Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund?
HGSF is a non-profit, grant-making organization whose mission is to fill the gap between a student's available resources and the anticipated cost of his or her post-secondary education.
How real is the need in a community like Chappaqua?
As a community, we share a commitment to "teach our children well" -- by providing them with a superior education, an environment in which to succeed, and an opportunity to pursue their dreams. But few of us can foresee the unexpected circumstances that may thwart those dreams. Whether due to death, long-term illness, divorce or unemployment, there are neighbors with a very real need indeed.
Who can apply for an HGSF grant?
Grants are available only to graduates of Horace Greeley High School, and only for accredited post-secondary education programs. Applications are available in the guidance office and online at Application.
Is it a one-time grant or a repeating grant for each year of college or post-secondary school?
Because financial circumstances change, students re-apply for each year they are seeking aid. It's important to remember that HGSF provides grants not only to new graduates entering their freshman year, but also renews grants to Greeley grads of several years ago who are continuing their post-secondary education.
How are grants decided?
The HGSF Grants Committee carefully considers each student's individual circumstances, doing the best they can with the funds available to fill each student's unmet financial need. The fund grants scholarships on a need basis - we are not a merit-based scholarship. Applications and supporting documents as required are reviewed only by the Grants Committee - the names of the members of that committee, as well as the names of the applicants and their private data, are kept strictly confidential.
You may contact the Grants Committee for more information.
How many students apply for grants, and how many can you help?
Given current economic conditions and the expansion of our student body, the number of applications increases steadily each year. This year, the Fund received 50 inquiries and 40 completed applications, the most ever. While we cannot always meet all needs, it remains our aim to provide assistance to every deserving applicant.
How is the organization funded?
About 75% of each year's grants monies come from individual donations. We limit our appeal letters to just two a year, one each in the Fall and Spring, sent to every household in the district. (Your response is so important!) Since 2003 we have also held a film and silent auction event fundraiser event which has become an annual tradition.
In addition to individual contributions, we are fortunate to receive support from a number of area businesses and organizations. Finally, the Barlow bequest provides interest income to further augment the donations received through our fundraising efforts.
The HGSF is an all-volunteer organization; every dollar we raise above modest operating and fundraising expense goes directly into the pool available for grants. We welcome any fundraising suggestions you might have and, of course, we welcome your contributions at any time.
You may make your donation by check or using your credit card.
Why did you change the name of the fund?
The Horace Greeley Education Fund has been providing grants to Greeley grads for more than half a century, and yet we realized there was still some confusion about what aspect of "education" we support! The new name, Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund, states more clearly our role in the community.
