The school year is moving along quickly and for high school seniors and their parents, many deadlines are approaching. Senior pictures, taking the ACT exam, measurements for the cap and gown, and ordering graduation announcements are just a few. Another one of those deadlines looming are scholarship applications–with many due at the end of the calendar year or early spring.
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High school counselors are busy updating opportunities for graduates and scheduling times to meet and discuss their plans following graduation.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri is also gearing up by attending college fairs and meeting with school administrators to share scholastic opportunities with their respective seniors. Over 90 scholarships are currently being managed by this foundation with approximately 150 separate awards distributed annually–and that number is growing daily.
Several new scholarships have been recently created. Each time one is established, the question of how to form a scholarship comes up. “I never knew how to begin the process or who to ask for advice,” are common inquiries by prospective donors.
Caring people are always looking for ways to give back to their communities. Establishing scholarships offers such a rewarding feeling to the donor. Donors know they are making a difference in the lives of today’s graduates and tomorrow’s leaders while leaving a legacy of their own.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri offers staff to assist anyone in formulating a scholarship. Just a few of the questions that an interested donor should consider are as follows:
1) What are my personal interests and how can I channel those into a scholarship?
2) Will this be a one-time award or a reoccurring award?
3) How much do I want to invest and will it be endowed?
4) How involved do I want to be in the selection?
These are a few of the important decisions that will need to be made before the scholarship is in place for use.
The costs of higher education continue to escalate. Scholarships can make a difference as to whether or not some young person continues their pursuit of educational dreams. Scholarships can be earmarked for tuition only, books and fees, housing, or a combination of all. This too is something for a donor to consider.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri’s new online portal, called Scholar-Link, offers students the ease of filling out multiple applications to find more scholarship opportunities. Beginning Nov. 1, this convenient online tool will be ready for use.
By choosing the Foundation to administer your scholarship, your investment is tax deductible with minimal cost for management. Whether you are honoring a loved one, giving back to your high school alma mater, emphasizing your own profession or field of study, scholarships DO make a difference.
Call the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri today and see what a difference you can make in the lives of others. Learn more about the Foundation online: www.cfnwmo.org. The Foundation’s office is located at 1006 West St. Maartens Drive, Suite B, St. Joseph, MO 64506. The phone is 816.232.2022.