Establish a Scholarship Fund (Donor Program - Legacy, Annual Renewable, or Sponsor Options)

Establish a Scholarship Fund

The Hood River County Education Foundation offers three scholarship fund establishment options for donors who wish to support Hood River Valley High School graduating seniors and/or continuing college students, or honor a family member.

Geographic Scope: Hood River Valley High School graduates and community supporters

Eligibility to Establish Fund:

• Individual donors
• Families
• Organizations
• Businesses
• Community members wishing to honor family members

Legacy Scholarships

• Minimum Gift Required: $12,500 (to be invested with foundation)
• Payment Options:
  • All at once, OR
  • Minimum pledge of $2,500/year for 5 years
• Annual Payout: Minimum of $1,000 per scholarship from earnings (and principal if desired)
• Duration: Supports one or more student scholarships each year for 10 or more years
• Payout Start: Year following final pledge payment
• Foundation Fee: 1% of fund balance per year
• Naming: Scholarships can be named after donor or honoree

Annual (Renewable) Scholarships

• Minimum Gift Required: $5,000
• Support: At least one scholarship of $1,000 or more for 5 years
• Payment Options:
  • Donation all at once, OR
  • Initial minimum donation of $1,000 with commitment to give at least $1,000/year for additional 4 years
• Duration: 5-year commitment
• Foundation Fee: $100 per scholarship recipient per year

Sponsor a Scholarship (Board of Directors Scholarship)

• Minimum Gift: $1,000
• Maximum (for this option): $5,000
• Payment Options: Gifts over $1,000 can be awarded over multiple years
• Award Criteria: Scholarships awarded to students who:
  • Are not receiving any other HRCEF scholarships
  • Have demonstrated financial need
  • Are motivated to obtain a college degree
• Recipient Selection: Chosen by HRCEF Board of Directors
• Donor Recognition: Acknowledged as named sponsor of scholarship
• Foundation Fee: No fee for this type of scholarship

Contact Information:

• Scholarship Program Coordinator:
  • Phone: (541) 387-5713
• Address: 1011 Eugene St., Hood River, OR 97031

How to Establish a Scholarship Fund

1. Determine Scholarship Type: Choose which fund option best fits your goals and donation amount:
   • Legacy Scholarship ($12,500+ commitment)
   • Annual Renewable Scholarship ($5,000+ commitment)
   • Sponsor a Scholarship ($1,000-$5,000 one-time or multi-year)
2. Contact Scholarship Program Coordinator:
   • Email: ed.foundation@hoodriver.k12.or.us
   • Phone: (541) 387-5713
   • Mail: 1011 Eugene St., Hood River, OR 97031
3. Establish Selection Criteria: Work with foundation to determine:
   • Student eligibility criteria
   • Scholarship focus (if any)
   • Memorial or honor information (if applicable)
   • Other fund-specific details
4. Formalize Fund: Complete any necessary documentation

Timeline: Easy process to establish; contact foundation to begin