During the 1998-99 club year, the President was approached by a club member wishing to make a significant financial gift. The gift was to be used to award grants to photographers who displayed enthusiasm for photography and a desire to improve their skills. The donor also expressed a desire that consideration for awards be weighted toward younger and/or less experienced club members. To date the club has been able to award more than $3500 in grants.
Purpose of Fund: To provide educational assis-tance to members of the Bowie-Crofton Camera Club in their pursuit of excellence in the art of photography.
Funding: Initial funds have been provided from private sources. Future funding shall be provided by interest/dividend income and additional private contributions.
Fund Management: The “Grant Committee” shall consist of five club members as follows: (1) the current standing President, (2) the immediate past President, (3) the standing Treasurer, (4) one appointed member approved by the club Board who shall serve indefinitely or until his/her resignation or replacement by majority vote of the Board and (5) one member nominated and approved by majority vote of the general membership who shall serve indefinitely or until his/her resignation or replace-ment by majority vote of the general membership.
Qualifications: Although grants may be available to any members of B-CCC, preference may be given to younger members who exhibit a critical ability and a desire to excel in the art of photography. Applicants must be a member of Bowie-Crofton Camera Club for minimum of one year and must be actively engaged in club activities including competition and field trips. Funds are available for educational activities only and are not intended for the purchase of photographic equipment. The committee shall be empowered to consider exceptions to this rule on a case by case basis.
Application: Applicants shall submit five copies of the Grant application to the Committee no later than April 15th. All applicants should be prepared to meet with the Grant Committee if requested to do so. Applicants are encouraged to request advice and assistance from a committee member during the process of completing their application.
Distributions: As of this date, the maximum distribution in any one year shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2000.00) which may be disbursed in a lump sum or divided between various applicants. Award announcements will take place at the Annual Club Banquet in June of each year. The committee may choose to make no award if, in their opinion, none of the applicants meet the criteria or an award is not justified. No award shall be made beyond the limits of cash available within the fund itself.
Approval of Awards: Award decisions shall be by majority vote of the Grant Committee and shall be final. No increase in the prescribed amount will be considered.
Satisfactory Completion of Award Activity: Recipients are expected to provide satisfactory evidence of completion of the educational activity and are expected to present to the club at large an example of their accomplishments.
All members are encouraged and invited to apply to: B-CCC, PO Box 515, Bowie, MD 20718-0515 (ATTN: Grant Panel)
Grant Application Form