INSTRUCTIONS for Applying for Scholarships
Read each scholarship description carefully. Contact information is included in each award description and can be used to obtain additional application
materials, where required.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. You must use the current year’s official application. Changes are sometimes made in the information required. Applications from previous years will NOT be considered.
2. You may obtain the current application on our website at www.michigandemolay.org … click on the “Scholarships” button. If you cannot access this application, you may request one from by phone or mail.
3. We STRONGLY prefer that you type your application. Both a blank printable form and a fill-in form are available on our website. Although you may type and print your application on our web-based form, applications cannot be submitted online. You’ll have to print and mail your completed application and supporting materials to us.
4. The ON-LINE FILL-IN APPLICATION:
a. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and fill in the form. Version 5.0 or higher is recommended.
b. You will be able to type and print your application with the free version of Acrobat, but you will NOT be able to save your work unless you are running the full commercial version.
c. We recommend that you save the blank form onto your computer, print a blank copy for a “rough draft” and then either type it and print it in one sitting, or type in and print one page or section at a time. Remember that each time you close the .pdf form, you will lose all the information you typed into it.
5. Complete all information. Where needed, mark items as “Not applicable” rather than leaving blanks.
6. Be sure to include all required attachments. Use the checklist provided with the application. We will not consider incomplete applications.
7. Check your work, including spelling and grammar. The neatness and correctness of your work will be considered.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Past applicants have often asked what precisely we are looking for in determining who will receive scholarship awards. Please remember that ours is a very competitive grant program and that many well-qualified individuals may not receive awards in any given year. Here are the basic areas we look at and minimal standards we require.
MOST COMMON ERRORS
These are some of the errors we see most often. Many of these errors result in an application not being considered or scoring too low to receive an award.
Incomplete applications.
All questions and sections of the application are important. Don’t leave blanks –if an item does not apply, write “Not Applicable.” FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS on each section of the application.
“Contact me if you need…”
Many applications come missing a required attachment or section, with a notation to contact the applicant if the information is needed. If we didn’t need it, we wouldn’t ask for it. It is your responsibility to follow up on these items. We will not contact you for information not included in your application.
“See Attached…”
Although we welcome additional material to help us in our decision on your application, please do not use attachments as a substitute for “filling in the blanks” on the application. If information is not included in the application itself, it is very easy for us to miss it in the scoring process, and you could miss getting credit for some of your accomplishments or needs. Please fill in the application first, and then attach any additional material to elaborate if needed. It will be most helpful if you clearly label all supplementary material to indicate the sections of the application they are to accompany. Please do not include attachments not directly related to the information requested on the application.
“Mailed Separately…”
We understand that some schools insist on mailing transcripts directly to us, and that other attachments might have to be mailed separately from your main application. Please recognize that there is a risk of these items not being considered in your application. Many applications stating that an eligibility verification or transcript was being “mailed separately” end up going unconsidered because the separate materials never arrived. Please make every effort to obtain all materials in advance and include them under one cover.
Failing to attach proper financial documentation (if required).
A copy of your PARENTS’ most recent tax return (unless you are no longer a dependent) OR a current copy of your FAFSA Student Aid Report MUST be submitted. Too many applicants send only a copy of their own return for a small part-time job. Our awards are based on need as well as merit. If you are unable or unwilling to provide this information, please do not apply – we will not consider your application without it.
Failing to attach required transcripts.
Remember that you must send us an official transcript of your last completed year of school. If you are currently in your first year of college, a transcript of your first semester grades must also be included.
Missing verification of eligibility.
You MUST submit proof of DeMolay membership or written verification of your Masonic connection for consideration. This means a copy of your Masonic relative’s current Lodge dues card, or a letter from the secretary of your Masonic relative’s Lodge, or a letter from the appropriate Advisor of your Masonic-related youth group must be attached.
Late applications.
Every year, we receive dozens of applications in the week following our deadline. Start early enough to complete your application, obtain all the necessary documentation, and get the application in the mail well before the deadline. We will penalize or disqualify late applications.
Failing to complete questions in a thoughtful manner.
The content and quality of your writing matters. Most of our awards are highly competitive, and we receive many times more applications than we have awards to give. We are looking for thoughtful, reasoned responses to essays and other questions that give us an idea of your personality, abilities, and needs. If you simply write perfunctory answers without giving thought to them, it will show, and will reflect poorly on your chances for an award. Remember, you are communicating your needs and abilities. Give it an appropriate amount of time and effort.
Past applicants have often asked what precisely we are looking for in determining who will receive scholarship awards. Please remember that ours is a very competitive grant program and that many well-qualified individuals may not receive awards in any given year. Here are the basic areas we look at and minimal standards we require.
Scholarships available to members of the Order of DeMolay
DeMOLAY FOUNDATION OF MICHIGAN, INC. SCHOLARSHIP
TYPE OF ASSISTANCE: Grant
SPONSORED BY: The DeMolay Foundation of Michigan, Inc.
AMOUNTS AWARDED: Variable.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS: The applicant must be an Active DeMolay or Senior DeMolay (and have not have obtained the age of 25 years), who is a member in good standing in a DeMolay Chapter in the Jurisdiction of Michigan DeMolay. Also, the applicant must be a high school senior or an undergraduate college student, who plans to attend an accredited college, university, trade or vocational school.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by June 1. Awarded, based on availability of funds.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: DeMolay Foundation of Michigan, Inc., 25125 Stanford Street, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125-1621; (313) 399-2950
website: michigandemolay.org
Contact Your Local Masonic Lodge
Many Masonic Lodges in Michigan have scholarships available.
MICHIGANDER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
TYPE OF ASSISTANCE: Grant
SPONSORED BY: Grand Representatives Past & Present Order of Eastern Star in Michigan
AMOUNTS AWARDED: $1,000 (1 scholarship to each youth group for DeMolay, Rainbow, & Job’s Daughters).
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS: The applicant must belong to a DeMolay Chapter, Rainbow Assembly, or Job’s Daughter Bethel in the state of Michigan.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by May 1.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Michigander Club, Mrs Elizabeth K. Snodgrass, 11220 W. Vermontville Hwy., Vermontville, MI 49096; email: [email protected]; (517) 726-1277
FRANK S. LAND SCHOLARSHIP
TYPE OF ASSISTANCE: Grant
SPONSORED BY: The DeMolay Foundation, Inc.
AMOUNTS AWARDED: Variable.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS: Awarded to an active member of the Order of DeMolay in good standing who is enrolled in an accredited institution.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by April 1. Awarded, based on availability of funds.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: DeMolay Foundation, Incorporated, 10200 NW Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153; (816) 891-8333;
Email: [email protected]; www.demolay.org/resources/scholarships
VAN GORDEN GRADUATE STUDY SCHOLARSHIP
TYPE OF ASSISTANCE: Grant
SPONSORED BY: The DeMolay Foundation, Inc.
AMOUNTS AWARDED: Variable.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS: Awarded to an active or Senior DeMolay who is enrolled in post graduate studies.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by April 1. Awarded, based on availability of funds.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: DeMolay Foundation, Incorporated, 10200 NW Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153; (816) 891-8333;
Email: [email protected]; www.demolay.org/resources/scholarships