Starting a Chapter

Dollars for Scholars is a proven way to support higher education for local youth. All the organizational materials you need are contained in our “How to Organize a Dollars for Scholars Chapter Kit.” To request a copy, contact Illinois Dollars for Scholars.

Begin by gathering a strong core group of community leaders with a shared interest in the educational development of local students; this is your planning committee. Since this group will play an important leadership role in the formation of a local foundation—and since Dollars for Scholars works best when it has widespread support—it should represent a broad cross-section of the community. Next, apply to begin a chapter by completing three simple forms, electing chapter leaders, adopting chapter by-laws and determining your goals and objectives.

The cost to affiliate with Illinois Dollars for Scholars is $150, with a $150 annual renewal fee. Your chapter can start fundraising and awarding scholarships immediately upon affiliation. Incentive grants are available for Chicago and downstate (Central and Southern Illinois) chapters only. Any new chapter formed in these regions of Illinois is eligible to receive matching incentive grants as shown below:

• Upon affiliation – $500
• First $1,000 raised – match of $1,000
• Next $1,500 raised – match of $1,500

In all, each new chapter in these areas is eligible to receive up to $3,000 in a one-time match.

Below, Scholarship America Founder Dr. Irving Fradkin speaks with P-L Schroeppel of New York Dollars for Scholars about the history of Dollars for Scholars and the importance of our volunteers across the nation.

Interview with Dr. Irving Fradkin from Scholarship America on Vimeo.

Because College Doesn't Happen By Chance®.