1. Some people did not seek formal assistance. They do not have any court case numbers or social service professionals who assisted them. How can they still be considered for the scholarship?
ANSWER: We are happy to consider applications from survivors who have not filed a police report or who do not have court proceedings in progress or finalized regarding Domestic Violence. However, concrete documentation of evidence of abuse must be provided along with the application. Referrals from clergy will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. No awards are given without the submission of documentation and an application.
2. Why do I have to pay money to send copies in for the application process. I need money and spending money on copies is a hardship.
ANSWER: Public agencies are not allowed to charge exorbitant fees for copies. The reasonable charge is 5 cents per page. Police incident reports should not be more than 4 pages. Many records are available online. The online case number will be accepted to defray cost.
3. I need $200 but only $50 more would be helpful. What award amount should I select?
ANSWER: Select $200 and request the additional $50.00 in the "Other" or "Additional Information" section.
4. I need more than $300 but I still want to be considered for the $200 or $300 award. What award amount should I select?
ANSWER: Select $300 and request the additional amount you need in the "Other" or Additional Information" section.
5. Why does the money go to the financial aid office instead of to me?
ANSWER: To ensure the funds are utilized solely for education, all awards are paid directly to the financial institution where the applicant has been accepted into a program.
6. Why are the awards given to domestic violence survivors but not to support personnel? I am an advocate for domestic violence victims and I believe that I can help victims break the cycle of abuse. Would it be okay for me to apply?
ANSWER: The award is for survivors of domestic violence. We applaud all advocates who are committed to assisting survivors; however, the scholarship is solely for survivors of domestic violence for advocacy through the Betty Jean Simmons HeartSeeds Scholarship.
7. I don't want to give my address because I am still concerned about my safety. I just left the shelter home and I want to ensure my information will remain safe. What will you do to protect my information?
ANSWER: We will not disclose any information, in accordance with federal, state, city, county, and local laws. We will not call to verify mailing addresses or phone numbers. When receiving calls, we will not divulge a number on file. If a party calls to ask whether we have a certain number on file, we will not confirm or deny anything. The award will be mailed to the financial institution. No materials will be returned. We will email the results of the awards without providing names to all individual applicants.
8. Why do I have to mail in the application documentation? Why can't I upload the information?
ANSWER: To reduce costs, all documentation must be submitted to the address on the application. Also, using the postal service reduces the possibility of malicious cyber attacks.
9. My city or state has all the information that you are requesting online. I want to provide the web links or internet address instead of mailing in the documentation. Would that be okay?
ANSWER: When submitting your application, ensure that you enter the correct internet address or web links for your documentation from a government entity. If the wrong information is submitted, the application will be removed from further consideration. Incomplete applications are unacceptable.
10A. Why is there an "Other" amount award? How is it awarded?
ANSWER: There are two level of awards for 2014. The award amounts are $200 and $300. An applicant may need more money to complete paying for a semester of college or purchase a book that was not expected (or additional supplies). The Scholarship is a new fund and the awards are minimal during 2014. However, there may be extenuating circumstances for a Grace Award through the "Other" amount. The Grace Award is not meant to replace the $200 and $300 award levels. If the applicant cannot articulate the need for the Grace Award the "Other" amount should be left blank.
10B. I read the awards will be increased for 2015. What will the new award amounts be?
ANSWER: There are two level of awards for 2015. The award amounts are $300 and $500. More information will be provided during the filing period.
11. If my documentation is postmarked by June 13th but it is received June 16th or later, will I be disqualified from consideration?
ANSWER: All documentation postmarked no later than June 13, 2014 will be considered. All documentation received after June 13, 2014, will not be considered and the application will be removed from further consideration. If additional information is needed, a grace period to submit the documentation will be provided to the applicant.
12. Why is the application period less than two months?
ANSWER: The fund is providing a limited amount of awards in 2014. The application process takes less than a week to complete the information online and submit documentation. Seven weeks is sufficient for the 2014 application process. During the first year, it was two months. For 2015-16, the filing period will be from November to April.
13. How will recipients be notified of the award?
ANSWER: The award will be sent to educational institution in accordance with the college or university guidelines. All recipients will be notified whether they receive an award by email.
14. Will my information be shared once I receive the award? I am concerned that the abuser will know where to find me at my educational institution when I go for classes.
ANSWER: Recipients award information will not be disclosed or made public. We will announce the names of the recipient but not the institution. During 2015, we will begin having award ceremonies and applicants must be present to accept the Award. During 2014, the recipient does not have to be present to receive the award. During 2015, we will request a photo of the recipient to be submitted with documentation. As aforementioned, all applications will be kept confidential. Additionally, once documentation is matched with the application, a number will replace the name. This will ensure that records are not used in future court proceedings. Our goal is to always maintain the privacy and safety of all applicants.
