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1. How can I seek funding for my registration fee?
We can suggest several ways other community groups and people have successfully garnered funding for registration fees.
- Seek sponsoring organizations.
In southwest Virginia, community leaders were very excited about the professional growth opportunities that the Brushy Fork Annual Institute will bring to people; but they were concerned that no one would be able to come unless they were from agencies that had staff development money. However, within a few minutes from when the discussion began, a county leader agreed to sponsor someone from the county. Then the group decided to speak to the local church Lions and Kiwanis Clubs to see if they might sponsor someone to come to the Institute. Also, an agency director said he would pay for someone to come from the community. In just minutes, they had generated multiple sources for supporting participation!
- Partner with individuals who support your cause.
In West Virginia, a man planning to start a 501(c)3 saw the Institute as a perfect opportunity for learning the ropes, but he did not have the money to pay the full fee and lodging costs. He stated that three people were strongly pushing him to begin his nonprofit, and he was eager to do so. He decided to ask his three supporters to contribute $100 each, leaving him to pay only $100 and lodging.
- If you are a member of an organization’s board, ask the organization to provide you with training to improve your input as a board member.
In West Virginia, a woman looked at the brochure and wanted to attend the Annual Institute, but again money was an issue. Subsequently she was elected to the Economic Development Board, and at a meeting of the Board a decision was made to sponsor two people to come to the Institute. This lady was elected as one of those who would be sponsored.
- Challenge organizations and agencies in your community to support leadership opportunities for local citizens.
In Kentucky, a team of citizens was present at the local Chamber of Commerce meeting. This team had started its own local leadership development program as a community project, but they wanted to give community members the opportunity to attend Brushy Fork’s Annual Institute. The Chamber board was challenged to sponsor someone every year from the Leadership Training team to attend the Brushy Fork Annual Institute. They voted on it, accepted the idea, and are committed to at least one sponsorship.
- Ask for funding from special grant initiatives for nonprofit organizations.
Some foundations and other funding agencies offer special grants to support organizational and staff development opportunities for their grantees. One example is the Appalachian Community Fund, which offers Technical Assistance Grants. The technical assistance grants are designed to help train organizations’ boards and staff in building the skills needed to complete their missions. Get more information at Appalachian Community Fund.
If you have a regular funder, talk to your program officer about the possibility of receiving funding for staff and board development.
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2. Does Brushy Fork offer scholarships?
Brushy Fork occasionally secures grant funding for scholarships to the Annual Institute. At this time, we have funds available for community teams from counties in eastern Kentucky that are designated as distressed Appalachian counties by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). These scholarships are made possible through a grant from the ARC. We will post information here about other scholarship opportunities as funds become available.
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3. Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, you may pay with credit card by registering online (click the “Register” button on the left-hand menu of this page), or you may fax a registration form with your credit card information included. Brushy Fork’s fax number is 859-985-3903.
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4. What is a track in the Brushy Fork Annual Institute?
A track consists of fourteen hours of sessions that provide intensive training on a specific topic. We limit the number of participants in each track so that people can receive close attention from the track leader.
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5. Can I participate in more than one track?
The Annual Institute is designed to provide participants with fourteen hours of intensive training on a topic of their choice. The tracks run concurrently, making it impossible to participate in more than one. The Annual Institute is offered each year, and we encourage participants to return to future Institutes where they can register for a different track each year.
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6. Can I move from track-to-track during the Annual Institute?
No. Each participant picks one track and follows that track for the entire Institute. Sessions in each track typically build on one another, so that participants should follow the sessions consecutively in order to get the full benefit.
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7. Why must I indicate a first and second track choice?
Track numbers are limited and some tracks may be full when you register. In this case, you will receive your second track choice. We will notify you if your first choice is not available. Register early for the best chance of receiving your first track choice!
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8. If I decide I’d like to participate in a different track than the one for which I registered, can I request a change?
If you register for a track and then decide you would like to switch to a different track, please notify us at least three business days before the Annual Institute begins. Track numbers are limited so we have to be sure there is room in the track you are changing to and we need to be sure to have enough copies of track handouts and other materials for you.
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9. Can I receive a refund for my registration fee if I do not attend the Annual Institute?
We encourage substitution of participants rather than cancellation. If you must cancel:
- Cancellations received on or before August 24, 2012, are subject to a $25 administrative fee.
- Registrants who cancel from August 24 through August 31 will receive a $200 refund and a $200 credit toward registration for the 2013 Annual Institute.
- Cancellations after August 31 are not refundable, but $200 will be credited toward registration for the 2013 Annual Institute.
Credits are not transferable.
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10. What forms of payment do you accept?
For online registrations, attendees have the option of submitting online payment with a credit card. For those choosing to submit an offline payment, you have multiple options from which to choose. You may either contact Brushy Fork directly to provide your credit card information over the phone, mail a check for your registration fee, or request an invoice, the payment of which is due within 30 days of receipt.
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11. Where should I go for registration and check-in on the day of the event?
Registration | Check-In will be available on Tuesday, September 11, beginning at 11 am for those arriving early. For participants who do not register on Tuesday, registration will be available from 8 am to 9 am on Wednesday, September 12. All registrations will take place in the main lobby of the Alumni Building, which is designated on the campus map linked below.
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12. How do I get to campus?
We suggest using an online mapping service such as MapQuest or Google Maps to map the event from your departing address. The address for the center of the Berea College campus is 101 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY 40403. General directions are also available on the Berea College website at http://www.berea.edu/campus-map/directions/.
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13. Where am I allowed to park on campus?
You will receive a parking permit and map of designated parking areas around campus when checking in at the registration desk upon your arrival. This permit should be placed in the driver’s side rear window of your vehicle to avoid ticketing. If you prefer to receive these items by mail prior to the Annual Institute, please contact Beth Curlin Weber at beth_curlin@berea.edu or 859.985.3861. You may also access an online map of parking lots approved for Annual Institute use by clicking here.
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14. What are my options for lodging?
Please remember that you are responsible for reserving and covering your own lodging. Contact information for local options here in Berea include: Boone Tavern Hotel (859-985-3700); Comfort Inn (859-985-5500); Fairfield Inn and Suites (859-985-8191); Country Inn and Suites (859-228-0340).
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15. What sort of attire should I wear?
Participants are welcome to dress casually for the Annual Institute, but we always advise attendees to bring what they need to be comfortable. Keep in mind that session rooms may be either warm or cool, so dressing in versatile, removable layers is recommended.
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16. What if I still have questions?
Our staff is available to assist with any additional questions or concerns that you may have. If you need additional information or assistance, please give us a call at 859.985.3858. We’re available Monday through Friday from 8:00-5:00.
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