Embree “Em” Learned Memorial Fund
The Embree “Em” Learned Memorial Fund is intended to support children who have disabilities or conditions that impair their development and learning. Always a strong advocate for educational opportunities, Em worked as a Paraprofessional in the Grand Island Public Schools Early Childhood Program and classrooms for children with Visual Challenges. She supported these students for 13 years beginning in 1979. Em retired in 1992 and had many fond memories of the experiences and children that touched her life.
Eligibility and Purpose:
The purpose of the Embree “Em” Learned Memorial Fund within the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation will be to award grants services or equipment to meet the needs of students with physical, emotional, or special educational needs.
Guidelines:
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Requests shall be made using the online Embree “Em” Learned Memorial Fund Request Form.
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Students must be attending a school in the Grand Island Public School District.
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Students must be in the GIPS Pre-School or at the Elementary level grades.
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Students must be referred by a GIPS Staff Member and the form must be approved by the building Principal.
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The request shall be for a student's physical, emotional, or special educational need or something that would help the student succeed in class, or connect the student to success.
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If other scholarships or opportunities exist, the student must have made an effort to acquire assistance through those sources prior to applying to the Embree “Em” Learned Memorial Fund.
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The fund is not intended to be a duplication of social service programs. Social Service funds include, WIC, Medicaid, SSDI, CHIP, Third City Clinic, United Way and Utility Assistance Funds and any other government funds that would duplicate the requested services.
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This fund will not assist with delinquent payments or debt obligations for students or families.
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Requests not eligible for fund assistance are as follows: utilities, rent payments, mortgage payments, medical prescriptions, car insurance or homeowners insurance, home or car repairs.
Grant Awards:
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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.
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Grants will be made payable to institutions, organizations, etc. on behalf of the student.
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Grants will not be paid directly to the student.
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Once the award is made, the teacher or principal who referred the student must process the request through the Foundation Office for payment, unless otherwise directed by Foundation Staff.
Donations:
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Donations to the Embree “Em” Learned Memorial Fund Fund will be tax-deductible.
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Donations to the Embree “Em” Learned Memorial Fund may be made at any time by any donor.
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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.