Good morning, I serve on the board of OMSA along with Kristen and Jimmy. Would love to see some applications from NOMC’s come through for these funds this year. The deadline is fast approaching, so please consider applying with your creative ideas! Thanks, Dezman From: Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association <oandmassociation@136995985.mailchimpapp.com> Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 9:00 AM To: jackson.dezman@gmail.com Subject: Last call to apply for OMSA’s 2026 Pay it Forward Funds! <https://mailchi.mp/ac2bbeff2a67/upcoming-ceu-event-essentials-of-being-an-independent-contractor-17312110?e=d45877ebfb> View this email in your browser 2026 OMSA Pay It Forward Funds Supporting special projects to promote O&M For our third year, OMSA is upping the ante and giving away more cash! We have two awards, up to $1000 each, to give away, and we're looking for any individuals or groups who could benefit! Know of a group or individual who is doing something cool in the field and could use a little extra cash to grow their idea? Or, do you yourself have a project in mind you'd like to get off the ground? The more innovative the better! Let OMSA Help! Nominate that co-worker, friend, parent, organization, or even yourself to receive OMSA's Pay It Forward Funds! For example, know someone who'd love to attend a conference but needs help with the registration fees? Or are you a teacher who would love some funding for a cool O&M field trip or activity? Is there someone in your life who's not currently an O&M Instructor or GDMI but would like to learn more about the profession and has a chance to attend an O&M event? Is there a parent who'd love some additional funding to help their kiddo be involved in more community activities? The list is not exhaustive--all are great examples of how OMSA funds can make a difference! <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&id=aab6cf11f6&e=d45877ebfb> Check out OMSA's YouTube page to learn about past winners! Nominate that person or group by submitting a short video clip describing what your nominee would do with a little extra cash! Winners will be selected by the OMSA Membership Committee. How to apply: -Eligible activities are those that promote and support the field of O&M -Upload a video clip (no longer than 2 minutes) describing how the funds will be spent, along with a short application here: <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&id=19f9f899c4&e=d45877ebfb> OMSA Pay it Forward 2026 Nomination Form -An <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&id=45ccdc6126&e=d45877ebfb> OMSA Media Consent form for everyone who appears in your video must also be submitted Who can apply/be nominated: -Any OMSA member may submit a nomination (however current OMSA Board or Committee Members will not be eligible to nominate or be nominated for this award) -The recipient does NOT need to be a current OMSA member, or even an O&M Instructor Important Dates: -Applications will be accepted until 5 pm Eastern 1/31/2026. Only full applications will be considered (video, application, and media consent forms). No applications submitted after this deadline will be considered -The applicant will be notified by 4/1/26 with an OMSA invoice for funds to be appropriately dispersed to the winner -Winner will be asked to submit a subsequent video by the following April (4/1/27), demonstrating the results of their project, which will then be posted via email blast, YouTube, and Facebook The following rubric will be utilized by each member of the committee to score each submission: OMSA Pay it Forward Scoring Rubric 1. How well does the application meet the goals and intent of the Pay it Forward Fund? Score 1-7 2. How innovative is the proposed activity? Score 1-7 3. How much does this project benefit the actual recipient(s) of the funds? Score 1-7 4. How impactful will this be to enhance, promote, and encourage professionals in the O&M field? Score 1-7 5. How impactful might this project be regarding the perceptions of the general public towards people who are blind and promote knowledge of O&M? Score 1-7 6. What’s the potential of this project to promote OMSA membership? Score 1-7 7. What is the potential of this project to encourage OMSA members to actively participate in OMSA events and committees? Score 1-7 <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&id=a3ca8fef49&e=d45877ebfb> <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&id=122cfb8464&e=d45877ebfb> Copyright © 2026 Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association 10010 Winegar Rd Laingsburg, MI 48848-9326 <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/vcard?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&id=e8f07d7d08> Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? 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