BWA Scholarship Fund for the Advancement of Women

Purpose of the Fund

Established with the Community Foundation of Broward on June 30, 1997, the purpose of the Broward Women's Alliance (BWA) Fund for the Advancement of Women is:

To benefit women applicants who need support and encouragement for professional development through educational opportunities.

The scholarship program is administered by the BWA Fund for the Advancement of Women Committee, comprised of not fewer than three (3) nor more than five (5) members appointed by the President of the Broward Women' Alliance and approved by its Executive Committee. The committee recommends the criteria, procedures and awards to BWA and the Community Foundation of Broward (CFB).

Sources of Funds

Gifts, memorials and bequests from individuals and organizations are the principal sources of scholarship funds. BWA promotes the Fund as a vehicle for women's philanthropy.

At the discretion of the BWA Executive Committee, excess BWA monies will be contributed as they become available. From time to time, funds available for distribution may be added back to the Fund in order to accumulate sufficient principal to allow the awarding of more substantial scholarships.

Distribution of Awards

The awards to be distributed are determined annually under the agreement with the Community Foundation of Broward. Generally, at least one scholarship will be given annually. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2009, and the award notification will be made no later than May 1, 2009.

Criteria for Awards

Women should apply who have chosen a specific educational path to assist them in achieving economic self-sufficiency, economic independence and full participation in the workforce. Acceptance into the specific program for which the scholarship is requested is not required at the time the application is considered. However, acceptance into a program will be necessary for the grant money to be disbursed. Scholarship funds are applicable only for tuition and fees, and will be disbursed directly to the educational institution. No member of the Committee is eligible to apply for assistance from the fund.

Application Process

Broward Womens Alliance 2009 Scholarship Application.doc

An application form will be provided to each applicant by the BWA Fund for the Advancement of Women Committee. Among the entries and attachments required of the applicant will be: Statement of career goals; academic background and appropriate official transcript; resume, including any volunteer activities; the purpose for which the scholarship is requested; related family circumstances such as income level and need; and any financial support beyond the requested scholarship funds which will contribute to success in reaching the educational goal.

The BWA Fund for the Advancement of Women Committee will also develop and distribute a brochure to promote scholarship applications, as well as take other vigorous and appropriate steps to make the availability of the scholarships widely known.

Following the deadline for receipt of applications, the BWA Fund for Advancement of Women Committee will convene to review all submitted applications and will rank the applications, sending its recommendation to the BWA Executive Committee for approval during the month of April.