KOVAR Knights of Virginia Assistance for the Retarded

A Virginia Knights of Columbus Charity Established in 1971 to Provide Financial Assistance Through Grants and Home Loans

ASSISTANCE FOR THE RETARDED
In 1971 the Knights of Columbus in the jurisdiction of Virginia sought a means to accomplish the
Order's charitable work on behalf of the mentally retarded. The Kights of Columbus formed a
corporation dedicated to providing financial support to organizations that assist citizens of Virginia
with mental retardation regardless of race, creed or ethnic background. This organization was
chartered as KOVAR (Knights of Virginia Assistance for the Retarded). The primary fund raising
activity for KOVAR throughout Virginia takes place during one weekend each year. During this
period Knights throutout the state collect in front of stores and other public places offering
Tootsie Roll candy to those who contribute. Using this approach Virginia Knights have raised,
since 1972, over $4 million for this expanding program of charitable service.

Home Loans: Interest free loan program to assist in the purchase of group homes.

Transportation: Twenty percent funding to assist in purchasing vehicles needed to transport
persons with mental retardation.

Group Home Furnishings: Grants to organizations needing to furnish group homes.

Infant Intervention Programs: Grants to establish early detection programs to identify infants
with or at risk of mental retardation.

Training Programs: Necessary funding for organizations to train persons with mental
retardation to enhance their quality of community living.

Start-up Programs: Grants to establish new and innovative programs designed to assist
individuals with mental retardation and their families.

Special Olympics: KOVAR is a Silver Medal Sponsor of the Virginia Special Olympics
donating over $15,000 each year.

REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
Grant requests for financial assistance from qualified organizations are reviewed by the KOVAR
Board at its bimonthly meeting held on the first Saturday of February, April, June, August,
October, and December. To be eligible for review a grant rquest must be received by the first of
the month predceding a Board meeting. (Grants to be reviewed at the February meeting must be
received by KOVAR prior to the first of January, etc.)

KOVAR is a public non-profit 501 (c) (3) tax exempt corporation and contributions to this
humanitarian cause are tax deductible. Contributions are welcome from individuals through
charity campaign dirvew such as the Untied Way and Combined Federal Campaign. In addition,
contributions are appreciated from any association, corporation, partnership, trust, foundation, or
other organizaiton.

The Annual KOVAR fund-raising drive is conducted in the spring of each year. Financial
contributions may also be mailed to:

If you wish more information about KOVAR, please contact any Kights of Columbus Council or
call the toll free KOVAR number: