What is the Common Scholarship Application?

The Common Scholarship Application allows you to apply for over 60 different scholarships using one application and submitting one set of application materials. All Common Scholarships require an application, two page personal statement, two letters of recommendation on official letterhead, official transcripts in a sealed envelope, and a copy of the tax forms filed from the previous year.

Some scholarships require additional materials such as an essay, forms verifying residency, etc. Please review the criteria for each scholarship for more information.

How is scholarship eligibility determined?

Each scholarship fund has specific eligibility requirements defined by the individual, business, or organization that created the fund. The criteria and requirements are listed under each scholarship.

All Common Application Scholarships require that applicants:

• be residents of San Diego County (military personnel and dependents are exempt);
• be a citizen or legal resident of the United States;
• attend an accredited two-year college, four-year university or licensed trade & vocational school in the United States;
• be a full-time student (unless otherwise noted);
• have a measure of academic and civic achievement; and
• be of good moral and personal character.

NOTE: Applicants who are current employees, volunteers, or members of The Foundation’s Board of Governors, or who are related to employees, volunteers, or board members are not eligible to apply. Also, individuals who are related to members of a scholarship selection committee are ineligible to apply for that particular fund. Please contact us for more information.

How do you define a San Diego County resident?

All applicants must be legal residents of San Diego County. Residency is required for one full year beginning January 1,2007 and is defined as the city and state where the applicant's or parents' taxes are filed. Active military personnel and their dependents are the exception.

What types of scholarships are offered by The Foundation?

While some of our scholarships are for graduating high school seniors, others are for students already enrolled in college, individuals attending graduate school, students enrolling in a trade & vocational school, and adults who are going back to school.

How much does it cost to apply for a scholarship from The San Diego Foundation?

It’s free! There is no charge to apply.

I am not a straight ‘A’ student or athlete. Do I still qualify?

People often think of scholarships as being based on either merit or athletic ability; however, this is not always the case. While we do have a few scholarships based on merit or athletics, many others are for students with a financial need, involved in community activities, attending a particular school, pursuing a specific course of study, etc.

What if I am not sure where I will be going to school in the fall?

If you are unsure, you should indicate your first choice in the scholarship application. If you receive a scholarship and you indicate you will be attending a school different than that listed in your application, we will verify whether you still qualify for that scholarship. If you still qualify, we will adjust the award for the school you do attend.

May I apply for and receive more than one scholarship?

Yes, so long as you meet the criteria for each scholarship to which you are applying. If you are using the Common Scholarship Application, carefully review the criteria and select the appropriate box for each scholarship.

How much will I receive if I am selected as a recipient?

Awards for each scholarship vary depending upon the criteria, number of students selected, student’s financial need, and other circumstances. Scholarships range from $500 to $20,000 with the average award being $2,500.

Do I receive a check if I am awarded a scholarship?

No. All scholarship checks are made payable to you and your school and go directly to your school’s financial aid or scholarships office. There are no exceptions to this rule. The scholarship is divided into two equal payments – one for the fall semester/quarter and the other for the spring semester/winter quarter. Checks are paid upon receipt of required paperwork and other verification requirements.

Are scholarships taxable?

For degree-seeking students who use the scholarship for tuition, fees, books, and required supplies, the scholarship is not taxable. However, if the scholarship is used for room, board, travel, or miscellaneous expenses, it is taxable to the student. The San Diego Foundation recommends that you and/or your parents consult a tax expert or your school’s financial aid office for advice.

If I receive a scholarship one year, will I automatically receive it the following year?

No. While some scholarships are renewable for up to four years, others are one-time awards or require that students re-apply the following year. The award and terms of each scholarship vary; please check our website for more information.

Will the scholarship amounts and number of awards be the same every year?

No. The number of scholarships provided and the amount of each award vary by fund from year to year.

Do I need to pay my scholarship back?

No. However, a scholarship must be repaid if you use your scholarship for purposes other than those stated in your agreement.

If I already have all of the money I need, may I defer my scholarship another year?

No. It is the policy of The San Diego Foundation not to defer scholarships. There are no exceptions to the rule.

Are any of the scholarships awarded by The San Diego Foundation large enough to pay the entire cost of my college education?

While a few of our scholarships are large enough to pay the entire cost of college, the majority are not. The scholarships awarded by The San Diego Foundation are intended to provide partial, not full, support.

In addition to applying for scholarships through The Foundation, you may want to look at other financial aid resources such as state and federal grants, loans and work-study. A complete financial aid package can be coordinated by your school’s financial aid office and may include some of the above types of financial aid.

Also, detailed information about regional and national scholarships is available on our website under Outside Scholarships and Financial Aid Websites http://www.sdfoundation.org/scholarships/outsideresources.shtml.

When will I be notified?

All applicants are notified in writing that their application has been received (March) as well as the status of their application (end of June).

If I want to send a thank you note, where do I send it?

We require that all recipients send thank you notes to the individuals who made their scholarship possible. You may address your envelope to the name of your scholarship and send it to The San Diego Foundation. If you would like the names of the donors or scholarships selection committee members, please contact us directly.