Folds of Honor, established in 2007, is a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. These scholarships support various educational pursuits, including private school tuition or tutoring for grades K-12, as well as tuition for college, technical or trade schools, and postgraduate studies. The organization has awarded over 52,000 scholarships, totaling about $244 million, with 45% of recipients representing minority groups. The scholarship application process involves several steps to ensure that eligible individuals receive the necessary support for their educational goals. Applicants must be the spouse or dependent child of a military service member or first responder who has fallen or been disabled. A minimum GPA of 2.0 for the two most recent academic terms is required. The value of the scholarship can be up to $5,000 per academic year, based on unmet financial need. The application window typically opens on February 1st and closes on March 31st each year. Applicants are required to submit various documents, including proof of dependency, academic transcripts, and documentation of the service member’s status. The review process assesses the applicant’s eligibility and financial need to determine scholarship awards. Folds of Honor emphasizes that the Higher Education Scholarship cannot be used for certain expenses, such as off-campus housing not billed through the bursar, Greek housing, fees or meal plans, computers or accessories, special field certification or license exams, student insurance, previous year or semester charges, parking or transportation passes, and sports tickets. The Children’s Fund Scholarship excludes expenses like non-required curriculum materials, PTO fees, sports uniforms or fees, and music lessons. The organization operates with a commitment to transparency and efficiency, with an average of 91% of every dollar raised going directly to the scholarship program. This dedication ensures that the maximum amount of funds supports the educational aspirations of the families served. Folds of Honor also engages with communities through fundraising events and partnerships, providing opportunities for individuals and organizations to contribute to the mission of honoring the sacrifice and educating the legacy of America’s heroes. By offering these scholarships, Folds of Honor aims to alleviate the financial burden of education for families who have endured significant sacrifices, enabling recipients to pursue their academic and career goals.
