******Application Must Be Completed By Youth******

Requirements for Approval:

1. Applicant must be a Cherokee citizen evidenced by a submittal of a Cherokee Tribal Citizenship or “Blue” Card

2. Address of permanent residence of applicant must be within the Cherokee boundaries

3. Applicant must be at least 5 years of age and no older than 18 years of age at the time of application

4. Application must be turned in by applicable deadline with a completed W-9 signed by applicant.

5. Funds must be available because selection shall primarily be based on a “first come, first served” basis until the total money available is spent

6. Approval for funds will be contingent upon attendance at a leadership workshop (1st year applicants) or a financial literacy workshop (2nd year applicants) and the completion of 32 hours of community volunteer services.

7. Funds may not be available on an immediate basis as to when a recipient believes that they need them due to several factors, including completion of the community volunteer services, scheduling and attendance at the leadership workshop or financial literacy workshop, processing of the paperwork, etc.

8. No applications shall be taken after July 1, 2008 (assuming that money is still available)

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS: The Program shall award up to $300 for applicants, otherwise eligible and selected who meet income requirements with documentation attached for verification. All other applicants will be eligible for a maximum of $150

Application Process:

Step One: Submit a complete application within applicable deadlines(s) and meet the requirements regarding Cherokee citizenship, living within the boundaries, age, and approved activity for funding

Step Two: Performed 32 hours of community volunteerism services with documentation of activity and signature of the recipitant/entity of the services

Step Three: Successful interview demonstrating that the applicant understands the mission of the Cherokee Nation, the purpose of the program and the importance of community volunteerism. Interview questions for first time applicants are italicized and underlined, 2nd year applicant’s questions are italicized and bolded and for 3rd year applicants, must know the “Requirement for Approval”.

Step Four: Receive preliminary approval contingent upon attendance to a leadership workshop or financial literacy workshop.

Step Five: Once applicant has received funding and attended the workshop a one page description of what the recipient learned by participating in the program.