Scholarship Application Guidelines

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The deadline is typically in mid-February of each year. All scholarship applications must be submitted online by the stated deadline to the Community Foundation of Switzerland County Inc. Be sure to allow enough time for your counselor to complete his or her part of your scholarship application and for you to complete your application before the due date. No application will be accepted after the due date regardless of the situation.

How do I apply for Community Foundation of Switzerland County Inc. scholarships?

You will go to the CFSCI Scholarships page. Towards the bottom of the page, you will see a link to the scholarship application. This link will take you to the online scholarship application. There will be one common application that all applicants will need to complete. Some scholarships will require that you submit additional information as well. Once you complete your first application (regardless of which one it is), your common application information will be saved and automatically placed in the other scholarship applications that you complete so that you do not need to type the same information again.

The Community Foundation of Switzerland County Inc. has several scholarships that they award each year. How do I know which scholarships I’m eligible for?

Once you click on the link to the scholarship application, you will begin your search for scholarships. You will be asked four questions that are optional. The more questions you answer, the more refined your search will be. Once you have answered these four questions, you will be provided with a list of scholarships that have been narrowed down for you. Please remember that you are not necessarily eligible for all of the remaining scholarships. You will need to click on the “View Details” link for all of the scholarships on your list and read the criteria for each scholarship. If you meet the requirements for a scholarship, then you should check off the box to the left of the description so that you can apply for it.

If the required G.P.A. is 3.8 and I have a 3.7, should I still apply?

No. If you do not meet the criteria exactly, you should not apply. Anyone who does not meet the requirements is automatically disqualified. However, if you meet all of the eligibility requirements for a scholarship, we encourage you to apply for it.

I do not have the best grades. Will I still be considered for a scholarship?

Most definitely. Some of our scholarships are based on grades, but many are based on others things such as program of study, community service, etc. Good grades help, but are not a requirement for all scholarships.

Besides the scholarships offered through the Community Foundation of Switzerland County Inc., are there other scholarships for which I may apply?

Yes, check with your high school guidance office for other local scholarships that may be available to you.

How are scholarship recipients chosen?

Each scholarship has its own selection committee that was determined when the donor established the scholarship. Committee members may not be related to applicants and must abstain from decision-making if there appears to be a conflict of interest. The committee makes their recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, who approves the scholarship recipients.

When will scholarships be awarded?

Scholarships for graduating high school seniors will be announced at the school’s Senior Awards Program, which is typically held towards the end of May or first of June. Current college students and non-traditional students will be notified around this same time.

What will my scholarship award cover?

Community Foundation of Switzerland County Inc. scholarships must be used for tuition and required fees only and can’t be used for room & board, books, optional expenses, etc.

How much will I receive in scholarships?

Scholarship funds offer varying award amounts, which may range from $200 to several thousand dollars. Awards are dependent on the size of the particular fund, the number of qualified applicants and the directions given by the donor(s) of the funds.

May I receive awards from more than one scholarship fund?

Yes, you may apply for all scholarships for which you are eligible and you may receive multiple awards.

Will I receive a check for my scholarship?

No. College scholarship payments are mailed directly to the school’s financial aid office. Your scholarship check will be made payable to the accredited, educational institution you are attending.

If I receive a scholarship, should I send a thank you note? Where do I send it?

Yes, donors enjoy reading thank you notes and like to know something about the person who is receiving their scholarship. If you received one or more scholarships from funds at the Community Foundation of Switzerland County Inc., please address your thank you note to the donor identified in your award letter and mail it or drop it off to the Community Foundation of Switzerland County Inc. We are located at 303 Ferry Street in Vevay (on the second floor of First Financial Bank) and our mailing address is P.O. Box 46, Vevay, IN 47043. The Foundation will forward your thank you note to the committee and/or donor(s).