Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Scholarships

Does it cost anything to apply for a scholarship?

No, there is no cost to apply. Scholarships from legitimate sources should not require a fee to apply for or to receive an award.

Do I have to live in Isabella County to apply for a scholarship?

The vast majority of scholarships offered through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation are intended to be received by students graduating from schools located in Isabella County or individuals who reside in Isabella County. A few of our scholarship funds were established by donors with interests outside of Isabella County and are available to students in those communities. Go to our scholarship funds by high school list on the right to review those scholarships that are available to students attending high schools outside of Isabella County.

How much competition is there for scholarships offered through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation?

Regardless of grade point average, career field or financial situation, there is probably a scholarship that any graduating senior of an Isabella County School could submit a competitive application. Please take the time to review the criteria related to each scholarship to determine the ones for which you are a qualified candidate. The criteria of these scholarships may be very specific and limit the number of potential applicants to a few individuals, or the criteria may be very broad and allow any graduating senior from an Isabella County High School to apply.

What expenses can scholarships assist with?

Most scholarships may only be used for direct educational expenses such as tuition fees, books and supplies and in some cases, room and board. Please refer to each scholarship’s guidelines and eligibility sheet for information about how the funds may be used.

Where can I go to school with these scholarships?

Most of the scholarships are for students attending two or four year colleges and universities. However, some scholarships may be used for vocational and technical schools or adult education programs. Please refer to the criteria established for each scholarship for more details.

What is the process for selecting scholarship recipients?

The Foundation’s Scholarship Committee reviews all applications. Based on the criteria and preferences established by the donor(s), the Scholarship Committee recommends scholarship recipients to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. If possible, a single individual will receive no more than one scholarship from the Community Foundation. If a student applies for more than one scholarship and is selected as the highest ranked candidate for more than one scholarship, he or she will receive the highest valued scholarship.

How and when will scholarship recipients be notified?

Scholarship recipients will be notified by mail in mid-April. Shortly thereafter, a list of all scholarship recipients will be posted on this website. The letter notifying scholarship recipients will also contain an invitation to attend the Foundation’s annual Scholarship Reception. At this event, scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to meet the donors who established the scholarship they are receiving. This is considered a “must attend” event for the scholarship recipient who may bring up to two guests. If the scholarship recipient absolutely cannot attend, an immediate family member is expected to represent the scholarship recipient.

How and when will the scholarship be sent to the educational institution?

You will receive an instruction sheet with your award letter which explains what you will need to do to receive your scholarship payment. Most scholarship recipients need to submit proof of full time enrollment in order to receive scholarship funds. Unless otherwise stated, your scholarship will be mailed to the college or university you are attending. Scholarship payments are made contingent upon the submission of all required and requested documentation and the compliance with all eligibility requirements.

Are scholarships taxable?

For most students, a scholarship used for tuition, fees, books, supplies and essential equipment is usually not taxed. Scholarship funds that are used for room and board may be taxable. Please consult a tax professional if you have questions about your scholarship award.