Howard Fund Disbursements

The disbursements from this Fund shall be for the sole purpose of benefiting persons who are blind in accordance with its stated purpose and scope. Only requests for funds relating to issues or needs of blindness will be considered by the board.

Requests to the Howard Fund must reasonably demonstrate and support the need(s) for financial assistance. Disbursement of funds shall include administrative costs to assist in the facilitation of board meetings, maintenance of client files, submission of applications, and purchasing equipment for client use. Funds are not to be used for medical cost. Disbursements from the Howard Fund shall be limited to annual expenditures not to exceed ten percent of the unrestricted account based on the fund balance at the beginning of a given State Fiscal Year. The Division of Accounting at the beginning of the state fiscal year will establish maximum amount of funds allowed to be spent in a given fiscal year in writing. Only the formal approval of the full board membership may remove this limitation on expenditures. The Fiscal Rules and the Standard Operating Procedures may impose further restrictions. All financial transactions must comply with generally acceptable accounting procedures, with the State Fiscal Rules, and with the Standard Operating Procedures of the Division of Accounting.

Disbursements shall be made for but not limited to the following:

• To provide equipment which will allow individuals who are blind to participate in rehabilitation and independent living related programs and services.
• To purchase equipment used for demonstration or training purposes.
• To provide direct funding, including matching funds for demonstration and innovation projects. The goal of these projects must be to become a continuing service supported by other planned sources of funds. These grants will be awarded no more than a year-to-year basis. Grants will only be awarded for direct services benefiting persons who are legally blind. These grants shall not be awarded to supplant lost funding streams or be used to expand existing programs or services.
• To pay expenses of the applicant's staff and also persons outside the applicant organization, including volunteers to represent the interests of individuals who are blind in meetings, conferences, training, or related activities. Per Diem and travel shall not exceed the current State of Colorado rate.
• To provide for developing and disseminating public information or marketing of the Howard Fund which will enhance services to persons who are blind.
• To provide for funding of other activities or projects which the committee deems to be worthwhile and fitting within the purpose and scope of the Fund.