Bill Lachat & Mary Jo Harper Scholarships
Funding Amount
$1,000 per scholarship
Deadline
Deadline not published
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Annual
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Eligible organizations
- Candidates interested in continuing education (college or trades programs)
Other requirements
- Dining staff members employed by Morrison Dining Services at Peace Village
- No restriction on prior education level (includes those returning to education after time away)
- Award Amount: $1,000 per scholarship
- Number of Awards: Two scholarships awarded in inaugural year (2022)
Overview
Scholarships established in memory of Bill Lachat by his daughters to support Peace Village dining staff members pursuing further education in college or trades.
Geographic Scope: Palos Park, Illinois area
Eligibility:
- Dining staff members employed by Morrison Dining Services at Peace Village
- Candidates interested in continuing education (college or trades programs)
- No restriction on prior education level (includes those returning to education after time away)
Number of Awards: Two scholarships awarded in inaugural year (2022)
Selection Process:
- Selected by the family of Bill Lachat, including Nicole Mendez and Jean Lachat
- Committee reviews applications and essays
- Special consideration given to personal essays addressing challenges faced and goals
Background: Created by the daughters of Bill Lachat in his memory. Bill was a former resident of Peace Village who loved the dining experience and had a special connection to the dining staff. The scholarship was inspired by Bill's appreciation for the dining room and the young people who served there. Mary Jo Harper, Bill's "second love of his life," was instrumental in the scholarship's creation.
Contact Information:
- Nicole Mendez (Lachat family representative)
- Phone: (708) 671-2495
- Email: kkarwacki@peacevillage.org
- Address: 10300 Village Circle Drive, Palos Park, IL 60464
How to Apply
Application Process
- Complete an application form (online submission)
- Submit three letters of recommendation
- List academic awards and achievements
- Describe extracurricular activities and employment
- Provide academic records/grades
- Write an essay addressing:
- Personal experiences and challenges faced
- Educational and career goals
- Reasons for choosing education path
- How scholarship will support educational journey
Evaluation: Applications are reviewed by the Lachat family selection committee. Essays that honestly address personal challenges and demonstrate commitment to goals are particularly valued.
What Peace Village actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2024
- Grants in 2024
- 1
- Total given
- $29K
- Median grant
- $29K
- By dollars: Illinois 100%. Top recipient cities: Palos Park, IL.
Example grants
Peace Memorial Church · Palos Park, IL
To assist peace memorial church with its tax-exempt mission
$29K
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