Here is some general information on Getaway scholarships. I'm no longer involved with putting together the Getaway though. If I haven't quite got this quite right, I hope Nancy, Charlie or whoever will step in to clarify.

Most of the scholarships are partial scholarships. The fund can not pay for transportation costs.

The Scholarship Fund is both need-based and impact-based. That is, in addition to need it's felt that the applicaant will make a contribution to the overall enjoyment and/or quality of the Getaway.

That doesn't require them to be Really Good Musicians (although lots of times they are.) It does mean there is reason to feel these people should be at the Getaway in a given year. Some have participated in past years. Some are relatively new but there is reason to feel they'll add a lot.

Anyone can recommend an individual who might benefit from a full or partial scholarship. However they are usually given to people who are known to the people attending the Getaway, whether or not they've ever been to one.

We also have a small number of Invited Guests each year. Their admission is free but they pay their own transportation and if they bring family etc the people who come with them have to pay their way.

Skarpi's presence added a whole lot to the Getaway when he was able to come. It was Fun having him there.

I have no opinion on whether there should be a thread, PMs or whatever, even if Skarpi wants to pursue this. Just thought I'd try to give a picture of why we have a scholarship fund and what it's for.

Rita F