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First Responder Scholarships

FOLDS OF HONOR CALIFORNIA CHAPTER

Foundation Annual Grants for First Responders
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Funding Amount

Up to $5,000 (max $2,500 per term, minimum $100)

Deadline

March 31, 2027

357 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

First Responder Scholarships

Funder: Folds of Honor Foundation

Geographic Scope: United States and U.S. Territories

Eligibility:

  • Spouses and children of fallen or disabled first responders

  • Students attending post-secondary institutions (including technical/trade schools)

  • Must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for the two most recent academic terms (Higher Education only)

  • Must complete and submit FAFSA (strongly encouraged)

  • Schools must be accredited or registered within the state

    • Eligible First Responders:

  • Law enforcement officers

  • Firefighters

  • Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel

  • Other designated first responder categories

    • Focus Areas:

  • Higher Education (college, university, technical/trade schools)

  • Children's Fund (K-12 private school or tutoring services)

    • Award Details:

  • Based on unmet need (tuition, fees, on-campus housing, meal plans, required textbooks)

  • Maximum $2,500 per term for full-time students; $1,250 for part-time students

  • Minimum payment $100

  • Applicants must reapply each year

  • Scholarships not a flat amount—paid based on documented unmet need

  • Remaining funds after term can be used in other terms within same academic year

    • What is NOT Covered (Higher Education):

  • Off-campus housing

  • Greek housing

  • Computers or accessories

  • Special field, certification, or license exams

  • Student insurance

  • Previous year or semester charges

  • Parking/transportation passes

  • Sports tickets

  • Loans or work-study

    • What is NOT Covered (Children's Fund):

  • Curriculum materials (only required textbooks)

  • PTO fees

  • Sports uniforms/fees

  • Music lessons

    • Application Timeline:

  • Application Window: February 1 – March 31 (annually)

  • Award Notifications: Mid-July

  • Acceptance/Check-in 1 Deadline: September 15

    • Payment Terms:

  • All funds mailed directly to educational institution (not to awardee)

  • Higher Education: maximum $2,500 per term

  • Private School: one lump sum at beginning of academic year

  • Tutoring: two equal payments (Fall and Spring)

  • Processing time: 4-6 weeks after check-in submission

    • Contact Information:

  • Phone: (918) 274-4700

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM Central Time

    • Organization: Folds of Honor Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit (TAX ID: 75-3240683)

    Mission: Honor sacrifice through education for families of fallen or disabled first responders

    How to Apply

    First Responder Scholarship Application Process

    Application Portal: fohscholarships.communityforce.com

    Timeline:
    1. February 1 - Application window opens at 9:00 AM EST
    2. March 15 - Midpoint reminder
    3. March 31 - Application window closes at 6:00 PM EST (extended to first business day if weekend)
    4. Mid-July - Award offer/denial notifications emailed
    5. Shortly after notifications - Scholarship Acceptance/Check-in 1 portal opens
    6. September 15 - Scholarship Acceptance/Check-in 1 deadline

    Steps to Apply:

    1. Create Account
    - Go to fohscholarships.communityforce.com
    - Create one account per email address
    - Can create multiple student applications under one account

    2. Complete Application Form
    - All application information submitted through online portal only
    - Documentation NOT accepted via US mail, fax, email, or phone
    - Select scholarship type: Higher Education or Children's Fund (Private School/Tutoring)
    - Name each application by student for tracking

    3. Gather Required Documentation
    - Proof of relation to the first responder
    - First Responder Service Information Form (completed)
    - Full list of eligibility requirements (see downloadable documents)
    - Official transcripts (for Higher Education: two most recent terms showing 2.0+ GPA)
    - School enrollment/acceptance letter
    - Itemized tuition statement (current month for private school)
    - FAFSA completion (highly recommended)
    - Current month school bill/invoice

    4. Submit Application
    - All documents uploaded through portal
    - Submit completed application by March 31 deadline
    - Multiple student applications can be submitted under one account

    5. Award Notification & Acceptance
    - Award or denial notification sent via email (mid-July)
    - If awarded, accept scholarship offer through Scholarship Acceptance/Check-in 1
    - Upload required school documentation for acceptance
    - Deadline: September 15

    6. Funding Process
    - After acceptance and documentation review, school receives check
    - 4-6 week processing time after check-in submission
    - Checks mailed via USPS first-class mail
    - Checks written by Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF), not Folds of Honor directly

    Required Materials by Education Type:

    Higher Education:

  • Proof of relation to first responder

  • First Responder Service Information Form

  • Official transcripts (two most recent terms, 2.0+ GPA required)

  • Enrollment verification letter

  • Current school account balance/bill

  • FAFSA SAR or confirmation

    • Private School (Children's Fund):

  • Proof of relation to first responder

  • First Responder Service Information Form

  • School enrollment/acceptance letter

  • Current month itemized tuition statement

  • School accreditation verification

    • Tutoring (Children's Fund):

  • Proof of relation to first responder

  • First Responder Service Information Form

  • Tutoring business information

  • Current itemized invoice/billing statement

  • Business registration/accreditation documentation

    • Application Portal Features:

  • Dashboard to track application status

  • Award Status Information section with payment details

  • Check-in process to update school changes

  • Document upload capability with examples

  • Multiple application tracking

    • Important Notes:

  • Applicants must reapply each year

  • Documents cannot be verified by phone or email before review

  • If school changes after application, must update in Check-in section

  • Incomplete or incorrect documentation delays payment

  • Downloadable resources available on scholarship page (First Responder Service Information Form, Eligibility Requirements document)

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    first-responders

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