Only conferences, virtual or in-person, that provide an educational component and are located in the continental United States will be considered for reimbursement. Scholarships are limited to one conference every two years per family and only five scholarships will be approved for the same conference within a fiscal year. If you have questions, please contact us by calling the CSHCS Family Phone Line at 800-359-3722, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST) or email us at CSHCSFC@michigan.gov.

To apply, fill out the application and complete a brief budget describing the amount of funding you are requesting and include a copy of the conference brochure or agenda with your application. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days, but no more than four months, before the conference.

The review process may take up to 30 days and you will be contacted of your conditional approval or denial status. When you receive notification of conditional approval, you will also receive a Conference Scholarship Agreement, and a W-9 which must be completed and returned within 14 business days. Once this information is received, the approval process is complete.

When submitting information, you can fax, email or mail documentation. Email may be less secure. If you would like to know how to encrypt your documents, please follow encryption instructions in the application packet.

If your application is received at least 90 days before the conference, you may qualify for a travel advance of up to half of your approved scholarship funding. If approved for a travel advance, a receipt verifying conference registration must be included when you return your conference agreement and W9. You will be issued a check for half of the amount approved in your application for travel expenses. This process can take up to 60 days.

Virtual conferences do not qualify for a travel advance.

Please send the conference expense record (included in your approval packet) photo release (if you are sending pictures) and pictures of your receipts for reimbursement. Documentation must be completed and returned within 14 business days after your conference. When submitting for reimbursement, you can fax, email or mail documentation. Email may be less secure. If you would like to know how to encrypt your documents, please follow the encryption instructions in the application packet.