Dollars for Scholars F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do I send my application?

Applications will be accepted after January 1 and must be received via standard mail postmarked no later than March 1 with the exception of applications from students planning to enroll in a two-year UM-related college, which may be received with a postmark date no later than June 1.  No awards will be made prior to March 1.

A check for $1,000 payable to UMHEF from the sponsoring church must be mailed along with the fully completed application.

2. Can a church sponsor more than one student per year?

No, each United Methodist Church is allowed to send a check and application for only one student per year.  Churches submitting applications for more than one student will get the applications sent back unfunded.

3. Can a church send more or less than $1,000 for their sponsored student?

No, each sponsoring church must submit a check for exactly $1,000 for their student.  We cannot match any excess funds raised, nor can we pass on the excess funds to the student’s school. 

4. How are the recipients selected?

The applications are screened for eligibility and recipients are drawn randomly from the pool of eligible applicants. 

5. Should I provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, or my grade point average?

No, it is not necessary to submit your grades or letters of recommendation.  Academic performance and recommendations are not taken into consideration.  Recipients are drawn randomly from the pool of eligible applicants. 

6. Must the student being sponsored by a church be a member of the sponsoring church?

No, the student must be a member of, for at least one year, The United Methodist Church but does not have to be a member of the particular church sponsoring the student.

7. What happens to the church’s money if their sponsored student is not selected?

The church’s original check will be returned to the sponsoring church.

8. When and how will I know if I have been selected to receive a United Methodist Dollars for Scholars scholarship?

Notification letters will be sent to students by May 1.  The pastors of the sponsoring churches will also be notified.  UM-related institutions will also be sent a list of their recipients.

 9. What if a student is awarded the scholarship and then decides not to  attend a United Methodist-related school?

Just write to the Foundation and let us know.  We will then cancel the scholarship and send a $1,000 check back to the sponsoring church.

10. When and how do recipients receive their award money?

Recipients will receive a Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form with their award letter in the spring. The top half of the form must be filled out by the recipient.  In the fall, after classes have begun and the recipient has enrolled full-time at a United Methodist-related institution, he/she must take the VOE the Registrar’s Office to have them complete the bottom portion and then mail it to the Foundation.  Award checks are mailed in October after the Foundation receives the completed VOE.  The VOE may also be downloaded from the Resource Library.

11. If I apply for more than one scholarship through UMHEF can I receive more than one scholarship?

No, You may apply for as many scholarships through UMHEF as you like, however, you can only receive one award per year.  You will be awarded the highest amount from the scholarships for which you have applied.