Perhaps you are a member of an organization, club, church, or service group that awards college scholarships in Bellingham or Whatcom County. Perhaps either you, as an individual, or your company award such scholarships. Here are some of the many reasons why you should consider awarding your scholarships through the Bellingham Dollars for Scholars (BDFS) chapter.
GREATER VISIBILITY
Awarding scholarships through Dollars for Scholars ensures more visibility for the sponsoring organization. BDFS works to promote the sponsor and its scholarships.
POSSIBLE TAX BENEFITS
Dollars for Scholars chapters are tax-exempt foundations operating under a 501(c)(3) IRS tax determination. All scholarship contributions to Bellingham Dollars for Scholars are tax deductible.
AVOID DUPLICATION OF EFFORTS
Capitalizing on Dollars for Scholars is a way for the sponsor to get all the credit, without having to do all the work. BDFS does the work of designing, distributing, collecting, and evaluating application forms. Scholarship sponsors no longer have to worry about choosing the same student(s) everyone else selects. By working together with other local donors under the BDFS umbrella, they help more students receive the support they deserve. This ensures a more equitable distribution of local scholarships, which is viewed favorably by the community. Individual donors still have the privilege, if they chose, of presenting their scholarships.
BENEFITS FOR THE STUDENT RECIPIENTS
- Students apply using ONE scholarship application and one deadline.
- Scholarships awarded via Dollars for Scholars have the potential advantage of the Dollars for Scholars Matching Program.
The two matching programs are:
- Collegiate Partner: more than 500 colleges nationwide have pledged not to reduce a student’s financial aid package by the amount of a Dollars for Scholars scholarship
- Collegiate Matching Partner: over 120 colleges (6 in Washington) have agreed to match Dollars for Scholars scholarships. Visit www.dollarsforscholars.org for more information.
LARGER APPLICANT POOL
When organizations and individuals award their scholarships through a Dollars for Scholars chapter, more students will be encouraged to apply because of the single application with one deadline. Students often become overwhelmed with the maze of application deadlines and miss opportunities for financial aid.
BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY
A single, coordinated plan for local scholarships creates excitement about helping students continue their education. More people are encouraged to give more scholarships, and the community becomes more focused on the benefits of education.
“Dollars for Scholars is based on a ripe idea – Democracy in Action. It gives dignity to people because it unites a community to help its own. It infects our young people with a spirit of hope and develops future leaders.”
-Dr. Irving Fradkin, Founder, Dollars for Scholars
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