Resources & FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the scholarship applications be available?

Applications are available on our online scholarships portal by mid-December. Please review the list of scholarship descriptions and eligibility requirements before you apply online.
 

What scholarship programs do you offer?

The Foundation manages a number of scholarship programs with varied eligibility requirements defined by the donor when the fund is established. Click here for information on eligibility and application deadlines.

Are scholarships renewable?

Not all scholarships administered by Foundation For The Carolinas are renewable; however, if you received a scholarship award that is renewable for one or more years, your notification letter will indicate it as such. Unless otherwise specified in the letter, you will receive materials in the mail every year with information about how to renew your scholarship.

To renew your scholarship, you must complete the online Scholarship Renewal Application annually and submit a copy of your most recent transcript when requested. Your transcript will verify that you maintained your enrollment and met all requirements relevant to your scholarship. Renewal Forms submitted without all requested materials will not be processed.
 

Are scholarships open to current college students, graduate students or non-traditional students?

The majority of scholarships require that you be a graduating high school senior; however, there are numerous scholarships that are open to graduate and non-traditional students. Click here to conduct a scholarship search to see what opportunities are available. As always, please read the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Click here to visit our online application portal. To apply, students must create an account that includes a login (email format) and password. Each fund has different eligibility requirements and once you start an application you will be prompted to answer prequalification questions to make sure that the application is right for you. 

What email address should I use to create my login?

Use an email that you will check quite often. This should not be a high school email address.

What if I have lost or forgotten my password?

If you have an account but have lost or forgotten your password, click on the Forgot Password? button below the login section. A link to reset your password will be emailed to you.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?

You are encouraged to apply for all scholarships for which you meet eligibility requirements.

What does the application process involve and what is required to apply?

Each application’s process differs. Most applications require that an applicant electronically submit a transcript, letters of recommendations, FAFSA Student Aid Report, resume, essay and other supporting documents.

What is the FAFSA and SAR report? How do I obtain my SAR report?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form that may be submitted annually by current and prospective college students (both undergraduate and graduate) in the United States to apply for federal student financial aid, such as Pell grants, Stafford loans, PLUS loans, and work-study programs. The FAFSA is also used to apply for most state and college financial aid. 

Once the FAFSA is submitted to the U.S. Department of Education, it will be processed and a Student Aid Report will be produced. Beginning October 1st, you can start your FAFSA for the following academic year, by going to FAFSA website. Your uploaded Student Aid Report must include ALL pages of your processed report, including your full name and Expected Family Contribution number. For more information regarding the FAFSA process, please visit Sudentaid.ed.gov

What should I submit if I am ineligible to apply for FAFSA due to citizenship?

You should submit a statement explaining why you are ineligible to apply for the FAFSA. 

Can I fax or email my application?

No. All application materials must be submitted online unless otherwise stated. We recommend that you start early by gathering the necessary tax documents to fill out the FAFSA when it becomes available, and request a copy of your transcript once your applicable semester is completed. Online applications can only be submitted once all required support documents have been uploaded. Handwritten applications will not be considered. 

What if I don’t have a scanner to scan and upload my support documents?

You may want to seek assistance from a relative, friend, working professional or counselor who may have access to a scanner. You can also visit copy centers, which can assist you for a small fee. We highly recommend that you format your files format into a PDF form before attaching them to your application. You may want to download a free PDF converter on your computer to convert documents into a PDF format. 

Can I make changes to my application after it has been submitted?

Once your application has been submitted, the only changes that can be made is to your recommenders. You cannot edit any other part of your application, so you should review all your information before submitting.

How do you select scholarship recipients?

Committees made up of various community individuals make recommendations for awarding based upon the specific purpose and criteria of each scholarship fund as established by its donor.

How do I know that you have received my application?

When you submit your application you will receive a notification on your screen, and you will receive an email confirming that your application has been received.

How and when will I be notified of the selection committee’s decision?

All applicants will be notified by email after the selection committees meet, which may be any time between April and June. 

How are scholarship awards paid?

Scholarships are paid directly to the college or institution you are attending in mid-June provided that you have accepted your award online and your Acceptance Form is submitted and verified.    

What are my chances for receiving a scholarship?

Volunteer scholarship selection committees review all applications and select recipients based on availability of funds and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. Competition for scholarships is strong and meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

If my application is declined, can you tell me why?

The Foundation is unable to provide feedback on individual applications.

If I receive a scholarship, what are my next steps?
  • Submit your online Scholarship Acceptance Form accepting the responsibilities of the Scholarship Fund.
  • Notify the Foundation of any changes in status within two weeks of the change. (i.e. school you plan to attend or primary contact information)
  • Reply promptly to requests for information.
  • Notify the Foundation of your campus address and phone number (if applicable) or other contact information.
  • Notify the Foundation immediately if you stop attending school.
What will my scholarship award cover?

The scholarship can be used for any educational expenses related to your school’s cost of attendance, which may include tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous school expenses for the awarded academic year. Please refer to each fund description for more detail.

If I am awarded, how do I receive my funds?

Scholarship checks are sent directly to your school’s student accounts or financial aid office. If your scholarship check has not been issued to your school on your behalf by August 1, please contact Foundation For The Carolinas, as we may be missing documentation needed to process a payment.

Are the scholarships awarded sufficient to pay the cost of my college education?

Most of these scholarships are intended to provide only partial support. In addition to applying for scholarships through Foundation For The Carolinas, you should look into other financial aid resources such as federal grants, state scholarships and grants, and work-study programs. Please consult your college’s financial aid office as a complete financial aid package can be put together that may include various types of financial aid.

Are these scholarship grants taxable?

Foundation For The Carolinas strongly encourages you to consult a tax professional for advice.

What happens if I change majors, transfer schools or drop out?

You should notify Foundation For The Carolinas immediately. Please be aware that if you change schools, your scholarship payment will be delayed approximately 30 business days; therefore, it is important that you communicate the most recent and accurate information when submitting your acceptance form.

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

Yes. Thank you notes are highly encouraged as many selection committees enjoy reading of your gratitude. Unless your scholarship specifies the intended recipient of your thank you note, you may address your thank you note to “Scholarship Committee” and mail it to:

Foundation For The Carolinas - Scholarships
220 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, N.C. 28202

Additional Scholarship Resources

Regardless of your financial need, ask about scholarships available through the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend. There are many opportunities available, so explore your options today.

College students: If you’ve declared a major, discuss scholarship availability with administration in your academic department.

Research College Planning and Funding Online