VRA Foundation

The mission of the VRA 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.

Since its inception in 1987 the Foundation has awarded more than $13, 350 in scholarships and this year awarded scholarships to four worthy recipients.

This year the Foundation Board set a goal to raise $1500 so that we can increase the amount of scholarships we provide in future years. Your contributions are tax deductible and will help to grow our base investment. This will increase the interest and dividends we earn, which can be awarded in scholarships We raised a portion of our goal at Collaborations this year and also plan to have an end of year fund drive. With that said, please remember us as you plan for your annual giving.

Donations can be send to Mary Kaye Johnston, Foundation Secretary-Treasurer at 4612 Kingsrow Drive, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060. Help us so that we can help others!

Bonnie Hawley
VRA Foundation
Board Member

One of the great benefits of your membership in the Virginia Rehabilitation Association is the VRA Foundation. The Foundation is committed to education, personal development and providing opportunities to it’s membership. Through an application process, the Foundation awards educational scholarships to VRA members and their family members. The Foundation is currently conducting a fund raising campaign so that we will be able to better serve you. Your contributions to the VRA Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, are tax deductible and will grow our principal investment, increasing the amount available for distribution. Contributions are accepted at any time, can be for any amount and can be sent to Mary Kaye Johnston at 4612 Kingsrow Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Since implementation of this current capital campaign, contributions have been made by members as listed under Important Links. Please let us add your name too!

Comments from Foundation Award Recipients

History of the Virginia Rehabilitation Foundation

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.

By action of the VRA Board in September 1988 the committee is to refrain from soliciting VRA exhibitors and advertisers, but to continue a low-key annual drive of the VRA Board and the Chapter membership.

Mission of the Foundation

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.

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 and mailed to the following address:

• ATT: Mary Kaye Johnston
  4612 Kingsrow Drive
  Glen Allen, VA 23060

Between 1988 and 2000, the Foundation provided scholarships to VRA members, spouses and children totaling $7,325.

Eligibility

Persons eligible to receive aid are VRA members in good standing, a child or spouse of member. Applications and criteria may be obtained from any VRA Foundation Board member.