Dollars for Scholars


how to join

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

  • 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.

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Fundraising

  • 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.
  • Community Scholarship Matching Grant Program. Washington Dollars for Scholars chapters are given preference over other 501(c)(3) scholarship foundations to receive an annual $2,000 matching grant through the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Board. Raise $2,000 and the state will give your chapter either $2,000 to give out immediately or use to build an endowment fund for future scholarships. For more details, visit the Higher Education Coordinating Board Web site www.hecb.wa.gov/Grants/csmg/csmgindex.asp.
  • Joint Fundraisers. Participate in Washington Dollars for Scholars fundraisers and increase your scholarship funds.
  • Attend our May Light the Fire Luncheon and 50% of the net contributions made by your invited guests go back to support your chapter.
  • 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.
  • Helping Students Plan for Success $1,000 Award to chapters providing unique academic support to Washington youth.
  • $1,000 Golden Tassel Award for outstanding chapters.

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Maximize Your Scholarships

Collegiate Partner Program. More than 500 colleges nationwide (including 28 in Washington) 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 (including 4 in Washington) agree to match a Dollars for Scholars scholarship.

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College Planning Resources

  • 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. Offered through College Planning Network, American Express and others.

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Support Services & Networking Opportunities

  • Toll-free, one-on-one assistance from Washington Dollars for Scholars.
  • Quarterly newsletter with helpful tips for chapters.
  • Workshops.

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How to Become a Chapter

Have a group of 5-12 members or volunteers? Call us toll-free at 800-335-4512 or e-mail mail@wadollarsforscholars.org to find out more about how to get started and make the most of the Dollars for Scholars benefits.

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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