How much funding does GSMD Scholarship Program provide?

GSMD Scholarship Program provides $6,000, $5,000, $4,000, and $2,400 in funding.

When is the deadline for GSMD Scholarship Program?

The deadline is April 15, 2027.

GSMD Scholarship Program

MAYFLOWER SOCIETY HOUSE ENDOWMENT FUND

Foundation Annual Grants for Education

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Funding Amount

$6,000, $5,000, $4,000, and $2,400

Deadline

April 15, 2027

352 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

GSMD Scholarship Program

Overview: The General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD) Scholarship Program offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are Mayflower descendants and will be attending a four-year college or university or two-year community college.

Award Amounts:

1st Prize: $6,000

2nd Prize: $5,000

3rd Prize: $4,000

Mary Chilton Winslow Scholarship: $2,400

Geographic Scope: Not specified; appears open to all qualifying applicants

Eligibility Requirements:

Be a graduating high school senior

Be a Mayflower descendant with valid GSMD membership number (applicant or parent/grandparent/great-grandparent)

Member must be active (not deceased, resigned, or dropped)

Planning to attend a four-year college/university or two-year community college

Must complete and submit all required materials by deadline

What is Evaluated:

Class standing and GPA

Extracurricular activities, sports, awards

Community involvement

Character and academic references

Essay responses on the Mayflower Compact

Special Consideration:

In the spirit of the Mayflower settlers, special consideration given to applicants who have demonstrated commitment to bettering themselves

Native American Scholarship: In 2024, GSMD added a Native American Scholarship for graduating high school seniors with proven descent to a Native American ancestor. Award amount: $1,300 each (2 awarded in 2025)

Contact Information:

For Native American Scholarship: scholarships@massmayflower.org

General inquiries: (508) 746-3188

Address: 18 Winslow Street, Plymouth, MA 02360

Important Note: All communications must be from the applicant, not parents. Parent communications result in disqualification.

How to Apply

Application Process

Current Status: The 2026 application process is officially closed. Applications for 2027 will open at a future date.

Required Materials:
1. Completed application form
2. Official transcript (recent)
3. Essay (two-part essay on the Mayflower Compact)
4. Two required reference forms:
- One teacher reference
- One community reference
- Both must complete the REQUIRED Reference Form provided by GSMD
- Optional: Reference letters may also be included
- Critical: References must submit forms by deadline or applicant is disqualified

Ancestry Requirements:

Provide name(s) of Mayflower ancestor(s)

Provide valid GSMD membership number for applicant or qualifying family member (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent)

Member must be active status

Submission Instructions:

Submit all materials by the published deadline

Late applications, incomplete materials, or missing references result in ineligibility

Applicant is responsible for ensuring references return forms on time

Upon receipt of reference form, student will receive acknowledgement email

Important Guidelines:

All communications must be from the applicant (not parents)

Parent communications will result in disqualification