Conference Financial Aid Information

While there is no fee to attend the conference, we understand that lodging and travel expenses may be a barrier for some to attend. Therefore, conference organizers have set aside a limited amount of funds to defray the costs of hotel, mileage and food for Greater Minnesota media professionals to attend the conference.

Who is eligible to receive financial aid?

To receive financial assistance, you must be:

1) A media professional residing and working in Greater Minnesota (beyond the seven-county Twin Cities region of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties);

2) In need of assistance to defray travel and lodging costs, and;

3)  Registered for the conference.

What does the financial aid cover?

Hotel room for March 18 and March 19 (reservation and payment arranged by MPR)

Reimbursement for up to $50 for meals not covered by the conference (itemized receipts required, no alcohol)

Reimbursement for mileage to and from St. Paul, payable at .58 per mile

How do I request financial aid?

Please apply here. If you have questions, contact Ka Vang, project manager, by phone at 651.290.1395 or by email at ka@narrativechange.news. She will follow up with you within one business day.

When is the deadline to apply?

March 13, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.

More than one person from my media organization wants to attend the conference; can we all apply for assistance?

We are asking that organizations limit their financial aid requests to two (2) individuals per organization.

What is the criteria for determining who receives financial aid?

Financial aid will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. You must also be a media professional residing and working in Greater Minnesota (beyond the seven-county Twin Cities region of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties);

How will I know if I am approved to receive financial aid?

Conference organizers will email you within two business days of receiving your application notifying you whether or not you have been approved to receive financial aid.

I am approved to receive financial aid, now what?

Conference organizers will book and pre-pay for your hotel stay. You will need to keep track of your mileage. You will need to keep all meal receipts (no alcohol). You will need to email your mileage and meal receipts to Project Manager Ka Vang, kvang@americanpublicmedia.org NO LATER THAN MARCH 30, 2019. You will receive your reimbursement check within 30 days of submitting receipts and mileage.

I was approved for financial aid, but I can no longer attend? What do I do?

If you are unable to attend the conference, PLEASE notify Ka Vang immediately at ka@narrativechange.news so that we can provide assistance to another conference attendee. You also need to cancel your registration through Ticketbud.

Additional Questions? If you have questions, please contact Ka Vang, project director, by phone at 651.290.1395 or by email her at ka@narrativechange.news.