Overview

The Python Software Foundations is pleased to annouce that there is an expanded set of grants to help people attend PyCon 2010. If you would like to come to PyCon but can't afford it, the PSF may be able to help you.

The Python Software Foundation Grant is similar to the financial aid in past years. It can provide help with registrations, lodging and transportations costs.

The Financial Assistance Grant for Women is a new grant dedicated to expanding the number of women using python and contributing to the community.

Python Software Foundation Grant

Please consider your needs carefully. Financial aid via the PSF Grant can be used to help with only 3 sorts of costs, usually in this order:

1. Registration - registration is the easiest for the PSF to provide and therefore, it should be the first thing you ask for help with. If you receive any aid, it should start with registration assistance.
2. Lodging costs - ask for help with your hotel stay next. PyCon should get some complimentary rooms from the conference hotel, which we can apply to financial aid.
3. Transportation (flight etc.). Ask for help with transportation last, as there are no shortcuts here, so any assistance will have to be reimbursed at cost from the financial aid budget.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• No other costs (food, etc.) can be covered by PSF Grant awards.
• Tutorial registration costs will not be covered or waived through the PSF Grant. It will need to paid for outside of any financial aid.
• All expenses MUST be documented for reimbursement to be made.
• Registration assistance will be provided through coupon codes for the registration system.
• You must make your own hotel reservations, even if you're asking for assistance with the cost.
• Financial aid will only reimburse for 50% of the nightly room rate at the Hyatt.
• The deadline for financial aid applications has been extended to December 22, 2009. Applications submitted after that will not be considered.

Financial Assistance Grant for Women

Financial aid via the Financial Assistance Grant for Women can be used to help pay for registration, lodging, tutorial and transportation costs.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• No other costs (food, etc.) can be covered by the Financial Assistance Grant for Women awards.
• All expenses MUST be documented for reimbursement to be made.
• Registration and tutorial assistance will be provided through coupon codes for the registration system.
• You must make your own hotel reservations, even if you're asking for assistance with the cost.
• The deadline for financial aid applications has been extended to December 22, 2009. Applications submitted after that will not be considered.

Application Process Overview

The Financial Aid Coordinator and the PSF's Conference Committee will review the applications and allocate financial aid to a subset of the applicants. You should be notified of the status of your application by January 4, 2010.

We will try to maximize the benefit of the financial aid. For example, three people who need small amounts are more likely to be funded than one person who needs a large amount. To improve your chances, you should request the minimum amount you need to attend PyCon, and support your request with evidence that your presence will benefit PyCon and the Python community. In other words, make your application as attractive as possible.

Aid Application and Registration Instructions for Aid Applicants:

Funding and Reimbursement Process:

IMPORTANT:

Financial aid beyond registration assistance will be provided through reimbursement for documented expenses (i.e., with receipts). There will be no pre-payments, and no reimbursement without full receipts.

Specific instructions for reimbursement will be sent to you if your application is approved.