SCHOLARSHIP FAQS

• Who do I contact if I forgot my username and/or password?
  • If you forgot your password, try the “Forgot Password” option on the login screen. If you are still having trouble, please contact [email protected].

• How do I resume working on an application I already started?
  • To resume an application, log into your account here. On your homepage, click the “Resume Application” button.
• Can I make changes to an application that I already submitted?
  • Up until the March 16, 2026 deadline, you may request a change to a submitted application. To do this, go into the submitted application and click the “Request Update” button in the upper right corner. Please detail the change you wish to make and CFSEM will review the request and either 1) make the edit or 2) return the application to you to make more substantial changes.

• Will my completed application qualify me to be considered for more than one scholarship?
  • Yes, the CFSEM Scholarship Application is affiliated with approximately 25 different scholarships. The number of scholarships you are eligible for is based on several criteria, including: high school, GPA, area of study and/or the educational institution you plan to attend.
• May I receive scholarships from more than one fund?
  • Yes. Occasionally a student may be selected to receive a scholarship from more than one Community Foundation scholarship fund.
• Do I have to re-apply if I received a Community Foundation scholarship last year?
  • The majority of the Community Foundation scholarships are one-time awards. You are able to submit a new application each year if you continue to fit the scholarship’s criteria. If you received a renewable scholarship or a scholarship that allows you to re-apply for additional awards, you will be alerted when it is time to complete an application for the next academic year.
• Who should write letters of recommendation?
  • Letters of recommendation are required by most scholarships. Please read each scholarship description for specific criteria. Students should request letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, advisors, employers, business associates, counselors, mentors, etc. Letters from family members, or friends are not recommended. View recommender instructions here.
• Am I able to view the scholarship recommendation after it has been submitted by my recommender?
  • If you request a recommendation through the application page, recommender responses are confidential. You will not be able to see the responses at any time. However, you can check the status of the recommendation and view any recommendations that you uploaded directly.
• Are all Community Foundation scholarships need-based?
  • No. Each scholarship has unique criteria.
• How is financial need determined?
  • Financial need is determined based on the information that is entered into the online Scholarship Application. All applicants are encouraged to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Students will be asked to upload a copy of their FAFSA confirmation e-mail that shows their estimated Student Aid Index (SAI), which will be used to determine financial need. For more information on the 2026-27 FAFSA form, please visit their website.
• When must I have my FAFSA filed?
  • The Community Foundation recommends applicants file as early as possible. Please visit studentaid.gov for more information. Please note that it often takes 2-3 weeks to receive a response from FAFSA and you will need the FAFSA confirmation e-mail to complete your scholarship application. START EARLY!
• Why is my parent/guardians’ income considered when I am going to be the one paying for my education?
  • Typically, most organizations support the Federal Methodology formula created by Congress. It is based on the premise that it is a parent’s and student’s joint responsibility to provide funds for higher education from their income and assets (to the extent possible). As a general rule, a student is considered independent at the age of 24, or if he/she is married, or is the primary provider for a dependent child or is a veteran.
• Is an unofficial transcript of my grades okay?
  • Official and unofficial transcripts are accepted. Please note that unofficial transcripts must include the student’s name, school name, current academic year, cumulative grade point average, and grades (semester and cumulative). Grade point average must be reported based on a 4.0 unweighted scale.
• How important is my personal statement?
  • Each essay is read and reviewed as part of the selection process. It is important that the applicant address the points highlighted in the personal statement section of the application; correct spelling and grammar is considered in scoring.The personal statement may be the hardest part of your application to complete. But, it is also where you can stand out from the crowd. The key to writing a strong statement is to be personal and specific. Include details you feel comfortable sharing about yourself so the reader can get to know who YOU are and what you stand for. Be truthful and honest. Scholarship selection committees may have hundreds of statements to review. It is YOUR job to get their attention.

    When writing your statement, remember to:

    • Think before you write. Brainstorm to generate some good ideas and create an outline to help you get going. Make sure to address specific questions clearly.
    • Be original and be creative in your answers. Show, don’t tell. Use examples to individualize your statement. Demonstrate the point you want to make. Avoid vagueness to make a strong impression.
    • Know your audience. Personal statements are not “one size fits all”.
    • Proofread. This is very important! You do not want to have any typos on your statement. Check spelling and grammar. Share your statement with a friend, parents or teachers. Another pair of eyes can catch errors you might miss!
    • Create a portrait of a winner. By doing this on paper, you create a vivid portrait that will depict the person behind the grades, activities and awards. If a judge feels like he or she knows you, you have done your job and created a powerful emotional connection that elevates your application, and makes it stand out from others. For additional guidance and to review sample statements, we recommend visiting College Board.

• When will I be notified that I have been awarded a scholarship?
  • The Community Foundation will notify all applicants of scholarship awards throughout the scholarship process. Most award letters will be sent by the end of June.
• If I am awarded a scholarship, how much will I receive and how is it paid?
  • Most awards range from $250 to $7,500, depending on the scholarship. Students must submit a School of Choice form to confirm their enrollment in an educational institution.
  • Checks are made payable to the educational institution you’re attending and are mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in July and August.
• What can the scholarship money be used for?
  • Scholarships may be used to help defray the costs associated with tuition, the purchase of books, and any other related educational expenses.
• If I receive an award, should I send a thank you note? Where do I send it?
  • Absolutely! Donors enjoy reading thank you notes from students who have received their scholarships. Please mail your correspondence to the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan – 333 W. Fort Street, Suite 2010, Detroit, MI 48226 or via e-mail to [email protected]. The Foundation will forward it to the donor(s).

RESOURCES

The following is a general list of resources that many scholarship-seekers find helpful:

• studentaid.gov: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be considered for federal, state and college grants, loans and work study
• michigan.gov/mistudentaid: See all of the student aid programs offered by the state of Michigan
• EduGuide.org: Interactive website to help you develop your plan for college