How much funding does Adult Learners Scholarship provide?

Adult Learners Scholarship provides $3,000 - $5,000 in funding.

When is the deadline for Adult Learners Scholarship?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Adult Learners Scholarship

Desert Financial Credit Union

Foundation Annual Grants for Education Workforce Development Grants

Funding Amount

$3,000 - $5,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Adult Learners Scholarship

Funder: Desert Financial Foundation

Geographic Scope: Arizona

Award Amount: $3,000 - $5,000 per recipient (30 adults awarded $96,000 total in 2024)

Focus Areas: Supporting adults ages 25 and older pursuing certificates, degrees, or career advancement through accredited Arizona education programs

Eligibility Requirements

Age 25 years or older
Currently enrolled in OR intending to enroll in an accredited Arizona college, university, or certification program
Current member of Desert Financial Credit Union
Demonstrate financial need
Pursue education for career development or life improvement

Selection Criteria

Academic motivation and goals
Financial need (priority consideration for single parents, displaced workers, career changers)
Commitment to completing program
Community involvement or contribution
Random selection for top $5,000 awards

Additional Benefits

Recipients receive a gift bag including iPad, iPad case, Apple Pencil, school supplies and snacks
Scholarship ceremony recognition event
Support for non-traditional learners including single parents and career changers

Background

Desert Financial Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships since 2015. In 2024, nearly 160 Arizona adults applied for the 30 available Adult Learners Scholarships. The program serves non-traditional students pursuing education at any age.

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Complete online application form (visit DesertFinancial.com/Scholarships)
2. Submit required materials:
- Personal information and contact details
- Age verification (must be 25+)
- Proof of Desert Financial Credit Union membership
- College/university or certification program acceptance letter or enrollment documentation
- Official transcripts (if applicable)
- Financial need documentation
- Statement of educational goals and how scholarship will support them
- Proof of intent to enroll (if not currently enrolled)
3. Application review by Desert Financial Foundation selection committee
4. Notification of award status
5. Attendance at Desert Financial Foundation Scholarship Ceremony (May)

Contact: Nina Tekwani, Director of Brand Communications
Email: press@desertfinancial.com

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What Desert Financial Credit Union actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024

Grants in 2024: 59
Total given: $2.08M
Median grant: $24K
Range: $80–$278K

By dollars: Arizona 100%. Top recipient cities: Phoenix, AZ; Flagstaff, AZ; Prescott, AZ.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
20% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

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