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FAQs

 


 
  1. 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 and vocational school, and adults who are going back to school. There are a number of scholarships offered through the Common Scholarship Application and through separate scholarships. For more information, visit the Available Scholarships section of our website.
 
  1. What is the Common Scholarship Application?
The Common Scholarship Application allows you to apply for several different scholarships with one application and one set of application materials. All Common Application 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 or forms verifying residency. Please carefully review the criteria for each scholarship. For more information, visit our Common Scholarships Application section.
 
  1. When does the Common Scholarship Application become available?
The exact date varies from year to year, however, the application it is available on The Foundation’s website in late November each year.
  1. When is the Common Scholarship Application deadline?
This date also varies, however the deadline tends to be in late January.
 
  1. When will I be notified?
Recipients of a scholarship through The San Diego Foundation will be notified annually in late late May or early June
 
  1. Will I be contacted for an interview?
Not necessarily. The Foundation does not conduct interviews for all of the scholarships we offer. All students selected to receive a scholarship will hear from The Foundation in late April or early May.
 
  1. 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 $15,000, with the average award being $2,500.
 
  1. Will I receive a check if I am awarded a scholarship?
No. All scholarship checks are made payable to you and your school and are sent 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 and guardians – one for the fall semester or quarter and the other for the spring semester or winter quarter. Checks are paid upon receipt of required paperwork and other verification requirements.
 
  1. 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.
 
  1. How do you define a San Diego County resident?
Residency is required for one full year and is defined as the city and state where the applicant's or parents' or guardians' taxes are filed. Active military personnel and their dependents are the exception to this eligibility requirement.
 
  1. How much does it cost to apply for a scholarship from The San Diego Foundation?
There is no charge to apply.
 
  1. I am not a straight ‘A’ student or athlete. Do I still qualify?
People often think of scholarships as being based on merit or athletic ability, yet this is not always the case. While some scholarships are based on these components, many others are geared toward students with financial need, involved in community activities, attending a particular school, or pursuing a specific course of study, for example.
 
  1. 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.
 
  1. 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. If you apply for five or more scholarships for which you do not meet the criteria, your application will be deemed ineligible.
 
  1. Are scholarships taxable?
The San Diego Foundation recommends that you and your parents or guardians consult a tax expert or your school’s financial aid office for advice.
 
  1. If I receive a scholarship one year, will I automatically receive it the following year?
No. While some scholarships are renewable for several years, others are one-time awards or require that students reapply the following year. The awards and terms of each scholarship vary so read the terms carefully.
 
  1. Will the number of scholarships awarded and their amounts be the same every year?
Not necessarily. The number of scholarships provided and the amount of each award vary by fund from year to year.
 
  1. Do I need to pay back my scholarship?
Not unless you use your scholarship for purposes other than those stated in your agreement.
 
  1. If I already have all the money I need for this school year, may I defer my scholarship another year?
No. It is the policy of The San Diego Foundation not to defer scholarships.
 
  1. 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 review 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. For more information, visit the Available Scholarships section of this website.
 

 

  1. What if I think my parents or I make too much money to qualify for your financial need-based scholarships?
 

While many of the scholarships offered through The San Diego Foundation are need-based, we do have some scholarships where an applicant’s financial status is irrelevant. Also, because we look at a number of factors when determining the financial need of an applicant, we encourage you to apply and allow us to determine your eligibility. Please make sure to include any details on recent financial events (i.e. job loss, foreclosure, etc.) that may further explain your current financial status.

 

 

  1. Where do I send a thank you note?
We require that all recipients send thank you notes to the individuals who made their scholarship possible. Address your envelope to the name of your scholarship and send it to The San Diego Foundation:
 
The San Diego Foundation
Community Scholarships Program
2508 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 200
San Diego, CA  92106
 
If you would like the names of the donors or scholarships selection committee members, please contact Sarah Heaton, Administrative Coordinator, Community Scholarship & San Diego Teachers' Fund, at (619) 814-1343 or scholarships@sdfoundation.org.