FAQs

Answers to questions frequently asked by our scholarship applicants can be found below.

ABOUT APPLYING

Do I have to attend a four-year college to apply for a scholarship from Philadelphia Foundation?

Not necessarily. While some of our scholarships are for four-year college programs, others cover the costs of two-year programs, vocational or technical training. You should thoroughly review each application’s criteria to determine what it covers before applying.

Do I have to be a graduating high school senior to apply for a scholarship?

No. We do award scholarships to graduating high school seniors but also to current undergraduate students, and students continuing their education at an undergraduate level. You should thoroughly review each application’s criteria to see who is eligible before applying.

Who can write a scholarship recommendation for me?

Unless the recommendation form specifically indicates who should complete the recommendation, recommendations may be written by a teacher, counselor, spiritual leader, employer, etc. Your recommender cannot be related to you. Your recommender must be able to describe how they know you and support the information you have provided in your scholarship application.

UNDERSTANDING SCHOLARSHIP TERMS

What is the FAFSA?

To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, loans, and work-study, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school.

In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.

Apply online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

What is the SAI?

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a number calculated from the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s used by colleges to determine a student’s financial need and how much financial aid they can receive. The SAI replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on the redesigned 2024-25 FAFSA.

RECEIVING A SCHOLARSHIP THROUGH PHILADELPHIA FOUNDATION

When will I know if I have been selected as a recipient for a scholarship administered by Philadelphia Foundation?

Applicants will be notified of the scholarship selection committee’s decision in late August by email. Please DO NOT use your high school email address.

Will I receive a check if I am awarded a scholarship?

No. All scholarship checks are made payable to the college or university you are attending and mailed directly to the Bursar’s Office or the Financial Aid Office of your school.

If a student is awarded a multi-year scholarship, will the payment be automatically disbursed the following year?

No. You must confirm your eligibility each year. Philadelphia Foundation requires students to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to qualify for a renewal of a multi-year scholarship. Students must submit their transcript after the Spring semester (May) annually.