ESTABLISH A SCHOLARSHIP

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships

How do I set up a scholarship?
HSSFF is funded by contributions from individuals, organizations, businesses, and bequests. Those wishing to establish a scholarship should contact the Foundation (thehssff@gmail.com or HSSFF, PO Box 682, Fairfield, CT 06824).  The VP of Scholarships will discuss with you the types of scholarships, amounts, criteria guidelines, etc., and provide you with a NEW SCHOLARSHIP REQUEST FORM.

What types of scholarships can be established?

Sustaining Scholarships:

A minimum donation of $5,000 is required to establish a Sustaining scholarship, where interest is earned on your fund balance. Given today's cost of college, the minimum scholarship awarded is $500. When establishing a scholarship, if it will not yield $500, please plan to build your scholarship to that level over 3-5 years.

Sustaining Scholarships may be further categorized as:

Named Scholarships may be established in Memory of or In Honor of a person you wish to pay tribute to.

PTA Scholarships may be established by Fairfield Public Schools PTAs.

Community and Alumni Scholarships may be established by a community organization or group, an alum of Fairfield Public Schools, etc.

Pass Thru Scholarships:
The HSSFF acts as an intermediary to receive donations for scholarships to be given out entirely each year.

What Criteria should be considered when establishing a Scholarship?
Examples of criteria are listed below.  The NEW SCHOLARSHIP REQUEST FORM assists in selecting criteria most reflective of the benefactor’s wishes.  Please keep in mind when developing criteria for a scholarship, the broader the range of criteria, the easier it is to find students qualified to receive the award.

  • Special interests or talents the recipient should have

  • Participation in specific areas of the high school activities (e.g., music, clubs, athletics, drama, etc.)

  • A GPA range or deciles rank

  • Planning to major in a specific degree program in their post-high school program

  • Overcome challenges

  • Community service

  • Need-based

  • Planning to attend a specific college or university

  • Specific elements of their character; outstanding student leader, compassionate, caring, and working with the underserved.

  • For example:
    A student attending an in-state university, who played soccer for 2 or more years, with a minimum GPA of 3.8. (Good mix of specific yet broad criteria.)
    Compared to:
    A student attending a 4-year post-high school program, who played soccer, while maintaining a high GPA. (Too broad.)
    OR
    A student attending XYZ University, who was Captain of soccer team for 2 years, with a GPA of 3.8.  (Too Specific.) 

How do I make a Donation?
To make a general donation, please click here.

The Scholarship Committee selects students who best fit the criteria established by donors.  Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors of Fairfield Public High Schools who have completed an HSSFF Scholarship Application and fulfill specified scholarship criteria, without regard to race or religion.  Students MUST complete an HSSFF scholarship application to be considered for any scholarships.

How do students learn about the HSSFF Application? 
The information is posted on the HSSFF website (www.fairfieldscholarshipfoundation.org) as well as on the HSSFF Facebook page. It is announced in senior class homerooms, posted on the high school websites, and published in the high school daily bulletins. Information is also available in the guidance offices at each high school.  The application becomes available online usually in early April.  Students are given several weeks to complete the application and obtain any additional required documentation as specified in the application.