Question 1

How can I get more involved?

Accepted Answer

Fill out the Contact Form on our website or email us at info@forwardscohlar.org. We would love to share more with you about our organization, and we welcome participation.

Question 2

How can I donate?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to donate is through our Donate Now page of the website. Pay It Forward Scholarship, Inc. accepts debit and credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover) and ApplePay. 
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Click on this link to send via PayPal.

Payments via Zelle can be sent to rcalumnischolarship@gmail.com.

If you work for an organization that provides matching opportunities, please consider us as we are connected to the main giving site that employers utilize.

Question 3

Is my donation tax deductible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pay It Forward Scholarship, Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.  Upon successful completion of your donation, you will receive a confirmation email.  To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record.

Question 4

How many scholarships do you offer?

Accepted Answer

For 2025, we are offering 6 total scholarships. There will be 2 scholarship recipients of the Rich Central Alumni Award, and there will be 4 scholarship recipients of the Pay It Forward Scholarship.

Of note, we have extended the number of recipients receiving an award in past years, and this may be a possibility of consideration.

Question 5

What is the difference between the Alumni Award and the Pay It Forward Scholarship Award?

Accepted Answer

The Rich Township Alumni Scholarship award is limited only to high school seniors within the Rich Township District 227. The idea for the scholarship and organization started with a focus on students of District 227, as it is the alma mater of the founders.

The Pay It Forward Scholarship Award is open to high school students in the Chicagoland area, outside of District 227. Our desire to impact and help students expanded beyond our original focus of our alma mater.

Question 6

When is the deadline for the scholarship application?

Accepted Answer

The deadline for consideration of a 2025 scholarship award is Friday, March 28, 2025 at 11:59pm. The applications will be closed after this time, and no further applications will be received. If there are any issues with submission and you tried to submit your application before the deadline, please send an email as soon as possible to info@forwardscholar.org for consideration.

Question 7

Who can apply?

Accepted Answer

The scholarship is for high school seniors from minority backgrounds, with a focus on supporting African American students. Any high school student, however, may apply. Applicants should exhibit esteemed academic achievement, leadership qualities, and a dedication to creating positive change in their communities.

Question 8

What makes a scholarship applicant stand apart?

Accepted Answer

While academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement are important, what truly sets a scholarship applicant apart is a demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact on others. We look for students who embody the spirit of giving back and show a desire to Pay It Forward by using their education and experiences to uplift their communities and inspire future generations.

Applicants who convey this mindset through their personal stories, goals, academic achievement, and involvement, have historically stood out the most.

Question 9

When will the scholarship be awarded?

Accepted Answer

The scholarship will be awarded upon the recipient's confirmation of graduation.

Question 10

How do I donate through corporate matching?

Accepted Answer

Many companies offer corporate matching gift programs to support their employees' charitable contributions. To donate through corporate matching:

Check with your employer: Reach out to your HR department or check your company's intranet to see if they offer a matching gift program. 
Submit your donation: Make your donation through our various ways of giving, and save your donation receipt, as it may be required for the matching process.
Complete the matching request: Follow your company's instructions to submit a matching gift request. This typically involves filling out an online form or submitting a paper form, along with your donation receipt.
Let us know: If your company needs additional information or documentation from us, please email info@forwardscholar.org.

By utilizing corporate matching, you can maximize the impact of your contribution and further support the mission of Pay It Forward Scholarship, Inc.

Question 11

Do you partner with other organizations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we partner with other organizations to amplify our impact and support our mission. Through collaborations with schools, businesses, other non-profit organizations, and community organizations, we work to provide additional resources, mentorship opportunities, and funding to benefit our scholarship recipients.

If your organization is interested in partnering with us to further support students and invest in their futures, please contact us at info@forwardscholar.org. We welcome opportunities to create meaningful and lasting change together.

Frequently asked questions