1. Can I contribute to the scholarship program in any amount and whenever I want?
2. Can our group support a student through the scholarship program and then receive updates on the student’s progress?
3. How does funding for the scholarship program work?
4. How are students selected?
5. What assistance do students receive?
6. What are some examples of community service the scholarship students perform?
7. Are scholarships awarded to students at various educational levels?

 

Yes, you may contribute any amount, whenever you wish. And your donations are tax deductible since CFCA is a recognized non-profit organization under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, section 501 (c) 3.
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The scholarship program is not structured to connect a single donor or donor group to a specific scholarship recipient. If you would like to correspond with a specific student, we suggest considering regular sponsorship of an older student. We have many older students who are in need of sponsorship to help them complete their education. Many of these students have only a few years left before graduation. Sponsorship is important for these students because they need the encouragement and support of a sponsor. In turn, the sponsor receives letters and photos from the student.

Donors who support the scholarship program will receive a scholarship newsletter twice a year with success stories and information about the scholarship program. We also include profiles and information about scholars benefiting from the scholarship program in other CFCA publications and on our Web site.
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Every dollar contributed to the scholarship program is used for scholarships, since CFCA doesn’t deduct administrative costs from scholarship donations. In 2006, CFCA awarded more than $1.9 million through 6,116 scholarships.
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Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of CFCA projects. Contributions cannot be designated for specific students. Rather, CFCA scholarships are awarded to the students deemed most deserving by the project.

The project staff selects scholars based on availability of scholarships and how well a student meets the selection criteria. Scholarship recipients must demonstrate a strong desire to further their education and serve their communities. They must have economic need, good grades, leadership potential and the ability to fulfill the program’s service requirements. Students do not have to be sponsored through CFCA to be considered for the program. Many of the students selected for scholarships have never had the benefit of sponsorship but were chosen because they are deeply committed to serving their communities and meet the other selection criteria.
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CFCA scholarship funds may be used to pay for tuition and related educational expenses such as books, transportation, housing, food and clothing. While CFCA scholarships are not meant to cover the entire expense of a student’s education, they provide a reasonable level of support while promoting individual and family responsibility.
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We encourage CFCA projects to design service opportunities related to the student’s educational curriculum and experience. For instance, an engineering student might do a site survey if the project is constructing houses for sponsored members. Or other students might translate letters from sponsors and children. High-school level students might tutor younger children, help them with their letters to sponsors to develop writing skills, assist with field trips, or help organize project activities such as birthday and Christmas celebrations, recreational activities or environmental programs. All scholarship students, both sponsored and non-sponsored, must participate in service activities.
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Yes. CFCA scholarships are typically awarded to students in high school, vocational school, college or university. However, there is no age restriction for the scholarship program. Students pursuing graduate or professional degrees can be selected as well.
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