Foundation FAQs
Answers About Scholarships, Giving, and Supporting Student Success
Below are answers to common questions from students, parents, donors, alumni, and community members. If you need additional assistance, please contact the Foundation Office. We are here to help.
General Foundation Questions
Q: What is the Glen Oaks Community College Foundation?
A: The Glen Oaks Community College Foundation is an independent, private, charitable
501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation raises, manages, and distributes funds that
support Glen Oaks Community College students and programs.
Q: What is the Foundation’s relationship to Glen Oaks Community College?
A: The Foundation operates independently but exists solely to support Glen Oaks Community
College. Funds raised by the Foundation directly benefit students, academic programs,
and college initiatives.
Q: Who governs the Foundation?
A: The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors composed of up to 14 community
leaders. Directors are selected based on their expertise, experience, and commitment
to supporting education and student success.
Giving & Donor Questions
Q: What is the best way to give to the Foundation?
A: The Foundation offers multiple giving options, including one-time gifts, recurring
donations, and planned gifts. Visit our Ways to Give page to explore options that
align with your philanthropic goals.
Q: What types of assets can I donate?
A: Acceptable contributions include cash, stocks, bonds, mutual fund shares, life
insurance, real estate, and retirement plan assets.
Q: How do I establish an endowed fund?
A: The minimum amount to establish an endowed fund is $10,000. Donors may meet this
minimum over a period of up to five years.
Q: How is my gift used?
A: Your gift is applied directly to the area you designate. The Foundation provides
written acknowledgment confirming your gift and its intended purpose.
Q: Are donations tax-deductible?
A: Yes. The Glen Oaks Community College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
You will receive an official acknowledgment letter for tax purposes.
Q: How can I include Glen Oaks in my will?
A: You may provide a bequest through your estate plan. To discuss planned giving options,
contact the Executive Director of the Foundation at 269.294.4384.
Q: How do matching gifts work?
A: Many employers match charitable contributions made by employees or retirees. Contact
your employer’s human resources department to request a matching gift form and increase
the impact of your donation.
Scholarships & Financial Support
The Glen Oaks Community College Foundation awards more than 30 scholarships each year to support students pursuing degrees and certificates.
Q: Do I have to be admitted to Glen Oaks to apply for a Foundation scholarship?
A: Yes. Students must be admitted to Glen Oaks Community College before completing
the online scholarship application. A GOCC Viking username and password are required
to access the application.
Q: How do I apply for Foundation scholarships?
A: From glenoaks.edu:
- Click Financial Aid
- Select Scholarships
- Click “Apply for Active Scholarships”
Q: What is the scholarship application deadline?
A: The annual scholarship deadline is March 1. Students must complete a new application
each year.
Q: How long does the application take?
A: Most students complete the application in 30 to 60 minutes. The system autosaves,
allowing you to return and finish later.
Q: Do I need to complete the FAFSA to apply?
A: No. FAFSA completion is not required for Foundation scholarships. However, completing
the FAFSA is strongly recommended to maximize eligibility for federal, state, and
institutional aid.
Q: I do not qualify for federal aid. Can I still receive a scholarship?
A: Yes. Not all Foundation scholarships are based on financial need.
Q: How much are scholarship awards?
A: Award amounts vary depending on donor intent and available funding. Students are
matched to scholarships based on qualifications and application responses.
Q: I applied last year but did not receive a scholarship this year. Why?
A: Students must complete a new scholarship application each year to be considered.
Q: My major is not listed. Should I still apply?
A: Yes. Many scholarships are open to students across multiple programs. Selection
criteria may include high school attended, extracurricular involvement, academic achievement,
and other factors.
Q: When will I be notified if I receive a scholarship?
A: Award notifications are mailed in April.
Parent & Privacy Questions
Q: As a parent, can I check whether my student completed the scholarship application?
A: In most cases, no. Scholarship application information is protected under the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Students must provide written consent
through the Student Records Release section of the My GOCC portal before information
can be shared.
Still Have Questions?
We are here to support you.
Foundation Office Phone: 269.294.4384
Email: awingard@glenoaks.edu
Support student opportunity. Strengthen our community. Invest in the future through the Glen Oaks Community College Foundation.