LETR Program Development Scholarship

LETR Development Scholarship Application

The LETR Development Scholarship is designed to strengthen the capacity of emerging and under-resourced Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) programs by providing access to meaningful learning and collaboration opportunities. Through the LETR Executive Council Growth Fund, this scholarship supports participation in activities that build knowledge, enhance skills, and accelerate program growth.

Eligible opportunities may include observing or participating in an established LETR program’s major event, attending a regional LETR training or conference, or engaging in other approved development experiences that support operational and fundraising success.

This application is intended for programs that demonstrate a clear need, a commitment to growth, and a plan to apply what is learned to strengthen their local LETR efforts. Applicants will be asked to outline their proposed opportunity, anticipated impact, and how the experience will translate into measurable outcomes within their program.

Funding is limited and awarded through a quarterly review process by the LETR Executive Council, with scholarships supporting expenses such as travel, lodging, and registration.

Section 1: Special Olympics Program Information

Requesting Special Olympics Program Name (Required)

Special Olympics Region (Required)

Special Olympics Primary Contact Name (Required)

Special Olympics Contact Title/Role (Required)

Special Olympics Primary Contact Email (Required)

Special Olympics Primary Contact Phone Number (Required)

Section 2: LETR Program Details

LETR Program Name (Required)

LETR Director or LETR Primary Point of Contact

Leave blank if not yet identified

LETR Director Email Address

LETR Director Phone Number

Section 3: Eligibility

Please select the category that best describes your program: (Required)

Emerging Program
A Special Olympics Program that is in the early stages of developing its Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). This may include building initial law enforcement relationships, hosting first-time events, or establishing foundational structure and leadership.

Under-Resourced Program
A Special Olympics Program with an established or developing LETR that is experiencing financial, staffing, or capacity limitations that impact its ability to grow, sustain, or fully participate in LETR activities and opportunities.

Established Program
A Special Olympics Program with an active and sustained LETR, demonstrated through ongoing events, consistent law enforcement engagement, and a history of fundraising and program development.

Please describe your program’s current challenges or resource constraints (Required)

Provide any relevant financial context (Required)

Optional but strongly encouraged

Fundraising total reported on most recent LETR Year-End Report (Required)

Enter total in USD. Leave blank if you did not submit a report last year.

Section 4: Development Opportunity

What type of development opportunity are you seeking financial support for? (Required)

e.g. Observe a Silver or Gold Standard LETR Program’s major event, Attend a Regional LETR Training or Conference, etc.

Name of the event, program or training (Required)

Location of the training/event (Required)

How many individuals are you requesting funding for?

Dates your team plans to participate in the event/training (Required)

Section 5: Funding Request

Please indicate the expenses you are requesting support for:

What is the estimated total cost to your Program for this individual/these individuals to attend this event/training? (Required)

Indicate total in USD

Total amount of funding being requested via the scholarship? (Required)

Indicate in USD. Max of $2,500 per scholarship

Section 6: Program Impact

How will this opportunity support the growth and development of your program? (Required)

what do you hope to learn or gain from this experience (Required)

What priority areas are you looking to strengthen? (Required)

e.g., fundraising, law enforcement engagement, event execution,

How will you apply what you learn, and what specific improvements or initiatives do you plan to implement as a result? (Required)

Section 7: Collaboration and Support

What is the name of the host program, event organizer or training provider you are hoping to partner/work with? (Required)

Describe any coordination or communication that has already taken place with the host program, event organizer, or training provider.
(Required)

Section 8: Required Endorsements

Please upload or provide the following documents:

Written endorsement from Special Olympics Program CEO

Written endorsement from LETR Director

Written endorsement from LETR Executive Council Regional Coordinator or Executive Council member

Written acknowledgment or support from the host program/event

if applicable

Section 9: Agreement and Reporting

Impact Report

Our Special Olympics Program agrees to provide a post-event report outlining outcomes and impact.

Sharing of Resources

Our Special Olympics and LETR Program agrees to share photos, key learnings, and program updates that result from receiving this scholarship.

Funding

Our program understands that funding is limited and not guaranteed.

LETR Program Development Scholarship

Funds participation in targeted learning opportunities, such as observing established programs or attending regional trainings. Designed to build capacity and accelerate growth for emerging and under-resourced LETR programs.