THEIR EDUCATIONAL DREAMS LIVE ON

We ensure that families who’ve sacrificed so much for our country and communities receive the education and opportunities they deserve. Whether it’s K-12th grade or higher education, we believe the cost of pursuing their academic dreams should not be an additional burden.

 

Application Window Opens Feb 1st, 2024

MILITARY SCHOLARSHIPS

Dependents and/or spouses of fallen or disabled US service members are eligible to apply for scholarships.

FIRST RESPONDER SCHOLARSHIPS

Dependents and/or spouses of fallen or disabled first responders are eligible to apply for scholarships.

Important Dates Stay updated on scholarship deadlines and reminders.

MONTH DATE TASK
February 1 Scholarship Application Window OPENS - 9:00 AM EST
March 15 Have you completed / submitted your application yet?
April 1 Scholarship Application Window CLOSES – 6:00 PM EST
July 31 Scholarship Award Offer Notifications Emailed (TBD – by end of July)
July 31 Scholarship Acceptance / Check-in 1 OPENS - shortly after award notifications are sent
September 15 Scholarship Acceptance / Check-in 1 DEADLINE

FAQS

Understanding the scholarship process.

GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP QUESTIONS
  • I’m interested in a scholarship. How do I apply? Who can apply? What documents do I need to apply?
    Our scholarship application window is open between February 1 and March 31 each year. All applications must be completed and submitted using our online application portal.  Please refer to the “Important Dates” tab for specific  dates.
  • The Folds of Honor scholarship is based on unmet need. What is “unmet need”?
    “Unmet need”, as defined by Folds of Honor, is the portion of your tuition, fees, on-campus dormitory housing (Higher Ed), meal plans (Higher Ed) and required textbooks for the term that are not covered by other sources of awards or financial aid. When determining unmet need for Higher Education students, we do not consider loans or work-study as financial aid.
  • Do I have to maintain a certain grade point average to qualify for the Higher Education Scholarship?
    Folds of Honor scholarship eligibility requirements dictate that upon acceptance of a scholarship award offer, a student must be able to provide an official transcript showing a 2.0 or higher term GPA for the two most recent academic terms. If a student can’t provide an official transcript with the two most recent term GPA’s at 2.0 or higher, the scholarship offer will be rescinded and the student won’t be able to reapply until an official transcript can be provided showing two consecutive terms (fall and spring), each with a term GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Are there expenses not allowed under the Folds of Honor scholarships?
    The Higher Education Scholarship cannot be used for the following: off-campus housing (any housing NOT billed through the bursar and/or requires a lease), Greek housing, fees or meal plans, computers or accessories, special field, certification or license exams, student insurance (usually over $1,000), previous year or semester charges, parking/transportation passes, sports tickets, etc.
    The Children’s Fund Scholarship cannot be for any curriculum materials (only required textbooks), PTO fees, sports uniforms/fees, music lessons, etc.
  • Can my full Higher Education Scholarship award offer amount be used in one semester?
    The Folds of Honor Scholarship Guidelines state that the maximum payment allowable per term is $2,500 ($1,250 for part-time students). The full award offer cannot be paid in one lump sum.
  • How do I know if my school, program or tutoring service will be approved for payment?
    The school or licensure program you attend must be accredited (or in some cases, must at least be registered within your state). Additional documentation may be required from the school to verify. Tutoring services must be provided through an established business with a business address. Funds cannot be sent to a private individual. Our community foundation will determine eligibility of the school/program/tutoring company listed in your application, according to IRS guidelines. We do not have a list of ‘approved schools/programs/tutors’ and we do not vet outside of our normal application window.
  • Can my scholarship be used for a school located outside of the United States?
    Due to restrictions on International Payments, Folds of Honor will not be awarding scholarships to institutions outside of the United States and U.S. Territories for the 2024-2025 application year.
  • Do I need to complete an application for each of my children or can I just do one?
