Area 5 Scholarship Policy: Definitions and Clarifications

Purpose: To provide financial support for qualified attendees to any Area 5 or National Handbell Musicians of America events

Definition: “Scholarship” is defined by Area 5 as the full cost of registration for an event. Travel, lodging, meals, incidentals, and any fees beyond the cost of registration are not included in Area 5 scholarships.

Policy: Scholarships shall be awarded annually, with the application period opening on Oct. 1 and closing on Nov. 15. All Scholarship award decisions shall be made by the Area 5 Scholarship Committee.

Timeline: The scholarship application period will open on Oct. 1 and close on Nov. 15.

    • Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 15 to be considered.
    • The Area 5 Scholarship Committee will notify applicants of their decision within six weeks of the submission deadline.

Policy Details

  1. “Qualified attendees/applicants” are those who fit the following criteria:
    1. Reside in Area 5 (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia)
    2. Show some background in handbells (e.g. ring in a handbell ensemble of any level or direct a handbell ensemble of any level)
    3. Meet the deadline for submission of 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 15
    4. Have not received an Area 5 scholarship in the previous 24 months
  2. Applicants who meet the following criteria will receive priority consideration:
    1. First-time attendees at the event for which they are applying
    2. Current members of HMA; membership may be either personal or organizational
  3. The Scholarship Committee will award scholarships up to the certified available dollar amount at their sole discretion. The Committee has the right to award fewer or no scholarships.
  4. The maximum amount of any scholarship shall be the published registration fee at the earliest deadline (e.g. “early bird”) rate.
  5. Recipients are responsible for their own travel, lodging, meals, incidental expenses, and any additional fees for the event not covered by the registration fee.
  6. Recipients are expected to submit a brief follow-up report of their experience at their chosen event no later than two (2) weeks after the event concludes. This report may be used by Area 5 to promote the scholarship program.
  7. Scholarship funds may be distributed in the following ways:
    1. Awards may be forwarded directly to the event registrar on the recipient’s behalf (preferred)
    2. Reimbursement may be made to the recipient (verification of registration and payment is required; should only be done when direct payment to the event registrar is not possible)
  8. Members of the Area 5 Board of Directors, the Scholarship Committee, and their immediate family members shall be ineligible for scholarship awards during their term of office.