Expanding Educational Opportunities 

Many donors create scholarship funds with the DCF to help build opportunities for young people.

At the DCF, we work with you to personalize your scholarship fund to support students based on criteria that are important to you, such as fields of study, specific schools or demographic segments.

We leverage our knowledge of Delaware and the competitive scholarship process to ensure your scholarship dollars are having the greatest impact.

How to Start a Scholarship

  • Open the fund with an initial gift to the DCF of $50,000 or more in cash or other assets, such as appreciated stock, mutual funds, or real estate. Most establishing gifts are tax-deductible.
  • Name the fund and designate criteria such as financial need, academic standing and field of study.
  • Choose an investment strategy from the DCF’s investment pools, or ask about ways to keep your personal financial advisor involved.
  • The DCF publicizes the scholarship through our relationships with high schools, our website, social media and other outreach.

TyAnna Handy, Laurel Alumni & Janosik Scholarship Recipient, DSU Class of 2021

  • Students apply online. By completing a single online application, students apply for your scholarship and dozens of other DCF scholarships.
  • The DCF Scholarship Committee selects recipients. In some cases, you or your designee can be part of the selection process.
  • The DCF verifies awardees’ enrollment at approved educational institutions.
  • The DCF distributes funds directly to the schools the recipients will attend.
  • Add to your fund at any time to take advantage of additional tax benefits while increasing the amount available for scholarships.
  • Review your fund activity online.

The DCF handles all of the administrative requirements of the fund, from investments to paperwork.

Travis Deibert, Edwards Scholarship, UD Class of 2021

Ready to Open a Scholarship Fund?

A scholarship fund at the DCF is a powerful gift to the community that will change people’s lives by increasing their educational opportunities. To begin the process of establishing your new scholarship fund, please contact us today.

Email us at [email protected] to get started today.

I got my BS in psychology, and I plan on working with addiction and mental health patients. The scholarship has been extremely helpful! I didn’t have to struggle as much with tuition and payments – it truly made it easier for me and my family. Thank you so much, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards! I am blessed that I was able to receive this scholarship.

– Dayzha Washum, 2014 recipient of the DCF’s Don and Nancy Edwards Scholarship and recent Neumann University grad

Just knowing they can go to college and have their financial worries lessened, that’s all we care about—and the DCF makes it easy for us to make that possible.

– Mary Jo Russo, Tom & Mary Jo Russo Scholarship Fund

We read every essay at our dining room table, make our recommendations for the winners and send them to the DCF. They’ve been a great partner.

– Dianne Michael, Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship Fund

Establish a Scholarship

Donors, learn how you can establish a scholarship fund at the DCF to build opportunity for students in the future.

ESTABLISH A SCHOLARSHIP