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Start a Dollars for Scholars Chapter
Starting a new Dollars for Scholars chapter is simple -- just contact Iowa Dollars for Scholars to receive our "How to Get Started" kit, which contains everything you need to know. Below are just a few of the many reasons it makes sense to affiliate with Dollars for Scholars:
- Many times, local scholarship sources are untapped. Unless there is a vehicle in the community established strictly for this purpose, additional funds may never be identified.
- Schools are not in the business of soliciting scholarships. A community-based foundation can promote individual donations and permanent funds.
- Funds can be invested without restrictions. Many times schools have specific guidelines and restrictions as to how money donated may be invested. The local Dollars for Scholars board of directors determines how funds are to be invested; all dollars raised locally remain in the community.
- Community organizations such as the Rotary, Elks, Junior League, Kiwanis etc. may want to umbrella their scholarships under the Dollars for Scholars program and create a common application. A common application will help with the paperwork and also make it easier for students to identify local scholarships. Donors that umbrella their funds within the chapter, may still retain their identity and set the criteria for their scholarships.
- A Dollars for Scholars chapter encourages students by sending a message that the community believes in them and supports higher education. Some communities have even set money aside for adults going back to school.
- A Dollars for Scholars chapter can develop a partnership between the school and community. A chapter’s board of directors might consist of both school and community leaders.
- Many colleges and universities (Collegiate Partners) are participating in the support of the Dollars for Scholars program. A number of these institutions match local Dollars for Scholars awards.
- All Dollars for Scholars chapters are tax exempt foundations. The parent organization, Scholarship America, files for the chapters on their behalf. Immediately upon affiliation, a Dollars for Scholars chapter can start fund-raising and awarding scholarships.
Why Sponsor Your Scholarships Through Dollars for Scholars?
Greater Visibility for your Scholarship(s): Dollars for Scholars helps to promote scholarship sponsors by broadening recognition through the chapter’s promotional efforts at awards ceremonies, in brochures, posters, award programs, donor listings, newsletters and more
Avoids Duplication of Effort: You get all the credit and Dollars for Scholars does all the work by designing, printing, distributing, collecting, and evaluating the application forms.
Better Distribution of Scholarship Dollars:
• Existing sponsors no longer have to worry about selecting the same candidates as another organization
• More equitable distribution of local scholarships—more students are receiving more money
• Opportunity to join with other sponsors to provide the community with a single awards program
Hassle Free Scholarship Selection: Dollars for Scholars has a proven methodology--provides objective and professional evaluation of applicants through a process that assigns points for various student qualities without reference to student names during the scoring process.
More Applicants for Your Scholarship: One easy application for a broad range of scholarships and a standard deadline date encourages students to apply for scholarships
Make Your Scholarship Awards Stretch:
• Thanks to Dollars for Scholars’ Collegiate Partners Program, a large number of colleges have agreed not to reduce the student’s financial aid package when a student receive a scholarship through a Dollars for Scholars chapter.
• A growing number of colleges also agree to match sponsored awards when managed by a Dollars for Scholars chapter.
Help Out Your Guidance Counselor:
• Common application form and selection process will free the counselor to focus on more pressing issues and have more time to assist students.
• No multiple files for local scholarship application forms.
• More students will be encouraged to apply.
Help Out Your Community:
• Dollars for Scholars provides a single, coordinated, and recognizable plan for local scholarship giving
• Encourages more people to consider giving scholarships resulting in more scholarship opportunities for local students
• Increases public commitment to continuing education of local students
• Improves the educational climate of the community.
Because College Doesn't Happen By Chance®.
