| Do
I have to re-apply if I received a Grand Haven Area Community
Foundation Scholarship last year?
Yes, the majority of scholarships are one time awards. You may
submit a new application each year if you continue to fit the
scholarship’s criteria. If you have received a renewable
scholarship, you will be notified by foundation staff in the
summer and asked to complete a renewal form along with supporting
documents. |
Is
an unofficial transcript of my grades okay?
Yes, an unofficial transcript or Internet printout of your
transcript is acceptable as long as it is a complete transcript
of your college work to date, is clearly labeled with your
name, current academic year, your cumulative grade point average,
and the name of the college or university. For high school
seniors, your complete transcript including your first semester
senior-year grades, cumulative grade point average, and class
rank is required.
|
| Which
scholarships are available to current college students? Only
the following scholarships are also available to college students:
Floto-Peel Family Fund Scholarship, Hofma Trust Fund, Millicent
M. Schaffner Endowed Memorial Scholarship, Marion A. and Ruth
K. Sherwood Current College Student Scholarship, West Michigan
Nursery and Landscape Association Scholarship, Woman's Club
Scholarship and Zenko Family Fund Scholarship. |
How
important are the essays?
Each essay is read and reviewed by the scholarship committee
members as part of the selection process. It is important that
the applicant address each point. Neatness is a factor considered
in scoring. |
| Why
are most Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships
limited to Tri-Cities residents?
Donors select criteria that are important to them and supporting
local students remains a top priority with many of our donors.
If you reside in another area, you may want to check with your
nearest community foundation. Two resources for locating community
foundations are the Council of Michigan Foundations www.cmif.org
or the Council on Foundations www.cof.org. |
When
will I find out if I have been awarded a scholarship?
High school recipients are notified at the individual high school
awards ceremonies in May. College students are notified by mail
by the end of May. While we make every effort to get the scholarship
gift to the College before tuition is due, keep in mind that
in order to avoid late fees, it is your responsibility to pay
for the tuition by the due date. |
| Are
all Foundation scholarships need-based?
Most of our scholarship donors have elected to make need an
important factor in scholarship consideration. The E.V. Erickson
Field of Interest Education Fund, the Kyle Moreland Memorial
Endowment Fund, the Harold and Eleanor Ringelberg Scholarship
Fund, and the Ken and Sandy Sharkey Family Scholarship Fund
are not based on need and do not require the FAFSA. |
If
I am awarded a scholarship, how is it paid?
Checks are made payable to and mailed directly to the college
once you have accepted the scholarship award. You will receive
a copy of the letter sent to the college financial aid office. |
| How
is financial need determined? Students
seeking financial assistance should begin the process by completing
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through
detailed information provided on the application, a Student
Aid Report (SAR) is issued. |
May
I receive scholarships from more than one fund?
Occasionally a student may be selected to receive a scholarship
from more than one Foundation scholarship fund however; it is
the exception rather than the rule. |
| Why
do I need to complete the FAFSA?
Since most of the Foundation’s scholarships are need-based,
it is necessary to complete the FAFSA by mid-February. If you
are applying for a scholarship that is need-based your application
will not considered complete without a current copy of the SAR. |
Are
these scholarships taxable? These awards are to apply
to direct college expenses at the institution, such as tuition,
fees, and books. The recipients of scholarships are responsible
for any tax liability incurred as a result of these awards.
Recipients should consult a tax professional for additional
reporting responsibilities. |
| If
most of the Foundation’s scholarships are need-based,
is it worth applying if my parent’s adjusted gross income
is above a certain amount or if I know I am receiving a large
scholarship from the school?
As a general rule, if your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
as determined by the FAFSA, is more than the cost of attendance
at the school, you are not going to qualify for any of the Foundation’s
need based scholarships. Likewise, if the school will be providing
you with a large sum in merit or other aid, you will probably
not qualify for Foundation need based scholarships. |
If
I receive an award, is it important to send the donor a thank
you note? Absolutely!
These awards are generous gifts from donors and should be
acknowledged as such. All thank you cards are gathered at
the Foundation office and given to the individual donors who
read and cherish them.
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