The Discovering Me Scholarship Essay Contest
Funding Amount
Up to $1,500
Deadline
Expected ~October
Based on past cycles
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Annual
- Current deadline
- October 31, 2026
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Deadlines typically fall in: October
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.
Geography
- Must be a resident of the District of Columbia
Other requirements
- Must be a girl between ages 13-18
- Must be growing up in a home without the presence or active engagement of a biological father due to one of the following
- Divorce
- Parent separation (no longer living in same home)
Overview
Presented by: Esther Productions, Inc. in partnership with the Black Student Fund and the Anacostia Coordinating Council
Supported by grants from: Kerry S. Pearson LLC, Fort Myer Construction Corporation Charitable Foundation, Emmanuel Bailey Veterans Corps, and Esther's Friends
Annual cash prize scholarship for teen girls facing the challenge of father absence. Applicants write essays sharing their personal stories of resilience and self-discovery while growing up without their father.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a girl between ages 13-18
- Must be a resident of the District of Columbia
- Must be growing up in a home without the presence or active engagement of a biological father due to one of the following:
- Divorce
- Parent separation (no longer living in same home)
- Parents never lived together
- Father is incarcerated
Essay Requirements
- Length: 750-1,500 words
- Topic: How you have handled growing up without your father while discovering yourself and your resilience
- What your story could win: Up to $1,500 scholarship
How to Apply
How to Apply
- Visit the application portal: Go to estherproductionsinc.com/contest for full details
- Write your essay: Prepare an essay of 750-1,500 words addressing the prompt about growing up without your father and discovering your resilience
Application Materials Required
- Essay (750-1,500 words)
- Proof of age and DC residency (verify requirements on estherproductionsinc.com/contest)
- Verification of eligibility criteria
What Georgia Ave Family Support Collaborative actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2020 — the most recent filing with itemized grants
- Grants in 2020
- 1
- Total given
- $88K
- Median grant
- $88K
- By dollars: District of Columbia 100%. Top recipient cities: Washington, DC.
Example grants
Fapac - Building Parental Skills · Washington, DC
$88K
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Single moms
- Youth programs
- Education
Categories
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