Benefits of Joining Dollars for Scholars
Affiliation with Washington Dollars for Scholars has benefits to suit every type of scholarship organization, whether we’re helping you get started or you’re already giving out scholarships. Best of all, the emphasis is on each chapter’s individuality—you have total control over how to select recipients and award your scholarships—we help by directing more funds and other resources your way so more students benefit.
- Getting Started
- Fundraising
- Maximize Your Scholarships
- College Planning Resources
- Support Services and Networking Opportunities
- How to Become a Chapter
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status and EIN. We can help you obtain your 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and Employer Identification Number (EIN) quickly and easily. This makes donations to your chapter tax deductible for your donors and your chapter becomes eligible for foundation and corporate grants.
- Chapter Guidebook. This step-by-step resource manual, with companion CD, is your guide to organizing your chapter, marketing your scholarship program, establishing your scholarship criteria and managing your funds. Complete with templates and forms you can custom-tailor, the guidebook also contains a treasurer’s journal formatted in Microsoft® Excel to help keep track of your chapter’s scholarship funds.
- Logos and Brochure. We provide custom-tailored logos and a sample brochure to help promote your Dollars for Scholars chapter.
- Dollars for Scholars Fundraising Resource Guidebook. Over 130 pages of fundraising basics, time-tested ideas and templates to help get your fundraising efforts off the ground as soon as you affiliate.
- Matching grant opportunities for new affiliates. This year, Dollars for Scholars has $10,000 available to distribute in Oregon as matching grants. $2,000 grants will be available to five new chapters who raise $1,000 in new money in their first year of affiliation. Simply raise $1,000 and you may receive $2,000 more to award as scholarships!
- Member-Only Scholarship Opportunities. We provide the awards, you get the credit!
- Community Volunteer Service Awards ranging from $500-$1,000 for students who demonstrate exceptional community service.
- $1,000 Golden Tassel Award for outstanding chapters.
Collegiate Partner Program. More than 500 colleges nationwide are Dollars for Scholars Collegiate Partners who have pledged not to reduce a student’s aid package by the amount of your scholarship. Over 120 agree to match a Dollars for Scholars scholarship. For more information about the Collegiate Partner program in Oregon, click here.
- Scholarshop’s Options for Kids. An interactive online educational adventure for students in grades 4-6.
- ScholarShop. A curriculum of activities to motivate and encourage students to explore postsecondary and career options.
- ParentShop. A curriculum of activities to engage students and their parents to prepare for college.
- College Planning Workshops.
Support Services & Networking Opportunities
- Toll-free, one-on-one assistance from Dollars for Scholars staff.
- Quarterly newsletter with helpful tips for chapters.
- Workshops.
Have a group of 5-12 members or volunteers? Call us toll-free at 800-335-4512 or e-mail admin@wadollarsforscholars.org to find out more about how to get started and make the most of the Dollars for Scholars benefits. You may also contact one of our Oregon Community Programs Specialists.
Groups Without 501(c)(3) - Click
Here for Affiliation Form
We obtain 501(c)(3) for you.
Initial requirements:
- $250 one-time affiliation fee.
- Application for charter.
- Chapter agreement.
Within 60 days:
- Bylaws.
- Roster of officials.
Groups Already Operating as 501(c)(3)
- Click
Here for Affiliation Form
Initial requirements:
- $250 one-time affiliation fee.
- License agreement.
- Application for charter.
- IRS Letter of Determination with EIN.
- Copy of existing bylaws (signed and dated).
- Roster of officials.
For chapters and affiliates to remain in good standing and retain all affiliate benefits, the following are required annually:
- $200 dues (due March 1st)
- Financial Report (due March 1st)
- Fidelity Bonding (due September 1st)*
- Recipient List (due October 1st)
- Roster of Officials (due October 1st)
- Activity Report - optional (due November 1st)
*A $10,000 fidelity bond is $50/year through AIM (Association Insurance Management). For an application contact our office. Coverage is not required until one year after affiliation with Dollars for Scholars. If your organization already has a bond to insure your scholarship assets, you need only provide proof of insurance each year.
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