    You can create one account with one email address on our application portal (fohscholarships.communityforce.com)  but you must complete an application for each student that you are interested in receiving funds for. Once you create the account and log in, you will see the scholarships description page (Higher Education for college and Children’s Fund for private school or tutoring). To the right of each scholarship type you will see a ‘Start a New Application’ button. A pop-up box will appear when you click to start each application; here you can name your application by student for easier tracking throughout the application process. Once an application is completed, you can click the “Search” button to go back to the scholarship description page to start a new application.
  • If my children are offered the scholarship to attend private school, how is the scholarship paid?
    Once the scholarship is accepted and an invoice is submitted, a check (up to $5000) for the entire academic year can be processed in the fall.
  • If my children are offered the scholarship to receive tutoring services, how is the scholarship paid?
    Once the scholarship is accepted and an invoice is submitted, a check (up to $2500) for the first half of the academic year can be processed in the fall. A check-in is completed in December to initiate the second half (up to $2500) of the award for the spring.
  • May I select anyone to provide tutoring for my child(ren)?
    We recommend looking for a licensed business with an established business location and experienced, credentialed staff. These are more likely to meet the eligibility criteria under IRS guidelines. Folds of Honor cannot send scholarship payments for tutoring to an individual. Because we serve families nationwide, we do not publish a list of “approved tutors”; however, common businesses selected by some of our families include Mathnasium, Kumon Math & Reading Centers and Sylvan Learning Centers.
  • We’ve changed schools since applying. What do we need to do?
    If offered a scholarship award, you will be able to note the new school information when completing the Scholarship Acceptance – Check In section on the student’s dashboard. In the section you will find a question that asks if the student is attending the same school as listed in the application. Please answer “No – Changed School”. All school information and documentation uploaded in the check-in section should be for the new school that the student will attend. *IMPORTANT NOTE: the new school must be vetted and approved BEFORE any funds can be sent. This will delay payment.
  • I’ve been offered a private school scholarship! Now what?
    The official scholarship award offer email that is sent contains detailed instructions and guidelines for next steps. Please be sure to read the letter carefully and follow the directions provided. You’ll need a current-month, itemized tuition statement from the school to upload in the Scholarship Acceptance – Check In section on the student’s application dashboard.
  • I’m going to start college in the fall and was awarded a Future Use Scholarship several years ago. What do I do to use those funds?
    If you were awarded and accepted a Future Use Scholarship that hasn’t been used, please notify us via an email at [email protected] and complete/submit a Higher Education Scholarship application.
CHILDREN’S FUND SCHOLARSHIP QUESTIONS
  • Can you verify if all documents are correct in my application or check-in?
    We don’t verify any documentation via phone or email before we start reviewing the actual information uploaded. This is for your protection as well as ours. There are document examples for each required upload within the application and check-in section for your reference. Once reviewed, if any information is incorrect or incomplete, we will contact you via the registered email address on the account.
  • If my child(ren) are offered the scholarship to attend private school, how is the scholarship paid?
    Private school awarding is done in one lump sum at the beginning of the school year after an award offer is accepted and all required information/documentation has been submitted for review and processing.
  • If my child(ren) are offered the scholarship to receive tutoring services, how is the scholarship paid?
    Tutoring awards are done in two equal payments – one check sent for Fall (August – December) and one for Spring (January – May). These are sent only after an award offer is accepted and all required information/documentation has been submitted for review and processing.
  • How do I know if the private school or tutoring service will be approved for payment?
    The private school must be accredited (or in some cases, must at least be registered within your state). Additional documentation may be required from the school to verify. Tutoring services must be provided through an established business with a business address. Funds cannot be sent to a private individual. Our community foundation will determine eligibility of the school/tutoring company listed in the application, according to IRS guidelines. We do not have a list of ‘approved schools/tutors’ and we do not vet outside of our normal application window.
  • May I select anyone to provide tutoring for my children?
