About the VRA Foundation
The VRA Foundation is a 501c(3) organization. The mission of the Foundation is to increase excellence in personal living and upward mobility of members of the Virginia Rehabilitation Association through educational assistance as they provide advocacy for the disabled population of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In essence the VRA Foundation provides Grant In Aid scholarships to deserving VRA members and their families, so that they can defray educational costs and further their education. It is a wonderful benefit of your VRA membership.
History
The Virginia Rehabilitation Association created the Grant-in-Aid Program with the establishment of an endowment fund in 1985 with an amount of $1,000. Fund raising began. Contributions continued to enhance the fund until by action of the September 1988 VRA Board the endowment was topped off at $10,000 from VRA general funds. All funds received after that is an addition to the endowment.
The committee began to administer the program in the academic year of 1988-89 and continued under the direction of the VRA Board until the Foundation was incorporated in 1992. Donations in honor and in memory are accepted for responses to family and friends.
Governance
The Board of Trustees as appointed by the Virginia Rehabilitation Association governs the Foundation. The organization consists of three officers and four additional members who are elected for rotating terms of service.
Funding
The Board of Trustees is responsible for an annual low key event to solicit the VRA Board and its membership toward increasing the endowment. In 1998, the Foundation Board members were given a financial challenge, which they met. In 1999 and 2000, the Board was given a $500 challenge for the Board and the VRA membership. These challenges were met. The largest major gift to date came in 1999 when the Miss Wheelchair Virginia Pageant decided to forgo the incorporated status and close down. The entire treasury of $2,433.56 was donated to the Foundation. Donations may be made payable to the VRA Foundation at anytime.
A donation of any amount is appreciated! We now accept donations with PayPal!
Scan the QR code on the screen or click the button below to make a donation!
As a reminder, the VRA Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 entity, so, your donation is tax deductible.
Application Deadline: June 30th, 2023
VRA Foundation Scholarship
Eligibility
Persons eligible to receive aid are VRA members in good standing or a child or spouse of a member. Applications and criteria may be obtained from any VRA Foundation Board member.
Online Application
Please complete the online application form to be considered for the VRA Education Foundation Scholarship or download and email to [email protected].
VRA Continuing Education Scholarship
Purpose
The Virginia Rehabilitation Education Foundation scholarship is a benefit of membership for those belonging to VRA. In addition to the traditional educational scholarship awarded annually to a VRA member or VRA family member, the VRA Foundation has established another category for scholarships; The Continuing Education Scholarship. These scholarships will allow members to apply for grants for continuing education opportunities. Each year, the VRA Foundation will designate the Continuing Education Scholarship to be given in honor or memory of rehabilitation professional. Email completed applications to [email protected].
Deon and Indya Hansley, 2022
"Thank you for this scholarship that helped further our academic careers."
Deon Hansley is one of the 2022 VRA Foundation Scholarship Recipients. Deon is currently a Sophomore at Longwood University.
Indya Hansley is one of the 2022 VRA Foundation Scholarship Recipients. Indya is currently a Senior at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Caitlyn Hewitt, 2022
"I’m extremely lucky to have received a scholarship from the VRA Foundation the last 3 years. The money has supported me in so many ways such as textbooks, meal plans, and rooming. Although, the most valuable thing I’ve gained from this scholarship is accessibility to knowledge from JMU that takes me one step closer to becoming a neuropsychologist. One day I’ll be Dr. Hewitt and I can thank VRA Foundation for getting me there."
VRA Foundation Board Members
Andrew Stowe, Chair
Mark Fletcher, Treasurer
William Sutton
Kim Shepard
Tyler Schreffler, Vice-Chair
Adair Jensen-Smith, Secretary
Jean Terrell
Rhonda Beavers-Chandler, VRA President/Ex Officio Member