Support a Student’s Education Through the Investing for the Future Scholarship Fund

Private scholarships are critical to helping low- and moderate-income students pay for college.  Financial aid from federal, state and college/university programs does not cover the cost of attendance.  The largest federal grant program, the Pell Grant, has not kept pace with inflation.

In the 1980’s, the maximum Pell Grant covered over half of the cost of tuition, fees, room and board at a four-year public college.  Today, the $6,495 maximum Pell Grant does not keep pace with the rising cost of higher education.

The St. Louis Community Foundation’s Investing for the Future Scholarship is a community-funded program that awards $1,000 scholarships, renewable for three additional years.  Donor gifts ranging from $10 to $10,000 fund this program.  Every $4,000 the fund receives in contributions support a new scholarship recipient.

Every year, dozens of qualified applicants are denied due to the limited funds available. Donors who wish to help these students can contribute to the Investing for the Future fund listed in the dropdown menu at https://stlgives.org/give-today/ or make a grant from their Donor Advised Fund. Donors who contribute $4,000 (or a multiple of $4,000) will be named in the student’s award letter(s), if they so wish.

If you are interested in starting a named scholarship fund to help specific types of students or have questions about scholarships contact  Ellen Vietor, Scholarship Manager at evietor@stlgives.org.