MATCHING CHURCH SCHOLARSHIP

Guidelines & Instructions

Please read the guidelines and follow the instructions to determine if your congregation would like to participate. Ecclesia College (EC) will match gifts up to $750 per semester (for a total of $1,500 per school year) for each undergraduate student. Students enrolled full-time (12 or more credit hours) will receive the full matching amount, while part-time students (fewer than 12 credit hours) will receive prorated matching funds. Part-time proration is calculated by enrolled credit hours. Churches from any denomination or independent congregation within the United States are welcome to participate. When a church partners with EC, the church gift plus EC match can total up to $1,500 per semester ($3,000 per year) toward the student’s financial aid.

Eligibility Requirements

Performance program roster: an official, term-based roster maintained by Athletics or the Worship department and reported to the Financial Aid office.

1. Student Eligibility:
   • Students must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree and must be enrolled either full-time or part-time in a traditional undergraduate program.
   • They must maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined by Ecclesia College.
   • Students listed on a performance program roster (e.g., intercollegiate athletics or worship team) are ineligible for the Matching Church Scholarship (MCS), regardless of whether they receive performance/athletic aid.
   • If a student is removed from a performance program roster and meets all other criteria, MCS eligibility may resume the following term.
   • The program supports students for up to eight semesters, with extensions up to ten semesters for approved cases.
   • Associate degree, adult education, and continuing education students are not eligible.
2. Church Eligibility:
   • Participating churches must hold 501(c)(3) status.
   • Only churches based in the United States can join the program.
   • Churches must establish a local scholarship committee to oversee fund allocation and ensure compliance with IRS rules.

Submission Deadlines

To ensure priority consideration, submit the required forms by April 1 of the year before enrollment. Forms submitted after this date may be considered if funds remain available. Payments received after the deadline are applied to the next eligible term; no institutional match is made for the missed term.

• Fall Semester Payment Deadline: August 1
• Spring Semester Payment Deadline: December 1

Program Guidelines

1. Funding Limits:
   • Ecclesia College matches up to $750 per semester ($1,500 per year) for each student.
   • Churches may contribute more, but the match is capped at the stated amount.
   • All awards are subject to federal/state regulations and Cost-of-Attendance packaging limits.
2. Use of Funds:
   • Churches are encouraged to distribute funds evenly among eligible students.
   • Funds must come from donors who are not related to the student.
   • Scholarships are non-refundable if a student becomes ineligible during a term (e.g., is added to a performance program roster).
   • Awards are applied to the student’s EC account for allowable educational charges and are not disbursed as cash to the student.
3. Local Scholarship Committee:
   • Committees promote the program within their churches and recommend students for awards.
   • Members ensure donations meet IRS guidelines and certify fund allocation. Gifts may not be earmarked by donors for a specific student; the committee determines awards per IRS rules.
4. Annual Forms:
   • Churches must submit an Annual Student Award Form for every supported student.
   • The form includes details such as student information and the amount awarded.

How to Participate

1. Enroll Your Church:
   • Complete a one-time Church Enrollment Form to register for the program.
2. Submit Annual Student Forms:
   • Provide an Annual Student Award Form for each student receiving support. Ensure it is signed by the local scholarship committee or pastor.
3. Make Payments:
   • Send funds to Ecclesia College by the semester deadlines.
   • EC’s match is applied only after church funds are received; pledges do not trigger a match.
4. Request a Certificate (Optional):
   • Request a scholarship certificate to present to the supported student, inspiring broader church participation.

Contact Information