Support
for the continuing education
of our youth is a major objective
of Rotary. Through the Rotary
Club of Healdsburg's Scholarship
Program, we work towards that
goal. In this manner, we invest
some of our annual fundraising
proceeds back into a project
that truly benefits our local
community.
We also have an endowment
Scholarship Fund for our Program.
In July 2006, our Scholarship
Fund was given a non-profit
501(c)3 tax exempt status
by the IRS. If you are interested
in making a contribution to
this Fund, please consult
your tax advisor about your
specific benefit.
Working closely with the Healdsburg
High School Career Center,
our Rotary Scholarship Program
makes annual awards to deserving
graduates, thus helping them
to pursue their educational
goals. Here is more information
about our Scholarship Fund
in a FAQ format.
What kind
of Rotary Scholarships are
awarded?
We have two major types of
Scholarships:
Academic:
Given to a student pursuing
a four-year college program,
or pursuing a two year degree
program at a community college
with the intent to transfer
to a four year university
program.
Vocational:
Given to a student pursuing
a trade that requires technical,
vocational, or job specific
training through a two year
program at a community college
or a trade/technical school.
How many
Scholarships does the Program
give?
In 2007-08, we intend to award
a minimum of 10 Rotary scholarships
between $300 and $1,000 each.
We will also award a minimum
of 2 Max and Carolyn Dunn
Medical Studies Scholarships
for $500 to $1,500.
Where does
money for the Rotary Scholarship
Program come from?
The Scholarship Program is
supported with part of the
proceeds of our Annual Crab
Feed. Each year, the Club's
Board of Directors determines
the specific dollar amount
for the Scholarship Program
through the Club's annual
budgeting process.
What are
the named scholarships?
These scholarships are only
awarded if a candidate qualifies
according to the criteria
established by the Scholarship
Committee.
- The Bruce Campbell Scholarship
given to a student focusing
on a career in agriculture,
- The Jerry Eddinger Scholarship
given to a student with
outstanding community
service work,
- The Max and Carolyn
Dunn Scholarship awarded
to a person returning
to school with a concentration
in the health care field,
and
- The Jack McCarley Scholarship
given to a student who
represents the spirit
and character of Rotary.
What is
the current status of the
Max and Carolyn Dunn Medical
Studies Scholarship?
In the Spring of 2006, in
recognition of the contributions
that former CEO Max Dunn made
to the Alliance Medical Center,
the Alliance staff, members
of the medical community,
Healdsburg Rotarians and others
contributed approximately
$7,000 to the Max and Carolyn
Dunn Scholarship account.
In 2007, the Rotary Club of
Healdsburg made the first
Dunn Medical Studies Scholarship
awards.
What are
the criteria for choosing
a Rotary Scholarship recipient?
The following, equally weighted,
selection factors are used:
- Substantial financial
need or hardship
- Academic performance
- Clear educational objectives
and a plan to achieve
them
- Work experience, especially
if related to career objectives
- Participation in community
service projects or similar
school activities
- Impression of the applicant
from a personal interview.
How is the
Rotary Scholarship Program
run?
On an annual basis, the Board
confirms appointments to the
Scholarship Committee. In
mid-March of each year, the
Scholarship Committee reviews
the applications from Healdsburg
High School seniors and selects
up to 24 candidates for a
personal interview. The Committee
meets with each of the candidates
in April, and then chooses
the scholarship winners based
on their application materials
and their interview. The scholarships
are given in May at Healdsburg
High's Scholarship Awards
night. The scholarship recipients
are invited to attend a Club
luncheon in June to talk briefly
about their college plans.
Is there
a Healdsburg Rotary Scholarship
Endowment Fund?
Yes, there is. As of September
2007, the Fund balance was
approximately $150,000.00.
The current policy of the
Club Board of Directors is
to reinvest the annual interest
earned on the Fund in order
to allow it to grow. Each
year, a minimum of 5% of the
proceeds of the Crab Feed
& Auction is added to the
Scholarship Fund.
What are
the future goals for the Healdsburg
Rotary Scholarship Fund?
The long term goal of the
Rotary Club of Healdsburg
is to increase the principal
of the Scholarship Fund so
that its annual income can
support the Club’s Scholarship
Program on a self sustaining
basis.
In July 2006, the IRS approved
non-profit 501(c) 3 tax exempt
status for the Fund, thus,
any gifts, bequests or contributions
to the Scholarship Fund will
be fully tax deductible by
the donor. The Club's Board
of Directors is developing
a plan to seek major contributions
and bequests for the Fund
from Rotarians and other community
members.
When the Scholarship Fund
becomes large enough, the
annual returns earned on its
principal also can be used
for significant one-year or
multi-year scholarships.
How may
I contribute to the Healdsburg
Rotary Scholarship Fund?
Checks may be made payable
to:
Rotary Scholarship
Fund
P. O. Box 671
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Rob Jacobi
Scholarship Program Chairman
Rotary Club of Healdsburg