    You may select any business or organization that meets the eligibility criteria under IRS guidelines. Because we serve families nationwide, we do not publish a list; however, common businesses selected by several of our families include Mathnasium, Kumon Math & Reading Centers, and Sylvan Learning Centers.
  • We’ve changed schools since applying. What do we need to do?
    If offered a scholarship award, you will be able to note the new school information when completing the Scholarship Acceptance – Check-In section on the student’s dashboard. In the section you will find a question that asks if the student is attending the same school as listed in the application. Please answer “No – Changed School”. All school information and documentation uploaded in the check-in section should be for the new school that the student will attend. *IMPORTANT NOTE: the new school must be vetted and approved BEFORE any funds can be sent. This will delay payment.
  • I’ve been offered a private school scholarship! Now what?
    The official scholarship award offer email that is sent contains detailed instructions and guidelines for next steps. Please be sure to read the letter carefully and follow the directions provided. You’ll need a current-month, itemized tuition statement from the school to upload in the Scholarship Acceptance – Check-In section on the student’s application dashboard.
  • Are there expenses not allowed under the Folds of Honor scholarships?
    The Children’s Fund Scholarship cannot be for any curriculum materials (only required textbooks), PTO fees, sports uniforms/fees, music lessons, etc. Eligible expenses are tuition, most fees, required textbooks and required school uniform piece .
  • How long does it take the school to get my check?
    Once you submit the Scholarship Acceptance – Check In section, you should allow at least 4-6 weeks for it to arrive at the school, IF we don’t have to ask for additional or corrected information. Incomplete or incorrect information/documentation in the check in can significantly delay the payment! Keep in mind, this is a process with numerous steps and involves numerous parties! All checks are mailed via USPS first-class mail.
  • The school says the scholarship check has not been received. Can I get another one issued?
    All FOH scholarship checks are written and mailed on our behalf by Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF). However, a letter from both TCF AND Folds of Honor accompanies each scholarship check. This means the check will have “Tulsa Community Foundation” on it and not Folds of Honor. We will ask that you confirm the check date, number and amount with the school’s business office and remind them the check has “Tulsa Community Foundation” on it. Check information is available on the applicant’s dashboard under the Award Status Information icon. If, after 6 weeks your check has not been received, please notify us by email ([email protected]) or by calling our office at (918) 274-4700 between 8 AM and 5 PM (central time) Monday through Friday. We will verify if the check has not cleared the bank and begin the process of voiding it so we can reissue a new one.
  • Why was the payment to the school less than my award offer amount?
    The Folds of Honor scholarship is not a flat amount scholarship. The amount paid is based on your unmet need (see General Scholarship Questions), so if the student’s account balance is $500 for eligible expenses, that is the amount that will be sent.
  • How can I see if my scholarship funds have been sent to my school?
    You can monitor the payment progress/status on the applicant dashboard. Simply log in to your account, click on the appropriate student’s application and on the dashboard, click on the “dollar sign” icon in the “Award Status Information” section. This section will always display 0% because it is for informational purposes only. You DO NOT have to enter any information in the section. If the information shows “Folds of Honor Foundation Awarded – $0”, it simply means we have not yet entered award information for the student into the system. When an award has been fully processed, you will be able to view the amount paid, check status, check number, date printed and school the check is being mailed to. The check should be put in the mail to the school within 2-3 business days after it is printed.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
  • I uploaded the wrong document/information in the application. Can I email the correct document?
    If any additional information or documentation is needed after our review of the application, we will contact you via the registered email on the application account. At that time, you will be provided with instructions on how to go back to your application to correct the information needed and be given a deadline by which it must be done. Please check your registered email account regularly, as it can be 3-4 weeks after you submit before we are able to review your information and request additional information.
  • I’m planning to attend a different school than what I listed in the application. How do I make changes?
