SCHOLARSHIP FAQS

• Will my completed application qualify me to be considered for more than one scholarship?
  • Yes, the General 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?
  • Yes, 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 that may be required by a scholarship?
  • 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.
• Are all Community Foundation scholarships need-based?
  • No. Each scholarship has unique criteria.
• How is financial need determined?
  • It t is a requirement of the General Scholarship Application – excluding the employer-based scholarships – to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The FAFSA form for the 2025-26 academic year will be available to students in December 2024. 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 2025-26 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’s 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?
  • Yes, an unofficial transcript is acceptable as long as it is clearly labeled with your name, current academic year, your cumulative grade point average, and the name of the high school, college, or university. For high school seniors, your first semester senior-year grades must be recorded, along with your cumulative grade point average. 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 income available in each fund. A signed Terms and Conditions Form is required to receive payment. Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the Terms and Conditions form and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in July and August.
• 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 scholarships@cfsem.org. 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
• knowhow2go.org: Informative website to help you make your college dreams a reality
• EduGuide.org: Interactive website to help you develop your plan for college