FAQs

Frequently asked questions help us help you, and others as well. That's why we encourage you to check here first if you have a question. If you don't see the information you need, we'd love to hear from you. We may even post your question with its response here for future readers.

Contact Lori Banning at (585) 341-4357 or lbanning@racf.org  to find out more about scholarship funds.

Q: How do I look for scholarships for which I may be eligible?
A: On the scholarship home page, click on one of the counties to search scholarships available in that area. Click on the links to find scholarships available through the Community Foundation outside of the eight-county area map or for high school, summer, private/parochial, vocational/technical, or specialty programs. To view a complete list of scholarships, click on the view all scholarships selection.

Q: When are application due?
A: Each scholarship has a unique application due date. Please refer to the individual scholarship descriptions for information regarding the application process and due date.

NOTE: Applications submitted to the Community Foundation must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the application due date listed in the description. Late applications will not be considered. Applications may be dropped off or mailed to The Community Foundation, 500 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607; faxed to (585) 271-4295, or scanned and emailed to lbanning@racf.org ; however, any application faxed or emailed must be followed up with a hard copy to the Community Foundation to be considered.

Q: When are scholarships chosen?
A: Although most scholarships are chosen between May and August, there is no one single deadline for all of our scholarships. Refer to the individual scholarship descriptions to get specific dates. Most scholarship recipients are selected and notified within six to eight weeks after the scholarship deadline.

Q: What are the scholarship acceptance terms?
A: Please review the Terms and Conditions for Rochester Area Community Foundation Scholarships. These terms apply to all scholarships awarded by the Community Foundation.

Q: How do I claim my scholarship?
A: Although many of our scholarships list very similar processes for claiming the scholarship, it is best to refer to the scholarship award letter or the scholarship description for details about claiming your specific scholarship. Many scholarships require proof of enrollment to be sent to the Community Foundation before a scholarship payment can be made.

Q: What is an acceptable proof of enrollment?
A: Acceptable proof of enrollment consists of an official tuition bill, schedule of classes, or enrollment verification form or letter from the college confirming that the student is currently enrolled in courses for a particular semester. Documentation stating that a student is accepted in to a program or will be enrolling for an upcoming semester is not acceptable. Any proof of enrollment documentation must include the student’s name, the college’s name, and the current or upcoming semester/term information.

Q: When can I submit my renewal form?
A: Renewal forms may be submitted any time after July 1, but must be submitted in by March 15 or the award will be forfeited.

Q: Where can I find the scholarship renewal form?
A: Each scholarship has an individual renewal form. The renewal forms may be found on the website at the end of the scholarship description. NOTE: Scholarships are in alphabetical order based on the first letter of the first word in the scholarship title (i.e., "R" for Reineman Family Scholarship Fund or "G" for Gertrude M. and Donald E. Armstrong Scholarship).

Q: When will the payment be processed?
A: Scholarships requiring proof of enrollment or other documentation such as renewal forms, will be processed and mailed within approximately 7-10 business days after the Community Foundation receives the appropriate paperwork; however, scholarships expected to be applied to the fall semester will not be paid out before July 1. Note: Each school has a different processing time for applying scholarship payments to student accounts; therefore, it is difficult to determine how long it will take the school to apply the scholarship to your account.

Q: How do I know if my Bullis Family Scholarship application has been received and approved?
A: Check the Bullis List to see if we have received your completed application.

Q: I am interested in starting a scholarship fund or have a client who wants to establish one. What do I do?
A: Email Lori Banning or call her at (585) 341-4357. You may also find information in the Create Your Legacy and Establish a Fund portions of the website.

Q: Where do I send my thank you letter?
A: If the scholarship is accepting thank you letters, an address will be provided to you on your award letter OR you may upload a thank you note.