Whether you want to support students from a specific high school or region, those entering a specific field of study, or those facing particular challenges, establishing a scholarship fund can be a rewarding experience.
What is a Scholarship Fund?
A scholarship fund is a charitable tool that provides awards to help reduce financial barriers for people seeking to advance their education at any level, from K-12 through post-graduate study.
At the Delaware Community Foundation (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 a Scholarship Fund Works
- 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. The DCF staff can help you think through appropriate goals and language.
- 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 educational institutions, our website, social media and other outreach.
- Students apply online. Many scholarships are included in a single application, making it easy for students.
- 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 the administrative requirements of the fund, from investments to paperwork. All funds are charged fees based on the DCF’s Fee Schedule.