    Once the application window deadline has passed, you can’t make any changes to your application. However, If a scholarship award is offered, you will be sent an “Award Offer Email” that will have further instructions on how to complete the specific check in section where you can update the school information. There will be a question asking if you will be attending the same school that was in your application. You should select the response to indicate you have CHANGED SCHOOLS and enter the new school information. The uploaded documents (statement of account, financial aid information and class schedule) should all come from the new school you will attend.
  • When will I be notified if I am offered a scholarship?
    All scholarship offers (and denials) are typically sent out in mid- to late July. Please check the registered email account regularly and be watching for an email from [email protected]
  • My application status is “Pending Submission”. What does this mean?
    This means the application was never fully submitted for consideration and remains in a “pending” status. Unfortunately, we can’t offer awards for pending applications. You will receive an auto-reply email confirmation to verify the submission of an application. You can also see the application status at any time by looking in the upper right corner of the screen when you log into an account.
HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP QUESTIONS
  • Can you verify if all documents are correct in my application or check-in?
    We don’t verify any documentation via phone or email before we start reviewing the information. This is for your protection as well as ours. There are document examples for each required upload within the appropriate check-in section for your reference. Once reviewed, if any information is incorrect or incomplete, we will contact you via the registered email address on the account.
  • Can my full Higher Education Scholarship award offer amount be used in one semester?
    The Folds of Honor Scholarship Guidelines state that the maximum payment allowable per term is $2,500 ($1,250 for part-time students). The full award offer amount cannot be paid in one lump sum. Folds of Honor offers three payment windows: July/August (Fall), December (Spring), April/May (Summer) in which to use the full amount of your award offer.
  • Are there grade point requirements for the Higher Education Scholarship?
    Folds of Honor scholarship eligibility requirements dictate that upon acceptance of a scholarship award offer, a student must be able to provide an official transcript showing a 2.0 or higher term GPA for the two most recent academic terms (Fall and Spring, not Summer). If a student can’t provide an official transcript with the two most recent term GPA’s at 2.0 or higher, the scholarship offer will be rescinded and the student won’t be able to reapply until an official transcript can be provided showing two consecutive terms (fall and spring), each with a term GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Are there expenses not allowed under the Folds of Honor scholarships?
    The Higher Education Scholarship cannot be used for the following: off-campus housing (any housing NOT billed through the bursar and/or requires a lease), Greek housing, fees or meal plans, computers or accessories, special field, certification or license exams, student insurance (usually over $1,000), previous year or semester charges, parking/transportation passes, sports tickets, etc.
  • I am changing schools (from the application or at semester). How do I let you know so the scholarship payment will go to the new, correct school?
    You must complete the appropriate Check-In section on your dashboard using the steps outlined in either your award offer or check-in email instructions. In the section you will find a question that asks if you are attending the same school as listed in the application or previous check-in. Please answer “No – Changed Schools”. All school information and documentation uploaded in the check-in section should be for the new school that you’ll be attending.
  • I’ve been offered a Higher Education scholarship! Now what?
    The official scholarship award offer email that is sent contains detailed instructions and responsibilities for next steps. It’s important to take a copy of the award offer letter (and instructions) to the financial aid office at your school and ask if they can note the Folds of Honor scholarship amount as “anticipated aid” on your financial aid information. If the school is aware you have funds coming, it may help prevent enrollment from being dropped before our funds arrive. Please be sure to read the full award offer letter carefully and follow the directions provided. The sooner you upload all correct, required information/documents in the appropriate section on your dashboard and click the “Final Review and Submit” button on your dashboard, the sooner we can begin preparing a Fall payment to be sent to your school.
  • How many Check-Ins are there during a year and when are they?
