Hope & Grace Scholarship Fund

Tier 1: “Hope Rising” / “Roots of Grace”

Who Can Apply: First-Time Applicants | High School Seniors

• Eligibility:
o First-time applicant
o Current-year high school senior
o Accepted/enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college, university, or accredited
trade school

When to Apply:
• Application window opens January 1 and closes March 31 (priority period)
• Applicants notified by May 15

Award Amount: $2,000

Breakdown of Award:
• $1,000 tuition/fees
• $500 books/supplies
• $500 living expenses (housing, transport, meals)

Tier 1 – Essay: 1. How has the loss of one or both of your parents shaped your educational goals, and what would receiving this financial assistance mean to you and your family at this stage of your journey?

Tier 2: “Grace Continuing” / “Roots of Grace”

Who Can Apply: For College Students Who’ve Completed Their First Semester

Eligibility:
• First-time applicants
• Completed at least one semester in a 2-year or 4-year college, university, or trade
school
• Not available to high school students

When to Apply:
• Application window opens April 15 and closes June 30
• Applicants notified by August 15

Award Amount: $1,500

Breakdown of Award:
• $800 tuition/fees
• $400 books/supplies
• $300 living expenses

Tier 2 – Essay: 2. Describe a moment when financial assistance made a meaningful difference in your life. How did that experience shape your perspective on perseverance, gratitude, and your future goals—and how has it inspired you to help others in return?

Tier 3: “Legacy of Hope” / “Branches of Strength”

Who Can Apply: For Returning Applicants (Whether Previously Funded or Not)

Eligibility:
• Must have applied in a previous year (regardless of whether they received the award)
• Currently enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college, university, or trade school
• Completed at least one semester

When to Apply:
• Application window opens July 1 and closes August 31
• Applicants notified by October 15

Award Amount: $1000

Breakdown of Award:
• $600 tuition/fees
• $200 books/supplies
• $200 living expenses

Tier 3 – Essay: Reflecting on the continued financial support you’ve received through this scholarship, how has it influenced your path forward, and how do you hope to use your education to create lasting impact in honor of your parent(s)?

Tier 4: “Grace Fulfilled” / “Wings of Legacy”

Who Can Apply: For Graduates with Student Loan Debt

Eligibility:
• Completed a 2-year or 4-year college, university, or trade school
• Graduated within the last 12 months or graduating in the current academic year

When to Apply:
• Application window opens September 1 and closes October 31
• Applicants notified by December 1

Award Amount: $500

Tier 4 – Essay: The Wings of Legacy Tier is about honoring purpose and impact. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind, and how are you working toward that vision through your education and personal growth?

Purpose:
• Payment toward student loans incurred during their degree program
• Funds will be sent directly to the loan servicer, or a statement must be provided

Additional Notes:
• All applicants must submit:
o Transcripts showing GPA of 3.0 or higher
o Proof of acceptance / enrollment
o Proof of parental loss (e.g., death certificate, obituary, school counselor
letter of confirmation)
o Letter of recommendation (teacher, counselor, pastor, or mentor,)
o Completed application form and Personal essay (300-500 words):
o Preference given to students demonstrating financial need – ie: FAFSA summary or financial aid letter (optional, but encouraged)

Essay topics (300-400 / 400-600 / 500-700 words):
o “How did the loss of your parent(s) shape your academic journey and how
will you continue their legacy in your future?”
o “How I’ve Found Hope & Grace Through Loss”
o “How have you found strength and hope through loss, and how do you plan to use your education to honor your journey and impact others?”
o “How have you grown personally and academically since starting college, and how has your experience shaped your goals?”
o “Reflect on your continued educational journey and share how past scholarship support has influenced your progress.”

Optional Renewal Policy: Tier 3 applicants must show impact from the previous
award and submit a short essay on how the Hope & Grace Scholarship supported their
goals.

Hope and Grace Foundation Scholarship Form

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Applicants Name(Required)
Address(Required)
Max. file size: 60 MB.
Max. file size: 60 MB.
(e.g., death certificate, obituary, school counselor letter of confirmation)
Max. file size: 60 MB.
(teacher, counselor, pastor, or mentor)
Max. file size: 60 MB.
Essay topics (300-400 / 400-600 / 500-700 words): o “How did the loss of your parent(s) shape your academic journey and how will you continue their legacy in your future?” o “How I’ve Found Hope & Grace Through Loss” o "How have you found strength and hope through loss, and how do you plan to use your education to honor your journey and impact others?" o "How have you grown personally and academically since starting college, and how has your experience shaped your goals?" o "Reflect on your continued educational journey and share how past scholarship support has influenced your progress."
Max. file size: 60 MB.
Tier 3 applicants must show impact from the previous award and submit a short essay on how the Hope & Grace Scholarship supported their goals
Max. file size: 60 MB.

Fund Administrators

  • Iverilyn Rodriquez
  • Angel Rodriquez
  • Lezzette Giron
  • Julia Alegria

    Donations

    By Mail:
    Hope & Grace Foundation
    CharitySmith Nonprofit Foundation
    13100 Filly Lane | Truckee, CA | 96161

    Use credit card by clicking the link below.

    Donate Now

    The above Memorial Fund is established as a division of Charitysmith Nonprofit Foundation (EIN 87-0636433). All donations are tax deductible in accordance with federal tax law. Receipts for tax purposes are sent via US Mail within two weeks of donation. Please consider asking if your employer participates in a gift-matching program. If so, your donation may be matched by your employer.

    For questions regarding your donation or this memorial fund please contact CharitySmith.

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