Answering Your Questions
- Who can apply for a scholarship offered through the Cleveland Foundation?
Please note the following universal eligibility criteria for scholarships offered through the Cleveland Foundation:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen, which is defined by the U.S. Department of Education as a U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swains Island), U.S. permanent resident (who has an I-151, I-551 or I-551C [Permanent Resident Card]), or an individual who has an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing one of the following designations:
- "Refugee"
- "Asylum Granted"
- "Cuban-Haitian Entrant (Status Pending)"
- "Conditional Entrant" (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980)
- Victims of human trafficking, T-visa (T-2, T-3, or T-4, etc.) holder
- "Parolee" (You must be paroled into the United States for at least one year and you must be able to provide evidence from the USCIS that you are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and that you intend to become a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.)
The scholarships have varied and diverse criteria beyond these universal requirements. Visit our Scholarships Search page where you can click on individual scholarships for more detailed information.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen, which is defined by the U.S. Department of Education as a U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swains Island), U.S. permanent resident (who has an I-151, I-551 or I-551C [Permanent Resident Card]), or an individual who has an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing one of the following designations:
- Where can I get more information on scholarships and financial aid?
Visit our Student Resources page for useful information on the national, state, and local level.
- What are the deadlines for applying for a scholarship through the Cleveland Foundation?
The application deadlines vary, but most scholarships are due by 5 p.m. on April 8, 2013. You can see a full listing of the deadlines on our Scholarships Search page.
- Can I apply for more than one scholarship? If so, can I use the same application?
Yes, you can apply for up to three scholarships with the same application. However, you should carefully review the description of all scholarships to ensure that submission of any special materials, such as an essay, is addressed.
- Is filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) required?
No, if financial need is not a criterion. If, however, you want to be considered for multiple scholarships, it is likely that a Student Aid Report, resulting from filing a FAFSA, will be required for other opportunities.
- Can my sibling and I be considered for the same scholarship?
Yes, you and siblings can apply at the same time. This is especially relevant for scholarships offered to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors in addition to the traditional graduating high school senior.
- Will I be notified, even if I am declined?
Yes, you will be advised by e-mail if your application is declined.
- Are scholarships renewable?
Some are, depending on the preference of the donor who established the scholarship fund.
- Is there a minimum grade-point average required?
A minimum grade-point-average of 2.0 is required unless an individual scholarship states a specific GPA requirement. Visit our Scholarships Search page for more information on individual scholarship requirements.