Online Application Tips

Apply for Grants

Social Venture Investors (SVI)

Nonprofit Technical Assistance Fund

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation online or general application is the method used to apply for MOST scholarships. If the scholarship requires a different application it will be noted in the scholarship description. The application is available online January 1 and the deadline for scholarship applications is April 1. Decisions are announced after June 20.

Tips for Writing Your Scholarship Essay

The personal essay may be the hardest part of your application to complete. But, it is also where you can stand out from the crowd.

The key to writing a strong essay is to be personal and specific. Include details you feel comfortable sharing about yourself so the reader can get to know who "you" are and what you stand for. Be truthful and honest.

Scholarship selection committees may have hundreds of essays to review. It is YOUR job to get their attention. Here are tips that may help you:

Think before you write. Brainstorm to generate some good ideas and create an outline to help you get going. Make sure to address specific questions clearly.
Be original and be creative in your answers. Show, don’t tell. Use examples to individualize your essay. Demonstrate the point you want to make. Avoid vagueness to make a strong impression.
Know your audience. Personal essays are not "one size fits all". Write an essay that fits the requirements of that particular scholarship.
Proofread. This is very important! You do not want to have a typo on your essay. Check spelling and grammar. Share your essay with a friend, parents or teachers. Another pair of eyes can catch errors you might miss!
Create a portrait of a winner. By doing this on paper, you create a vivid portrait that will depict the person behind the grades, activities and awards. If a judge feels like he or she knows you, you have done your job and created a powerful emotional connection that elevates your application, and makes it stand out from others.

Questions? Contact Ruth Bishop at 616.454.1751, ext. 103 or click here to email Ruth or Jill Tiefenbach at 616.454.1751, ext. 112 or click here to email Jill.