Family Participation Fund FAQ (MS Word)

The California Department of Education is committed to helping family members voice their opinions about education policy.

Through the State Improvement Grant, the Department established the Family Participation Fund to provide financial assistance to families. The Fund assists families who do not have any other agency support to become active members of decision-making committees, task forces and other policy-making bodies.

The Family Participation Fund provides assistance for family members to attend and participate in policy-making meetings.

Trainings, Workshops, Lobbying and Conferences are NOT paid for under this program.

TO QUALIFY FOR FUNDING,
Families must:

• Have a child with disabilities.
• Attend local, regional or statewide meetings to provide their ideas to decision makers about education policy.
  These meetings include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • The Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC);
  • The Regional Coordinating Councils;
  • The State Special Education Advisory Committees;
  • Task forces/committees where families provide input on issues affecting the education of children with disabilities, to appropriate decision makers.

Trainings, Workshops, Lobbying and Conferences
are NOT included in this program.

• One person per household per activity may apply for stipend and reimbursement.
• $1,000.00 per person per year maximum.
• Will not be receiving a stipend from the agency conducting the meeting
• Total number of meetings reimbursable per month is two (2) meetings
• Applications must be received within 30 days of the meeting that was attended.

While every effort will be made to honor all requests for funds, the Family Participation Fund is limited and there is no guarantee of funding to any applicant.

Please note that fund policies may be changed at any time to more effectively achieve the goals of the State Improvement Grant.

If you would like more information about the Family Participation Fund or would like to appeal a decision or file a complaint regarding Fund, please contact us or call us at 916-325-1690 Ext. 306

THERE ARE THREE FORMS TO BE FILLED OUT

1. STIPEND REQUEST

Trainings, Workshops, Lobbying and Conferences are NOT included in this program. If you are receiving a stipend from the agency conducting the meeting, you are not eligible for the Family Participation Fund.

STIPENDS: Payment is per meeting and may be applied for in advance or may be requested after attending the meeting.

1/2 Day Meeting – $50
Full/Multiple Day Meeting – $100 per full day

Download stipend form in English (MS Word)
Baje la forma de reembolso en Español (MS Word)

2. REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF OTHER EXPENSES

Trainings, Workshops, Lobbying and Conferences are NOT included in this program. If you are receiving a stipend from the agency conducting the meeting, you are not eligible for the Family Participation Fund.

Reimbursements are available only after attendance, and can include Airfare, Bus/Train Fare, Car Mileage, Lodging, Meals and Childcare. (Certain limitations may apply.) RECEIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH ALL REIMBURSEMENT CLAIMS

Download expense form in English (MS Word)
Baje la forma de otros gastos en Español (MS Word)

3. FAMILY PARTICIPATION FUND SURVEY

This survey helps us gather information about your participation in meetings and other activities that were paid for by this fund. This information is used to evaluate program efficiency and is in no way tied to funding eligibility. Your evaluation is very important to the California Department of Education.

Download survey in English (MS Word)
Baje el cuestionario en Español (MS Word)