SAN DIEGO NAMI SCHOLARSHIP FUND POLICY
Click Here for Application
Questions?
Rita Navarro - ritanavarro@namisd.org / 619-398-9850

1. BASIC POLICY STATEMENT

• HISTORY: In the late 80’s, NAMI San Diego accepted a donation of $30,000.00 to help establish the Scholarship Endowment Fund. Under the supervision of the NAMI San Diego Board, the principal amount has been invested and the income generated annually (approximately $2000.00) as the donor provided, has been awarded in the form of scholarships to selected clients of mental health services.

• PURPOSE: The purpose of the Scholarship Fund is to assist mental health clients in achieving their individual educational goals.

• NAMI SAN DIEGO BOARD INPUT: The Board designates the Scholarship Committee to coordinate the acceptance of applications and make awards of scholarships in accordance with the guidelines and procedures as outlined below. Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the Board will determine the amount of money available for scholarships in the budget for the coming fiscal year. The policy, guidelines, and procedures are subject to review and change at the discretion of the NAMI San Diego Board.

2. GENERAL GUIDELINES

• The maximum amount that the committee can award to any one individual is $500.00 per year. A year is considered to run from
August 31 through August 31 of the following year. Any recommendation to exceed the $500.00 maximum must go to the Board for approval.

• Awards are targeted to pay for fees and required course materials. Tuition is generally excluded as there are other scholarship sources for tuition reimbursement. However, in special circumstances, with the approval of Scholarship Committee members and/or the Scholarship Committee President, additional student needs may be approved for reimbursement.

• Awards can be made only to San Diego County residents who are receiving their education in San Diego County.

• Applicants can apply more than once for a scholarship award. Submission of documentation regarding the successful completion of coursework, or documentation from a school or mental health professional reference regarding the inability to complete the coursework is necessary to apply for future scholarship awards.

3. PROCEDURES

• Application forms for scholarships may be requested from NAMI San Diego. Completed form should be submitted to the Scholarship Committee of NAMI San Diego at 4480 30th Street, San Diego, California, 92116. The application is to be accompanied by a brief written statement of the applicant’s educational goals, original receipts, and a statement of support from a mental health professional reference.

• Application forms are to be submitted by August 31 for the Fall semester, and by January 31 for the Spring semester. Applicants will receive a letter from SD NAMI confirming receipt of the application.

• Applicants will be informed whether they will be receiving scholarship funds, and in what amount, by September 15 for the Fall semester, and February 15 for the Spring semester.

• Original receipts for books, supplies, registration, or tuition need to be submitted for consideration of reimbursement. For payment towards tuition, it can be requested that the SD NAMI Scholarship Committee fax a statement to the educational institution indicating that a specified amount will be paid after enrollment is confirmed.

• In accordance with guidelines set by the NAMI San Diego Board, Scholarship Committee members review applications, consult with applicants, and contact references as needed, with the permission of the applicant, in making determinations regarding scholarships. The Scholarship Committee may consult with the NAMI San Diego Board President as needed. Scholarship awards are normally pre-authorized in writing. In rare cases, authorization may be given by telephone with the approval of the Board President, and must be followed by supporting written authorization.

• The application and the Scholarship Committee’s written approval is submitted to the Executive Director who will provide authorization and disbursal of the scholarship funds.

• The Scholarship Committee retains a copy of applications and letters of approval.

• The Scholarship Committee will regularly report to the SD NAMI Board the amount of scholarships awarded during the fiscal year, and the amount remaining in the budget for scholarships in the current fiscal year.
• Scholarship recipients are asked to submit receipts for payments made from their scholarship funding to the Scholarship Committee at the NAMI San Diego address.