The cost of a college education has increased exponentially over the last several years. For many young high school graduates, the only way they can pursue a post-secondary education is with the help of grants and scholarships.
The Eagle Grove Area Dollars for Scholars (DFS) is a community organization dedicated to providing some of these scholarships to our local youth. Chartered in February of 1992 through the initiative and leadership of Roger Williams, DFS presented four scholarships the first year, totaling about $1,400. During its first full year of operation, DFS raised enough money through gifts and pledges to match a $30,000 grant from the Margaret Rankin Trust Fund. Thanks to the generosity of many local individuals, businesses, and organizations, the local DFS funds keep growing each year. Businesses sponsor several scholarships through DFS. Individuals have donated sizable sums in memory of loved ones. Several Eagle Grove High School alumni classes have also provided scholarships. Now, the DFS committee is hoping that individuals will also get involved with donations be they big or small…every dollar helps, and their making it easier than ever for people to do this by hosting the first-ever Giving Tuesday Scholarship Campaign.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, for your chance to make a huge difference with even a small donation. Beginning at midnight (12 a.m.), and lasting through 11:59 p.m., individuals can donate as much or as little as they can afford in the comfort of their own home. Simply log on to https://secure.givelively. org/donate/eagle-grove-area-dollars-for-scholars. On the website you’ll find $10 to $100 denominations ready to be easily selected, or you can click the bottom to give a different amount. There is also the option to make a one time donation or make it monthly if you prefer. Please note that there is a very small service fee (about 20¢) that the donor can elect to pay, otherwise it will just come off of the donation amount. Donations may also be made in honor of someone or made anonymously if you prefer. If you do include a name, you will receive a Thank You in the mail. Give Lively fundraising technology currently accepts all major credit cards and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club and JCB); ACH/bank transfer; digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay; and PayPal.
“We are trying a new thing,” said DFS representative Sarah Teeselink.. “It’s exciting to participate in Giving Tuesday…because it’s something we can do right now for the kids in our community.”
All funds raised from this 24-hour event will go towards scholarships for the students of Eagle Grove High School, Class of 2021. To be eligible, students must meet general community volunteer requirements.
Teeselink added that if you would like to make a contribution to the Giving Tuesday fundraising campaign but are not comfortable doing so online, you may also mail in contributions to Eagle Grove Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 262, Eagle Grove, IA 50533.Please include a note that says money is specified for “Giving Tuesday” Campaign.
The Eagle Grove DFS chapter is affiliated with the non-profit Scholarship America, but is governed and operated by unpaid volunteers from the Eagle Grove Community School District. Their overall goal is to expand the access to higher education for Eagle Grove area students and to encourage higher levels of achievement. DFS invests and monitors funds and awards scholarships on a fair and equitable basis. A number of colleges in Iowa, especially private schools, will match a DFS scholarship that has been awarded through DFS. This doubles the value of any local award.
Any graduate of the Eagle Grove Community High School is eligible to receive funding. All students sincerely seeking to further their education beyond high school are encouraged to apply. Recipients are determined by the local chapter’s awards committee. Using a point system, the committee anonymously scores the applications and assigns awards. The scholarships are presented at Senior Recognition Night held in May.
