To help our members participate in PCPI by coming to the annual meeting, PCPI established and now honors a longtime cooperative preschool advocate with the Marika Townshend Travel Grant program. The 2024 Annual Meeting will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana April 18-21.

We're pleased that you are considering attending the PCPI working meetings to network and learn with like-minded co-op enthusiasts and to exercise your membership vote.

Grant applications must be received on or by February 15, 2024. Applications must be SUBMITTED by the deadline in order to be considered. Applications will be promptly reviewed by the Marika Townshend Travel Grants Committee and awardees notified quickly in order to facilitate travel planning.

ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA
All PCPI members – individuals, schools, councils – are eligible for a travel grant to attend the PCPI Annual Meeting. Schools/councils may sponsor teachers, staff, board members or other members. Applicants must have an interest in PCPI activities and a desire to gain new knowledge and experiences to benefit cooperative preschools. Funds will be used to cover costs to attend the PCPI Annual Meeting (including registration, lodging, and travel expenses).

AWARD DETAILS
Grant recipients will be notified of their award no later than March 1 to allow time to finalize travel plans. Grant recipients will be reimbursed in US dollars after the meeting upon submitting expense receipts.

Grant recipients are expected to attend the entire meeting. Attendees should expect to arrive on Thursday evening, April 18 and adjourn by Sunday 1 pm, April 21. The agenda includes 10-12 hours of meetings plus the Annual Awards event and school visits.

PCPI has limited budgeted funds available for the 2024 Marika Townshend Travel Grants as well as funds donated in Marika’s memory. The number of grants and amounts for each will vary depending upon need and the fund balance.

Your application must include the amount you or your school/council can pay. This amount is subtracted first from expenses. Using US dollars, research your total expected costs, subtract what you can pay, and then you can request the remainder as a grant. For example, if you can pay $300 and total expected expenses are $1,000, apply for up to $700. If your total actual expenses are $900, $300 is subtracted and you will be reimbursed $600. However, if total expenses are $1,200, $300 is subtracted and the grant pays $700; you are responsible for the additional $200.