Welcome to the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Scholarship Program
Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis which considers financial need, academic achievement, and personal and career goals. An interal process exists for scholarship selection based on questions answered in the body of the application, however, if you wish, you may address specific scholarships in the essay section of the application.

The deadline for 2013 Scholarship applications for the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation and affiliate foundations (the Coopersville Area Community Foundation and the Allendale Community Foundation) was 5pm Friday, March 1, 2013.

Timeline for 2013:

January --- Applications available online through Egrant

February --- Grand Haven High School is hosting the Tri-Cities MI College Goal (February 10, 2013) this year where families can come take advantage of FREE help to complete the FAFSA form.

March 1 --- Application deadline 5 pm, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Office

April 1 --- Financial information due from college

April-May --- Application processing and selection meetings

May-June --- Notification letters sent to college students and presentations made at local High School Awards Ceremonies

June 4--- Scholarship Agreement Forms deadline

August - October --- Checks mailed to Colleges

 

Frequently Asked Questions
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? Please see the list of those scholarships in the description of available scholarship offered by the Foundation, (see link above). How important are the essays? If you are chosen to recieve a scholarship, your essay will be shared with the donor or donor's family. 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. 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 and June. 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 Alex Crum Scholarhsip, The E.V. Erickson Field of Interest Education Fund, the Kyle Moreland Memorial Endowment Fund, the Harold and Eleanor Ringelberg Scholarship Fund, the Ken and Sandy Sharkey Family Scholarship Fund, and the Mary E. Wilsberg 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 after you have returned the signed scholarship award, thank you note and photo usually by early August.
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.


For good. For ever.
Email - bpost@ghacf.org
Telephone: 616-842-6378
FAX: 616-842-9518
Postal address:
Grand Haven Area Community Foundation
One South Harbor Drive
Grand Haven, Michigan 49417

Copyright (c) 2001, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.