Scholarship FAQs
How do I apply for a scholarship from the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, Inc.?
Information about CFOV scholarships can be found on the website. Select the appropriate region in the left menu options (Ohio, WV or WV and Ohio), then select the scholarship program and you’ll see an overview of criteria and general instructions about how to apply, including a link to an application for some. The 2022 scholarship cycle will be the first for a new online platform and will include many, but not all, of the scholarships in the CFOV portfolio. Those not housed in the online platform will still utilize a paper application or other format. The method of access will be indicated on the individual overview.
The online platform utilizes a universal approach, where applicants will complete a common application and the system will then take those responses and match applicants with opportunities for which they qualify. Applicants can choose to pursue offered opportunities or not. We’re very excited to offer this streamlined experience for scholarship seekers and those involved in the application process!
Please call 304-242-3144 for more information about specific scholarships and their requirements.
Here’s the link to the platform: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfovscholar
(You can create an account or visit your dashboard (if an existing user) at anytime. Application access aligns with associated open/close periods.)
What is the application deadline for scholarships?
The deadline for application will be clearly indicated. This also applies to students who have received multi-year scholarships.
Under no circumstances will an application be considered if received after the stated deadline. It is always the responsibility of the recipient to access, complete and submit the necessary elements associated with the scholarship.
What is the best advice you can give regarding submitting a successful scholarship application?
Follow the instructions! Complete your application neatly, include requested information (and leave out anything that’s not requested!) and remember each application is reviewed by a selection committee – it is worth your time to build an application that represents your very best effort! It’s also not a great idea to let the deadline sneak up on you – keep an eye on the calendar! And ALWAYS feel free to contact us with any questions!
How will I know that my application was received and processed?
Scholarships submitted through the online platform will be confirmed through an automatic email generated by the system. The applicant dashboard of the online platform is there to guide students – always check the dashboard for status clues.
Several CFOV opportunities are managed by external or school-based committees and the applicant can inquire about his/her status with those entities.
Generally speaking, ALL scholarship selections are submitted to CFOV, regardless of the selection method and CFOV will notify those chosen as recipients once selections have been made.
For scholarship applications that are submitted to CFOV, please call us at 304-242-3144 or send an email to jess@cfov.org.
If I receive a scholarship award, will I receive a check?
No – you will receive correspondence from CFOV. This will arrive either via USPS or through email via the online platform (opportunities vary in method). The notification includes an acceptance form that you will need to complete and return. This form will capture details necessary for your scholarship to be paid and also verifies your future plans align with the intention of the scholarship. We begin processing checks for the amount of your scholarship July 1. Checks are made payable to your institution and will be forwarded to the appropriate office at your college or university. Scholarships will not and cannot be distributed without submission of a completed acceptance form. If you fail to return the scholarship acceptance form in a timely fashion, this may cause a delay in processing or even forfeiture of your award.
What happens if I must withdraw from school for academic, disciplinary, or personal reasons?
Although extenuating circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis, the general rule requires college/universities to refund any issued but unused scholarship funds to CFOV. This guarantees future students will have sufficient funding available. You signify your understanding of this policy in the Scholarship Acceptance Form you sign and return to the Foundation. Military service during the school year is an automatic exception to this policy.
