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Scholarship Foundation Applications - Important Deadlines for Class of 2023 Applicants
Part One: Scholarship Foundation Online Application due January 31, 2023
Part Two: Supporting Materials by February 3, 2023 and Online Intake Interview by February 8, 2023
Must be resident of Indian River County
Must have financial need and desire and ability to succeed
Applying For Scholarship Foundation Award - FAQ
Where can I get help completing all these forms?
WE ARE HERE TO HELP! We realize that properly completing all the financial aid forms and applications can be daunting, especially if you are the first in your family to go to college. It is very important that you and your parent(s) ask for help before you become discouraged or overwhelmed. We also know that you can't always get in to see a guidance counselor on short notice during the busiest time of the year. Feel free to call us or to stop by the Scholarship Foundation office, and we will work with you to help resolve whatever issues you are having. We want you to succeed!
Can I apply if my GPA or scores are below your requirements?
No, unfortunately your transcripts and score reports must show GPAs and test scores meeting our critiera. Exception: We will consider scores for testing dates where scores are available during the same week as our deadline. If this applies to you, submit existing scores by the deadline and any updated reports within 5 days of our Part Two deadline.
How do I know if I meet the Bright Futures requirements?
Bright Futures updates their requirements periodically. Go to the Bright Futures website to see current hurdles. Your guidance counselor can help you understand what award you are qualified for.
How do I submit my Scholarship Foundation application?
See the requirements and process for applying on our How to Apply page on our website.
How does Scholarship Foundation calculate UNMET need?
We use a method similar to that used by many colleges and universities. We subtract your Available Financial Resources from your school's Cost of Attendance (COA). The resources available to you, which we subtract from your COA, include: your EFC and the grants and scholarships you will be receiving from the government, your school, and any other sources. Click for a detailed explanation of our method.
I am having trouble printing my SAR? Do I have to submit by your deadline?
If you are having trouble printing your SAR, call our office or stop by, and we will help you see what the problem is. We need to have your printed SAR by our Part Two document drop off deadline, so don't leave this to the last minute. We encourage all students and families to register early with FAFSA, get their PIN numbers and work out in advance any issues that may cause problems in obtaining their SAR by our deadlines.
What if I will not be able to attend the Awards Ceremony in May?
An invitation to the Scholarship Foundation Awards Ceremony in May indicates that we plan to offer you an award. All applicants who are invited must attend the ceremony in order to be eligible to receive their award. If you will not be able to attend the ceremony, for any reason, you will not be eligible to receive an award. We will not make any exceptions.
How do you determine the size of your awards?
Our awards are designed to meet a percentage of a student' UNMET NEED. The percentage will depend upon our total funding and our assessment of the strength of the student's application compared to the rest of our applicant pool. Click here for an outline of our methodology.
Can I attend any school with a Scholarship Foundation award?
Yes, though many of our recipients choose to attend Florida schools, we have recipients attending colleges and universities across the country.
I have applied for a Richardson scholarship. Do I have to attend a financial interview?
Yes, all scholarships awarded through Scholarship Foundation, including Richardson Scholar awards, are based upon financial need as well as an evaluation of your readiness to succeed in college based on the information you submit and our interviews.
How long will the financial interview take?
Approximately 20 minutes, which includes an interview with you about your high school experience and your college goals and a discussion about how you plan to pay for your chosen college.. Please be on time and be sure to bring all the requested materials with you.
What should I bring to my financial interview?
You must bring one or both of your parents (or guardians) unless you are have been classified as an independent student on your SAR. Please contact us if you have any doubts about your status or problems. Your parent helps us understand your family' financial status (e.g. value of investments, home equity, alimony and child support income or payments, consumer debt, medical expenses.) You should bring all paperwork needed to complete your file if you have not already submitted it. This will include items such as you Final School Form, college acceptance and financial aid letters. Please consult the Part Three requirements to make sure you know what you have to bring.
When will I find out whether I am receiving an award?
We make award decisions by the beginning of May, and we notify prospective recipients via an invitation to our Awards ceremony. You will receive this invitation by email and mail at least a week before the ceremony. Remember, you must attend the ceremony to be eligible for an award.
If I am selected, when will I receive my first scholarship check?
Checks for the first semester of classes (one-half of the annual award amount) will be available in early August. The exact date will be provided in your award letter. Students may pick up their checks at that time if they have provided all the required paperwork, including their fall schedule of classes as proof of enrollment. Checks are payable directly to the student, not to the school and may be used for tuition, housing, books, etc.
Quick Links
SFIRC Applications FAQ
Bright Futures Requirements
Financial Aid FAQ

Want More Info? Need help with the FAFSA? Contact our office if you have questions or need help!
Application Calendar: Class of 2023
Aug - Sept: Register with FAFSA system. Get pins for student and parent. Use FAFSAForecaster and EFC calculators to get an early view of your EFC and eligibility for federal financial aid.
Oct 1: FAFSA and CSS Profile systems open. Complete these applications ASAP. They will use your 2021 tax returns, so there's no reason to wait.
October - March: Priority financial aid deadlines for many Florida schools. These have gotten earlier, so check with your schools.
Nov 1: Scholarship Foundation Part One application opens.
Nov 3: Registration deadline for December 3th SAT (November 22 late registration deadline)
Nov 4: Registration deadline for December 10th ACT (November 11 late registration deadline)
Dec 1: Bright Futures registration opens
January 31: Scholarship Foundation Part One: Online Application due. Only those who meet this deadline can proceed with Part Two.
February 3: Scholarship Foundation Part Two Document Drop Off Deadline
February 8: Scholarship Foundation Part Two Intake Interview appointments must be completed.
March: Scholarship Foundation Financial interviews will be scheduled by email for eligible applicants
March TBD: Scholarship Foundation financial interviews; Part Three documents must be submitted by this time
April TBD: Interviews for Richardson finalists
Early-May: Invitations to Scholarship Foundation Awards Ceremony emailed and mailed
May 16: Scholarship Foundation Awards Ceremony at Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center (attendance required for invited recipients)