Frequently Asked Questions

What is a scholarship fund?
Scholarship funds are charitable accounts established at Silicon Valley Community Foundation by generous individuals, corporations or organizations for the purpose of assisting students in continuing their education. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.

How are eligibility requirements determined?
Each individual, corporation or organization determines the eligibility criteria when the scholarship fund is established.  However, before launching any scholarship program the Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s board of directors reviews and approves the eligibility criteria to ensure that it is fair and non-discriminatory.  Some scholarship funds support residents of a city or county; others are directed to students interested in a specific field of study.  Although each scholarship takes financial need into consideration, some scholarships also focus on academic achievement, academic potential or community services.

How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
The eligibility criteria are listed under each of the scholarships on our website and on the applications of the scholarships that the community foundation manages. Because, each scholarship has unique eligibility criteria, we advise you to read each scholarship description and eligibility requirements thoroughly to determine if you are eligible to apply.

Are only graduating high school seniors eligible?
No. While many of our scholarships are for graduating high school seniors, others are open to students already enrolled in college or adults who want to go back to school.

What if I am not a "straight A" student?
Silicon Valley Community Foundation offers scholarships for a variety of students, including part-time students and students who are likely not to receive others scholarships because of their grades.  The Ruppert Educational Grant Program awards students who show academic promise and improvement during the high school years, but who have a cumulative GPA of no more than 3.3.  The Curry Award for Girls and Young Women and Sand Hill Scholars scholarships do not have GPA requirements; however, both look for applicants that are highly likely to succeed in college.

What if I’m attending a vocational school?
Our donors understand that not all students take the traditional path in their pursuit of higher education and some, like the The Ruppert Educational Grant Program and the Eustace-Kwan Family Foundation Scholarship, provide scholarship support to students who attend vocational schools.  Again, thoroughly review the program descriptions to identify all the scholarships for which you may be eligible.

Do you have scholarships for graduate or professional programs?  
Yes.  The Crain Educational Grant Program awards to students in graduate programs and the Dr. James L. Hutchinson and Evelyn Ribbs Hutchinson Scholarship awards to students in medical school. 

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, so long as you meet the criteria for each scholarship to which you are applying.

If I am applying for multiple scholarships do I have to submit a separate application and the required attachments? 
It depends.  If you are using the Common Application, no, simply check off all of the scholarships for which you qualify. Scholarships that are not on the Common Application do require that you complete a separate application and that you submit a separate set of required attachments (i.e., personal statement, letters of reference, transcripts, etc.).  

What kind of Personal Statement / essay do I need to write?
Your personal statement should address all of the prompts (see application instructions) and make a strong case for why you are the best candidate for the scholarship(s) for which you are applying.

Can I use a copy of a reference/recommendation letter that was written for another scholarship or my college application?
Yes, however, the letter must be for the current year. 

Can I receive more than one scholarship?
Yes. Some students may receive more than one scholarship.  However, recipients of the Crain Educational Grant or the Hazel Reed Baumeister Scholarship Program can receive either scholarship, but not both.

When will I be notified?
Refer to Key Dates or the particular application for the scholarship(s) for which you applied.

If I am awarded a scholarship, do I get the check?
No, it is against the community foundation’s policies to pay scholarships directly to students. Should you be awarded, scholarship payments will be sent to your college financial aid office after you submit verification of admission and enrollment.

Can I postpone the payment of my scholarship?
Yes.  However, all future payments are contingent upon satisfactory financial market performance and available assets in the particular scholarship fund and scholarships can only be held for the duration of your undergraduate studies.  Only the Crain Scholarship can be used for graduate studies.

If I receive a scholarship one year, will I automatically receive an award the following year?
No.  However, some scholarships allow prior recipients to reapply in competition with other applicants and while some scholarships are renewable, recipients must meet renewal eligibility requirements and submit annual updates to be considered for subsequent payments. 

Are scholarships taxable?
For degree-seeking students who use scholarships for tuition, fees, books and required supplies, the scholarships are usually not taxable. However, any portions of scholarships used for room and board, travel, or miscellaneous expenses are usually taxable. Silicon Valley Community Foundation recommends that you and your parents consult a tax expert for advice.

If I want to send a thank you note, where do I send it?
We encourage all recipients to send thank you notes. Address your thank you note to Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Attn: Lisa Alvarez, scholarships officer.   The thank you notes are shared with Scholarship Committee members and the donors who established the scholarship funds.