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.