Consumer Stipend (Financial Assistance for Training)

The Arc of Illinois, through a grant from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, administers the Consumer Stipend Program. This program distributes consumer stipend funds to enable people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their family members to attend conferences of their choice. The conference must be directly related to intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Limitations:

Participants are limited to a maximum of five stipends per 12-month period per individual or family within funding limit.

• Any single conference is limited to a maximum of 25 consumer stipends or a maximum of $10,000 which ever occurs first. The stipends are issued on a first come first served basis.
• Organizations are limited to a maximum of 15 consumer stipends per conference submitted on behalf of people in their care.
• Anyone that has not provided complete documentation of and receipts for their consumer stipend received is ineligible for any further support until documentation is provided.

Applicants who have not previously utilized the Consumer Stipend will be given priority.

How do I apply?

The application form must be completed and returned to The Arc of Illinois with a copy of the conference brochure and a completed registration form.

The following guidelines apply for eligibility consideration:

• The application must be filled out in the person(s) name attending the conference, including hotel and transportation rates, if requesting.
• All applications and conference registration forms should be received 30 days prior to the date of the
  conference/workshop.
• Conference or workshop topics must specifically relate to developmental disability issues.
• Stipends are not approved retroactively for previously attended conferences.
• Submit your application and supporting documentation to The Arc of Illinois:
  • Using the online application below.
  • Or submit a paper copy to:
    • 7550 183rd Street
    • Tinley Park, IL 60477
    • Fax: 815.464.5292
    • Email: info@thearcofil.org

How do I learn if I get a stipend?

• The Review Team will process your application, confirming eligibility and funding availability.
• Applicants are notified in writing following the Review Team’s decision. Every effort is made to ensure the stipends are received before the scheduled event.
• Denials may be appealed in writing to The Arc of Illinois.

Requirements of Stipend Fund Users

• It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure that the original application form is complete. Where applications are incomplete, project staff will contact you to try and assist in completing the application. This includes the conference brochure, registration form, and total conference expense details.
• Funds must be used for the stated purposes.
• Unused funds are returned so that more people with developmental disabilities can attend more conferences.
• Receipts are submitted for all expenses funded through the stipend.
• Any individual or family that has not provided complete documentation of and receipts for a Consumer Stipend received is ineligible for further support until such documentation is provided.
• People using stipends must complete and submit a post-conference evaluation form and are expected to:
  • Use the information received through the conference attended to make a change in their life or to share the information with others.
  • Include on the evaluation form what changes have been made or information shared after the conference.

This project is supported, in part by grant number CFDA 93.630, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

Click below for a Consumer Stipend Application