This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports Kent County (Michigan) nonprofits and leads the community in making positive, sustainable change. Its success is connected to the generosity of donors and the expertise of grantee organizations. For more information, please visit www.grfoundation.org.
There are more scholarship opportunities available to students from the Kent County area than ever before. Beginning in the 1940s, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation has supported students through its scholarship program. Since then, the program’s annual awards to students have grown significantly. In 2013 the total amount awarded to students is expected to exceed $1 million for the first time.
Completing the Community Foundation’s scholarship application, found on the Foundation’s website, puts a student in the running for over 60 scholarships. Awards amount range from $500 to $5,000, with an average award of $1,500. Scholarships can be used toward schooling at any college or university. The scholarship application is now open and is due April 1.
The Foundation is also growing its scholarship program by increasing the number of scholarships available to students. In 2012, over 500 scholarships were awarded. For the 2013 award cycle there are two new scholarships. The Darooge Family Scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing an undergraduate degree in a construction-related field. The Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids Minority Scholarship, for students of color pursuing a major in fine arts, will also be awarded for the first time. A full list of available scholarships can be found on the Community Foundation’s website.
Ruth Bishop, education program officer and scholarship administrator, stresses that Foundation scholarships are not just for high school seniors that will be enrolling in college for the first time. Bishop explains that “scholarships are available for current undergraduate and graduate students, too. In fact, 60 percent of last year’s scholarships were awarded to students already in college.”
Many scholarships awarded by the Community Foundation are based on financial need. In accordance, students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for some scholarships. The FAFSA requires both parent and student income information and is filed at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Visit www.grfoundation.org to apply for a scholarship. Applications are due April 1, 2013.
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