    There are three total check-ins: one for Fall (July/August), Winter/Spring (December) and Spring/Summer (April/May). The Check-In 2 (Spring) process begins December 1st each year and will close at the end of December/early January. A courtesy reminder email will be sent in mid-November to help you prepare. December 1st you will receive a Check-In 2 email containing all instructions for completing/submitting the required information. When all complete, correct information/documentation is submitted, we will process it to determine a Winter/Spring payment amount. The same process is followed for Check-In 3 (Spring/Summer). A reminder will go out in early April and the check-in will begin on April 15th.
  • I accepted my award offer but didn’t request funds for the Fall semester. What do I need to do get funds for Spring and Summer?
    You must complete/submit the Check-In 2 section on your dashboard to be eligible for Winter/Spring term funds (see “How many Check-Ins are there during a year and when are they?). Additionally, you must complete/submit the Check-In 3 section on your dashboard (between mid-April and mid-May) to be eligible for Summer term funds.
  • How long will it take for the school to get my check?
    Once you submit the appropriate check-in section, you should allow at least 4-6 weeks before expecting to see the scholarship posted to your school account, IF we don’t have to ask for additional or corrected information. Incomplete or incorrect information/documentation in a check-in can significantly delay your payment! Keep in mind, this is a process with numerous steps and involves numerous parties! All checks are mailed via USPS first-class mail.
  • How can I see if my scholarship has been sent to my school?
    You can monitor the payment progress/status on your applicant dashboard. Simply log in to your account and click on the “dollar sign” icon in the “Award Status Information” section. This section will always display 0% because it is for informational purposes only. You DO NOT have to enter any information in the section. Once in the section, if it shows “Folds of Honor Foundation Awarded – $0”, it simply means we have not yet entered award information for you into the system. When an award has been fully processed, you will be able to view the amount paid, check status, check number, date printed and school the check is being mailed to. The check should be put in the mail to the school within 2-3 business days after it is printed.
  • My school operates on a quarter system. What information should I include in the Check-In 2 and/or Check-In 3 sections?
    You should submit documentation for your Winter term (January – March) for Check In 2. We offer a Check-In 3 for the Spring/Summer term that opens in mid-April. At that time, you may submit your Spring information for payment, so long as you have remaining funds from your total award offer for the academic year.
  • I thought I submitted my Check-In information, but I keep getting reminder emails? 
    Please consider all emails you receive from [email protected] as very important. If you continue to receive reminder emails, something isn’t done correctly, additional information/documentation is needed, or you did not submit properly. The email reminders should let you know exactly what is needed as well as a deadline date/time. If you are still unsure, please call or email our office right away!
  • I will not have the required documentation necessary by the given deadline. What should I do? 
    DO NOT WAIT UNTIL A DEADLINE DATE!! Please email [email protected] and let us know in writing what your situation is. Written documentation is as important for you as it is for us. We are here to assist you, but it is very difficult to do that if you wait until a deadline date or after!
  • Can I include required textbooks with my tuition bill if I won’t owe over $2,500? 
    In the “Optional Upload” section at the bottom of each check in, you can upload a cart (or suspended transaction) from your school’s bookstore showing a list of your required textbooks for the term, along with a price for each. If the cart lists a price range for each book, we will use the lowest price listed. If your school allows you to charge your textbooks to your Bursar’s account, that may be an option and the purchase would be reflected on the account statement you upload, along with your tuition and fees. If you purchase your books from other vendors (i.e. Chegg, Amazon, etc.), you must upload copies of detailed receipt(s) to verify what was purchased and prices/payment total.
  • I had to pay all or part of my tuition before the scholarship check arrived. Can I be reimbursed?
    All scholarship checks must be sent to an educational institution; however, we can send funds to a school and then give written permission for them to release those funds to you for an out-of-pocket payment if certain criteria are met. To initiate a reimbursement of out-of-pocket tuition or book payments on your account, we need the following:

