Are you considering applying to one of our programs this year? If so, you might have some questions about the process! Please read on for some answers, as well as some tips and tricks that may come in handy as you prepare to submit your materials. And as always, don’t hesitate to email us at apply@onefuturefoundation.org if you need help with anything we haven’t touched on.

Why are the scholarship and grant applications as extensive as they are?

Short answer: To ensure we’re protecting the integrity and tax exemption of the Foundation.

Deeper dive: As a sorority foundation that reserves certain programs exclusively for applicants from Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc., it’s crucial that we demonstrate our legitimate efforts to identify top candidates before we award any funds. An IRS ruling back in 1956 affirmed the right of fraternity and sorority foundations to give scholarships to the relatively small pool of applicants in their respective organizations, provided certain criteria were met. That’s why it’s so important for the board of the ONE Future Foundation to responsibly maintain a robust selection rubric that begins with a comprehensive application. We’re protecting the integrity and the federal exemption of this charitable organization. And, while we’re starting with $500 scholarships and $300 grants, our intent is to increase these amounts significantly in the years to come.

What are the fundamental purposes of the new programs?

Short answer: Our Academic Excellence Legacy Awards is a scholarship program that aims to advance academic excellence among recipients, making higher education more accessible. Our SOAR (Sustainable Outreach, Advocacy, and Resilience) program is designed to give members a chance to learn how to submit for and execute a traditional grant with a community partner.

Deeper dive: As a federally exempt organization, the ONE Future Foundation is charged with particular purposes that include supporting educational and charitable endeavors. Our scholarship program serves to advance academic excellence among the program’s recipients and to make higher education more accessible to individuals whose values align with those of the foundation. Our grant program is our inaugural public benefit effort and our recipients will be other 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. We designed this program to operate like a traditional grant opportunity in order to give members a chance to complete and submit a grant application; a skill that will benefit many recipients down the road.

Tips & Tricks For Applicants

Now that you’ve decided you want to apply, here are some tips and tricks that we hope will be helpful to you as you make sense of the process:

1. Getting Started

• Understand your audience. Read through the ONE Future Foundation website to learn all about us.
• Start early – applications are posted on our website by March 15 so you can start preparing, and you should check the programs page and messages from us for resources like the Technical Assistance Webinar and the Q&A sessions as they are made available.
• Create a virtual workspace in a Google document or similar app as a central space for your initial write up and any revisions you will make. The content can then be pasted into the Foundation’s online application once it opens.
• Follow all the application guidelines – be detail-oriented!
• Have a plan in mind – Who will help you with what, when? Establish a timeline.
• Set calendar reminders – applications are due by May 31st, giving you about 2 and a half months to complete and submit them.
• If you are providing information for us to reach out to contacts, references, and other individuals, make sure they are aware they might hear from a ONE Future Foundation board member.

Writing Your Proposal

• Be clear and concise
• Let your application be the story of your efforts
• Highlight the impact you’re aiming to have
• Make sure you have any required and optional attachments
• Proofread – sometimes out loud is best!

Scoring

• For the scholarships, we will be looking for:
  • Unweighted Total GPA
  • Application completeness and effort
  • Effectiveness of short answer responses
  • Quality of resume, transcripts, bio
  • Authenticity and engagement of essay

• For the grants, we will be looking for:
  • Innovation – what are you bringing to the table that’s unique?
  • Justification – why is this important and why is this approach a good one?
  • Relationship to sponsored org goals
  • Potential for success

Grant-Specific Tips

• Watch the technical assistance workshop – link sent out via official channels, or if you need to request it, email apply@onefuturefoundation.org.
• Attend the Q&As – schedule is communicated via official channels. If you missed it, make sure to sign up to get emails from us. 
• Have a conversation with your contact at the sponsored organization
• Remember SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound)

We look forward to reading your applications!