How much funding does Michael Schwartz Scholarship Fund provide?

Michael Schwartz Scholarship Fund provides Up to $5,000 per scholarship; special $15,000 award available in funding.

Michael Schwartz Scholarship Fund

MAKING HEADWAY FOUNDATION INC

Foundation Annual Grants for Education Health Disparities Grants

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Funding Amount

Up to $5,000 per scholarship; special $15,000 award available

Deadline

May 1, 2026

22 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Michael Schwartz Scholarship Fund

Funder: Making Headway Foundation Inc (NY, US)

Focus Area: College scholarships for pediatric brain and spinal cord tumor survivors

Geographic Scope: New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut (NY/NJ/CT metropolitan area)

Award Details:

Approximately 15 scholarships of up to $5,000 each

One special $15,000 award as part of the 7th annual Michael Schwartz Making Headway Scholarship

Awards paid directly to institution

Eligibility Requirements:

Diagnosis: Brain or spinal cord tumor survivor (diagnosed before age 18)

Residency: Reside in NY, NJ, or CT metropolitan area

Education Status: Have been admitted to, or be currently attending, a two- or four-year college or vocational program

Documentation: Proof of college acceptance and documentation of enrollment costs

Background:
Named in honor of Michael Schwartz, a pediatric brain tumor survivor who received chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant at ages 2½ and 4. Despite educational challenges from treatment effects, Michael attended Steven Gaynor school for special educational needs and received support from Making Headway programs. He went on to attend the business school at American University with a focus in marketing and is now a Media Supervisor at Heartbeat, a healthcare advertising agency. The Schwartz family established this fund to ensure no child who successfully battles a brain tumor and has the ability to attend college is unable to do so due to financial constraints.

Contact Information:

Email: Jennifer@makingheadway.org

Phone: (914) 238-8384

Mailing Address: Making Headway Foundation Scholarships, 115 King Street, Chappaqua, NY 10514

Organization Details:

501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

EIN: 13-3906297

Over 30 years of supporting families of children with brain/spinal cord tumors

How to Apply

Two Application Options:

#### Option 1: Mail in Hard Copies
1. Download and complete the application form
2. Prepare all required documents (see list below)
3. Obtain two letters of recommendation (see guidelines provided)
4. Mail complete application to:
- Making Headway Foundation Scholarships
- 115 King Street
- Chappaqua, NY 10514

#### Option 2: Apply Online
1. Gmail email account required (help available to create one)
2. Access online application at: https://forms.gle/gt5rGYxTaatZABch8
3. Upload all required documents
4. Submit through online form

Required Documents/Materials:
1. Personal statement (applicant's own writing)
2. Financial information - one of the following:
- FAFSA Application
- Pell Grant award proof
- Most recent tax return (front page only)
3. Most recent report card/transcript
4. Proof of college acceptance and documentation of enrollment costs
5. Two letters of recommendation (follow provided guidelines)

Important Notes:

If creating Gmail account, contact Jennifer@makingheadway.org or call (914) 238-8384 for assistance

Both hard copy and online submissions accepted

All required documents must be included for complete application

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