his years at GISH. Eric graduated GISH in 1978.
Eligibility and Purpose:
The purpose of the Alvin (Eric) Haivala Memorial Fund within the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation will be to make grants to assist individual Grand Island Senior High students who need extra support to participate in wrestling. The fund can be used for individual items such as shoes and other athletic equipment, and sports development camps. The fund is not intended to be a duplication of social service programs.
Guidelines:
- Requests shall be made using the online Alvin (Eric) Haivala Memorial Fund Request Form.
- Students must be attending Grand Island Senior High School.
- Students must be referred by the Grand Island Senior High Counseling Office or Coaches and the form must be approved by the building Principal.
- The request shall be for individual items such as shoes and other athletic equipment, and/or sports development camps specific to Grand Island Senior High students.
- If other scholarships or opportunities exist outside the GIPS Foundation, the student must have made an effort to acquire assistance through those sources prior to applying to the Alvin (Eric) Haivala Memorial Fund.
- Student should qualify for free or reduced lunch. Note: This guideline can be waived if the principal/counselor is certain of the student’s inability to pay due to other circumstances.
- Requests shall not be made in arrears of the event (to pay back someone or a fund).
Grant Awards:
- A Review Committee appointed by the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors will meet as necessary to review requests.
- The committee's decision will be final.
- Grants will be made payable to institutions, organizations, etc. on behalf of the student.
- Grants will not be paid directly to the student.
- Once the award is made, the counselor or coach who referred the student must process the request through the Foundation Office for payment, unless otherwise directed by Foundation Staff.
Selection Committee:
A committee approved by the Foundation Board will select the recipients from the requests submitted.
Donations:
- Donations to the Alvin (Eric) Haivala Memorial Fund will be tax-deductible.
- Donations to the Alvin (Eric) Haivala Memorial Fund may be made at any time by any donor.
- Per IRS guidelines, donations to the fund shall be general in nature with no specific designated recipient.
Application Procedure:
Complete the grant application and submit to the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation. Grants will be awarded throughout the year as funds are available.