Help creating scholarships
Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri
As we turn the calendar to October, it is a sign that the school year is moving 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. High school counsellors 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 attending college fairs and meeting with school administrators to share scholastic opportunities with their respective seniors. Over 90 scholarships are currently being managed by The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri with approximately 150 separate awards distributed annually and that number is growing daily.
Several new scholarships have been recently created and each time one is established, the question of how to form a scholarship comes up. “I never knew how to begin the process or wondered who to ask for advice,” are common inquiries by prospective donors. People are always looking for ways to give back to their communities and by establishing scholarships, it offers such a rewarding feeling to the donor. They have and are making a difference in the lives of today’s graduates, tomorrow’s leaders, and 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 these: 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; and finally, how involved do I want to be in the selection? These are a few of the important items that will need to be completed once the scholarship is in place.
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, and 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 Scholar-Link, offers students the ease of filling out multiple applications to find more scholarship opportunities. Beginning November 1, this feature will be ready for use.
By using The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri to administer your scholarship, another added benefit is 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. Contact The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri today and see what a difference you can make in the lives of others.
Steve Maxey
Director of Marketing
660-359-7244
