Scholarship FAQ

You should have received a confirmation email from SmarterSelect immediately after submitting your application. If you do not see it in your inbox, please check your spam or “Promotions” folder. You can also log into your SmarterSelect account to view your application status.

No. Once the deadline has passed, applications are locked for committee review. However, if your contact information (email or phone) changes, please contact the Foundation at 740-387-9704 so we can update our records.

Your username is the email you used to apply. You can reset your password on the SmarterSelect login page. Should you be awarded a scholarship, you will need to log in to SmarterSelect to submit your Proof of Enrollment to receive your award. Please note: This must be done on the SmarterSelect site, NOT the Marion Community Foundation website.

Selection committees meet throughout March and April. All chosen recipients will be notified during the first week of May via the email address provided in the application.

Yes. In addition to the email notification, an official award letter containing your scholarship details and instructions for next steps will be mailed to the address provided in the application. These letters are mailed during the first week of May.

Yes. Because we use a common application, you are automatically considered for every fund for which you meet the criteria. It is possible to be selected for multiple awards.

This is a required step to verify your attendance at your chosen institution. We cannot process or send your scholarship payment until this verification is complete.

You will submit this information through your SmarterSelect account. You have access to this section now, but we recommend waiting until you have your final documentation from your school.

All required enrollment information must be submitted by August 31, 2026; however, we encourage you to submit it as soon as you have it, as payments begin July 1, 2026.

No. Scholarship awards are never released directly to students. Payments are sent directly to the school’s financial aid office on your behalf.

For students who have completed their Proof of Enrollment, payments will begin on July 1, 2026. We continue to process payments throughout the summer as proofs of enrollment are verified.

Awards are designated for tuition, books, fees, and educational supplies billed directly by your school. By default, the Foundation directs schools to apply one-half of the award to the Fall semester and the remaining half to the Spring semester.