A Unique Way to Make a Difference

By Jan Eberle Schaberg, Florida State Association Vice President

One of the most rewarding initiatives that the Sarasota Branch, Florida, engages in is a student incentive program. In 1987, the branch organized its first student awards outreach program, spearheaded by Sarasota art member Betty Altman. She donated generous amounts of her personal money and raised funds through the generosity of branch members. Soon, Sarasota began raising money through branch events. The program was titled “Student Incentive Awards Program” and is now called “Launching Leaders in the Arts.” Awards are given to high school seniors talented in art, letters, and music composition.

During the course of 35 years, the branch has learned much about state and federal regulations concerning such a program. One of the first things that we learned was that the branch should not use the term “scholarship” in referring to the program or in setting up funds for it. We learned that most scholarships are awarded through institutions and annually pay the recipients. Organizations such as NLAPW branches that raise funds and wish to support students by furthering their education in the arts need to refer to this kind of program as an awards program.

Keeping fundraising monies in a separate account is also essential. Funds for branch awards should not be comingled with branch operating funds. A branch can easily open a separate, restricted-funds account. While banking regulations may vary from state to state, in general nonprofit accounts are fee-free or have minimal fees.

Early in developing this awards program, the Sarasota Branch learned that contacting the high schools in our area and making direct contact with the teachers was the best way for schools and teachers to become acquainted with NLAPW, our branch, and our awards program. We learned also that making public appearances is a wonderful way to promote and raise money for the program. On occasion, the branch has donated art, books, and music material to schools and libraries to promote the awards program.

The focus of our NLAPW branches is to encourage, recognize, and promote the production of creative work of professional standards in art, letters, and music. An awards program such as ours is a very important method for a branch to fulfill this commitment by rewarding high school seniors seeking to further their careers in these fields.

I encourage all branches of NLAPW who may not have thought about this very special means of outreach to think about establishing an awards program. I will be very glad to help any branch that may decide to do so.