FAQs

• Sponsor a Scholar
• Underwrite Scholar programs
• Sponsor the Awards Ceremony
• Volunteer as a Mentor
• Become a Career Resource
  

Sponsor a Scholar

Q: How do I become a donor?

A: To become a Meritus donor you must fill out a pledge form and make a four year commitment to contribute between $500-$3,000 annually. Please be sure to include your email address, if you have one, so that your scholar can easily write to you.

Q: Is my donation tax deductible?

A: Yes. Meritus is an incorporated 501(c)(3) organization. 100% of the gift - whether designated for a scholarship or program support - is deductible.

Q: What are the guidelines for forming a scholarship group?

A: While many individuals fund full scholarships, donors can build their own groups to reach the same funding goal. Meritus can also bundle individual donations to create a scholarship. With a minimum commitment of $500 per year for four years, six donors can create a $12,000 scholarship. Donor groups are made up of friends, family members, college alumni, and professional colleagues—all of whom have a passion for the value of education.

Q: When is my donation due to be paid?

A: While we appreciate payment in full as your pledge is made, Meritus also welcomes payment in annual installments. Pledge commitment reminders are mailed each June and funds must be received by July 1st.

Q: How should I submit a scholarship payment?

A: Many donors simply send their pledge as a check made payable to Meritus College Fund via mail. Meritus also welcomes donations of stock. Many employers have matching gift programs through which your contribution can be doubled.

Q: What if I want to make a one-time donation instead of a four-year pledge?

A: Your one-time donation benefits Meritus by supporting outreach and programs to help scholars get to and stay in college.

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Underwrite Scholar Programs

Q: What else does Meritus College Fund need?

A: 100% of scholarship contributions go directly to the Scholars. Each year Meritus looks to the community for the operational and programmatic support it requires to make sure that we can provide outreach to students, counsel and track scholars, identify mentors, career and networking opportunities for Scholars and alumni, recruit new donors, and maintain donor and scholar accounts and disbursements.

Q: How can I show my support?

A: You can use the Donate Now! button to make a contribution, send us a check or make a stock donation at any time. Your contribution is 100% tax deductible.

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Sponsor the Awards Ceremony

Q: What is the Awards Ceremony?

A:  The Awards Ceremony takes place late May/early June after the scholarship application process has been completed and scholarship recipients have been chosen. All new recipients, their families and members of the school community attend the event as we recognize the accomplishments of our Scholars. Donors and mentors are also in attendance and have the opportunity to meet the students directly. Current Meritus Scholars and alumni also participate to welcome our new cohort and share their stories of success.

Q: Is the Awards Ceremony a fundraiser?

A: No. The Awards Ceremony is open to members of our community. There is no entrance fee or donation that is required. This is purely a celebratory event to acknowledge the achievements our newest scholarship recipients and the individuals and organizations that will help to nurture them along the way.

Q: What are the benefits of underwriting this event?

A: Donors of this event have been recognized in invitation and publication materials, have participated as speakers, and have been thanked in media communications. Please contact the Meritus office to discuss this sponsorship opportunity. A detailed budget will be provided and a variety of acknowledgement possibilities will be discussed.

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Volunteer as a Mentor

Q: What are the objectives of the Mentoring program?

A: The objectives are to:

• Prepare students for a successful college experience
• Offer positive suggestions to strengthen academics and study skills
• Address cultural, academic and daily life issues associated with college
• Increase participants’ knowledge of graduate/professional schools as well as professional life and career settings
• Provide insights into career planning and networking

Q: How does it work?

A: Meritus College Fund matches mentors with freshman scholars in May of each year.  When possible, matches are made with consideration to the mentor and student’s major, special interests and preferences. Mentors

• Are college graduates
• Make at least a two-year commitment to their students
• Provide casual but reliable support to Scholars via email or phone 1-3 times during each semester or more depending on the scholar- mentor relationship
• Advise Meritus if signs of academic or personal trouble are detected

Q: What do Mentors provide?

A: Mentors are resources! They:

• Provide guidance on a variety of issues, such as academic planning and preparation, graduate school options and opportunities, and career choices
• Share experiences that contributed to their own successful graduation from college
• Offer general moral support. Meritus staff should be informed if a serious issue arises that impacts a Scholar’s ability to meet their scholarship requirements. Mentors do not impose their religious, political or other ideological beliefs on a student.

Mentors and students are in the best position to determine how their relationship should develop.  Each mentoring relationship is different because of the student’s development level, the student’s needs, and his or her personal interests.

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Become a Career Resource

Q: What are Career Resources?

A: A career resource provides Scholars with:

• Informational interviews. Help educate our Scholars about your field of expertise and your company. Share insights about your academic background, career experience, and observations of your profession
• Summer jobs or internships. Many of our Scholars actively seek out career opportunities during the summer to gain exposure to a career pathway, build their personal networks, gain leadership and personal skills, and earn extra income to help them pay for college.

Q: How does it work?

A: Career resources can either call Meritus directly or fill out a Career Resource form. Opportunities will be shared with Meritus Scholars based on their field of interest. Students will make the initial contact to demonstrate their initiative and interpersonal skills. Meritus is always ready to help students with formulating questions, writing cover letters and resumes. Meritus can also work directly with employers to help target specific needs.

Q: What are the benefits?

A: A Career Resource knows they are supporting a focused and determined youth in our community. In addition, students are resources to organizations, providing the potential to grow their diverse workforce and provide short-term and part-time employment support while they are in college.

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