Scholarships FAQ

How do I know which scholarships I am eligible for?

With our new online application process the scholarships you qualify for will be listed for you, based on your application answers.  You can also review the specific scholarship list and fund descriptions, available here.

I attend school part-time. Am I still eligible to apply for scholarships?

Yes. The online application process will determine which scholarships you are eligible for.  You can also reference individual scholarship eligibility guidelines to determine the funds in which you can apply as a part-time student.

Can I make copies of the application?

Yes, the application does have a print option, but the easiest method is to fill the on-line application in as you go. No paper applications will be accepted.

Do I have to have a copy of the application for each scholarship I apply for?

No. (If you have applied for RCCF scholarships before, you will notice this is different than before!)

The only application you will use is the electronic application.  Once you have submitted the application and any scholarship-specific supplements, such as essays or proof of program acceptance, as needed, you have finished the process.  

Do I have to have an official transcript to apply?

Yes. High School students will contact their counselor as part of the online application process for a transcript.  College students will upload a current transcript as part of the online application process.  

How do I know the type of high school diploma I have?

Contact your guidance counselor or reference your high school transcript.

If my parents are divorced do I have to provide both parents' financial information?

To be consistent and fair among all applicants, the Foundation prefers that you submit financial information for both parents; however, we realize that circumstances arise in which that information cannot be provided. We must have the financial information for the parent that claims you as a dependent on taxes.

How do I find my financial aid package?

You should receive your financial aid package along with your billing statement. This varies among each university, so please contact your school for specific information.

Do I have to submit a FAFSA?

You do need to upload the SAR (Student Aid Report) that you receive when you file your FAFSA.  We need to see the EFC (Expected Family Contribution).  

You will need to submit a FAFSA to the government in order to receive government or institution-specific aid. Please reference the FAFSA website or contact your school for more information.

I'm paying for my own education. Do I have to supply my parents' income?

Yes. If you are claimed as a dependent on your parents’ taxes you must supply their income information.

Can I use my scholarship for room and board?

No. RCCF is a 501(c)(3) organization and must follow IRS regulation for scholarship distribution.

Qualified expenses include:

  • Tuition and fees required to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution
  • Course-related expenses, such as: fees, books, supplies, and equipment that are required for the courses at the eligible educational institution. These items must be required of all students in your course of instruction.

Expenses that do not qualify include:

  • Room and board
  • Travel
  • Research Clerical help
  • Equipment and other expenses not required for enrollment in or attendance at an eligible educational institution

Once my scholarship is awarded, how do I receive the funds?

Once our office has received all required information needed to process your payment (see Recipient Instructions) we will remit payment directly to your educational institution.

I received a scholarship that will pay both fall and spring semesters. What if I don't have the required information in time for your deadlines?

Please submit the information you are able to provide by the deadline. We understand that grades may not post in time for the deadline and that billing statements may change: we only ask that you inform our office if you are unable to provide the information required in time for our deadline. We want to award you the scholarship you earned, but you must keep us informed!

Do I have to complete the entire application at once?

No, you may save the application once you’ve started and complete it later.  Once you have created an account and started the online application you are in the system.  At the bottom of the application, near the “submit application” icon is an icon that allows you to “save application.”  At that point you can log in and out as often as you want to work on and edit your application.

What if the application requires additional information?

Once you submit your online application you will be emailed a confirmation.  That confirmation will outline the scholarships you qualified for.  AS WELL, at the bottom of the email will a message of any supplemental information (essays, letters of recommendation, etc.) required for specific scholarships.  There is a link to “Continue” and at that time it will take you to a screen to show the additional requirements needed.  Until you complete the supplemental information you are not qualified for those scholarships that require the supplement(s).