    1. A statement of your account that reflects a zero balance and shows a personal payment.
    2. A copy of the detailed receipt you received when making the out-of-pocket payment. If the payment was for tuition/fees, the payment date and amount should match what is shown on your detained statement of account. If it is for books, please be sure you upload copies of the full receipts and totals.
    3. Complete the fields in the “Optional Upload” section at the bottom of the check in so we can provide written authorization to someone in the Business/Bursar’s office to release funds to you when they arrive.
  • The school says the scholarship check has not been received. Can I get another one issued?
    All FOH scholarship checks are written and mailed on our behalf by Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF). This means the check will have “Tulsa Community Foundation” on it and not Folds of Honor. However, a letter from both TCF AND Folds of Honor accompanies each scholarship check. We will ask that you confirm the check date, number and amount with the school’s Business/Bursar’s office and remind them the check has “Tulsa Community Foundation” on it. Check information is available on your applicant dashboard under the Award Status Information icon. If, after 6 weeks your check has not been received, please notify us by email ([email protected]) or by calling our office at (918) 274-4700 between 8 AM and 5 PM (central time) Monday through Friday. We will verify if the check has not cleared the bank and begin the process of voiding it so we can reissue a new one.
FIRST RESPONDER SCHOLARSHIP QUESTIONS
  • Who qualifies as a Folds of Honor “First Responder”?
    The term “first responder” includes a firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other individuals (including employees of a legally organized and recognized volunteer organization, whether compensated or not), who, in the course of his or her professional duties, responds to fire, medical, hazardous material spills, or similar emergencies.
  • As a First Responder, what are the eligibility requirements for Folds of Honor scholarships?
    1. Eligibility for FOH First Responder scholarships extend to the spouse and/or dependent(s) of a first responder who has fallen or has been catastrophically injured.
    2. Required documentation includes proof of service, death certificate for fallen first responder, and/or letter from the respective agency outlining the event that led to the death or catastrophic injury. A certificate from a medical provider (e.g. primary care or attending physician) that provides the medical explanation of the injury and its impact on the First Responder may also be accepted as proof of a catastrophic injury.
  • What educational categories are considered for First Responder Folds of Honor scholarships?
    FOH First Responder Scholarships provide funding for private school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12, tuition for college, technical or trade school and post-graduate work, including a master’s degree, doctorate, or professional program. Funds for a second bachelor’s degree or trade/technical program certification are also available.
  • If I’m no longer a First Responder, are my children eligible for the scholarships?
    If you sustained a catastrophic injury that ended your career as a first responder, your spouse and dependents are eligible for our scholarships.
  • Are all of my children eligible to apply for the scholarships?
    There is not a limit to how many of your dependents can apply for the scholarships.
  • What is the time frame that my family has to apply for the scholarships? (e.g. incident occurred several years ago).
    There is not a time limit to apply for the scholarship. If your spouse or dependents meet the eligibility criteria, they are welcome to apply.
  • What happens if I miss the deadline to apply?
    Our scholarship application window runs from February 1 to March 31 every year. Unfortunately, we are not able to make accommodations outside of that time frame.
  • What are the educational requirements to maintain the “legacy” status for my children?
    Legacy status is maintained through receiving the scholarship for consecutive years in a row. Folds of Honor scholarship eligibility requirements dictate that upon acceptance of a scholarship award offer, a student must be able to provide an official transcript showing a 2.0 or higher GPA for the two most recent academic terms (Fall and Spring, not Summer). If a student can’t provide an official transcript with the two most recent term GPA’s at 2.0 or higher, the scholarship offer will be rescinded and the student won’t be able to reapply until an official transcript can be provided showing two consecutive terms (fall and spring), each with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Are adopted children of a first responder eligible?
    Yes! The adopted children of first responders are eligible. Applicants will be asked to provide the appropriate documentation showing proof of dependency.
  • Does the incident have to be considered “on-duty” for eligibility?
    The incident does not have to be considered “on-duty” for eligibility. If the death or catastrophic, career-ending injury was sustained while the first responder was on active duty, their spouse or dependents are eligible to apply.

If you didn’t find your questions in the provided list above, please contact the Folds of Honor scholarship department at (918) 274-4700 or email us at [email protected].

 

Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm Central Time.

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