The DCFI Scholarship/Grant’s award ceiling is $3,000, and the individual minimum award is $500. DCFI will award approximately six (6) scholarships/ grants, ranging in amounts from $500 - $3,000 per award, based on applicant’s college/trade school or business.  The amount(s) may vary based on contributions and fundraising.

Criteria and eligibility (DCFI Scholarship applicants)

1. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior in the year of the award.

2. Applicant must have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 at the time of the application.

3. Applicant must be accepted into a college or trade school.

4. Applicant must have acceptance letter attached to application.

5. Applicant must submit a personal essay of perseverance and the importance of education.

6. Applicant must have one letter of recommendation from each of the following: (1) High School (2) Non-profit Organization (3) Employer.

7. Applicant may not be related to any Board of Directors or Staff.

Criteria and eligibility (DCFI Grant applicants)

1. Applicant must be a first time business owner.

2. Applicant must have in-depth business plan attached to application.

3. Applicant must have one letter of recommendation from each of the following: (1) Non-profit Organization (2) Employer.

4. Applicant may not be related to any Board of Directors or Staff.

General Instructions

1. DEADLINE for scholarship/grant applications is May 30th of award year. (No exceptions)

2. Refer to application process below for a list of the supporting documents needed. (Incomplete applications will not be considered)

3. If any question does not apply to you in this application please put N/A in the space.

4. Type and print legibly. Illegible applications will not be considered.

5. You will be notified by mail in April regarding the status of your application.

6. If you have any questions about the application, please call the Foundation Office at (252)288-9345.

Application Process:

Applicant must submit the following items:
Completed application form (if handwritten, please print legibly)

1. Letter of application addressed to the Scholarship/Grant Committee. The letter should contain a brief explanation about yourself and your college or business plans (college/ university, intended major, and anticipated start date, business overview). Letter should not exceed one (1) page.

2. Letters of recommendations to meet scholarship/grant criteria [from choice of high school teachers, administrators, counselors, employers, or individual with significant knowledge of applicant’s experience and involvement].

3. An official and recent high school transcript with cumulative grade point average and a class standing/rank. [As required]

4. Personal Essay. Essay must be at least 1-2 typed pages, double-spaced, 12 pt / Time New Roman font. Essay shall contain no grammatical errors. [As required]

5. In addition to the above items, applicant must also complete at least 20 hours of community service. Community service hours must be documented in the form of a letter.