15. What criteria disqualifies a survivor from receiving the scholarship?
ANSWER: Applications without complete documentation will be removed from consideration. Any proof that an applicant is not a survivor will not be considered for the Scholarship.. Additionally, if it is evident that an applicant is educationally unprepared for higher education, the application will be removed from consideration.
16. Am I eligible to receive more than one award in the same calendar year?
ANSWER: No. One award will be given to each applicant for the 2015-16 academic year.
17. Am I eligible to receive the scholarship more than once in my lifetime?
ANSWER: Yes, an applicant can receive the Award twice within a five year period and no more than three times during an applicant's lifetime. New applicants will be given priority consideration.
18. Can more than one family member receive the award in the same calendar year?
ANSWER: No, only one award will be given during 2015 per household or family involved in the Domestic Violence. We understand children and parents may need the award. We suggest determining the greatest need in the family each academic year.
19. I need the award for July 2015 and the available school sessions begin in August. Will any awards be paid before August 2015?
ANSWER: Any application submitted for a term prior to August 2014 will be removed from consideration. Awards will be announced on July 7, 2015 and the Financial Aid Officer will be contacted in July to determine the process for payment for the upcoming academic year. No funds will be provided for sessions prior to August 2015. Further, the award cannot be used for outstanding debts and fees, such as campus parking tickets.
20. My educational institution stated that they will not accept a third-party payment for my studies or fees. How can I receive the award?
ANSWER: The Award will be paid by the deadline established by the university or college. If the university or college will not accept the award, the applicant is not eligible for the Betty Jean Simmons HeartSeeds Scholarship. We will contact the Financial Aid Officer listed on the application to ensure the award is submitted properly.
21. I need a "second chance" because I did not do well in school or my first year of college. Would you consider me for an award now that I have improved academically?
ANSWER: Schools, such as Columbus State Community College, has a forgiveness opportunity for students who did not do well initially. The HeartSeeds Scholarship will consider, on a case-by-case basis, an award if a student has not performed well in high school or college.
ANSWER: We are happy to consider applications from survivors who have not filed a police report or who do not have court proceedings in progress or finalized regarding Domestic Violence. However, concrete documentation of evidence of abuse must be provided along with the application. Referrals from clergy will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. No awards are given without the submission of documentation and an application.
2. Why do I have to pay money to send copies in for the application process. I need money and spending money on copies is a hardship.
ANSWER: Public agencies are not allowed to charge exorbitant fees for copies. The reasonable charge is 5 cents per page. Police incident reports should not be more than 4 pages. Many records are available online. The online case number will be accepted to defray cost.
3. I need $200 but only $50 more would be helpful. What award amount should I select?
ANSWER: Select $200 and request the additional $50.00 in the "Other" or "Additional Information" section.
4. I need more than $300 but I still want to be considered for the $200 or $300 award. What award amount should I select?
ANSWER: Select $300 and request the additional amount you need in the "Other" or Additional Information" section.
5. Why does the money go to the financial aid office instead of to me?
ANSWER: To ensure the funds are utilized solely for education, all awards are paid directly to the financial institution where the applicant has been accepted into a program.
6. Why are the awards given to domestic violence survivors but not to support personnel? I am an advocate for domestic violence victims and I believe that I can help victims break the cycle of abuse. Would it be okay for me to apply?
ANSWER: The award is for survivors of domestic violence. We applaud all advocates who are committed to assisting survivors; however, the scholarship is solely for survivors of domestic violence for advocacy through the Betty Jean Simmons HeartSeeds Scholarship.
7. I don't want to give my address because I am still concerned about my safety. I just left the shelter home and I want to ensure my information will remain safe. What will you do to protect my information?
ANSWER: We will not disclose any information, in accordance with federal, state, city, county, and local laws. We will not call to verify mailing addresses or phone numbers. When receiving calls, we will not divulge a number on file. If a party calls to ask whether we have a certain number on file, we will not confirm or deny anything. The award will be mailed to the financial institution. No materials will be returned. We will email the results of the awards without providing names to all individual applicants.
8. Why do I have to mail in the application documentation? Why can't I upload the information?
ANSWER: To reduce costs, all documentation must be submitted to the address on the application. Also, using the postal service reduces the possibility of malicious cyber attacks.
9. My city or state has all the information that you are requesting online. I want to provide the web links or internet address instead of mailing in the documentation. Would that be okay?
ANSWER: When submitting your application, ensure that you enter the correct internet address or web links for your documentation from a government entity. If the wrong information is submitted, the application will be removed from further consideration. Incomplete applications are unacceptable.
10A. Why is there an "Other" amount award? How is it awarded?
ANSWER: There are two level of awards for 2014. The award amounts are $200 and $300. An applicant may need more money to complete paying for a semester of college or purchase a book that was not expected (or additional supplies). The Scholarship is a new fund and the awards are minimal during 2014. However, there may be extenuating circumstances for a Grace Award through the "Other" amount. The Grace Award is not meant to replace the $200 and $300 award levels. If the applicant cannot articulate the need for the Grace Award the "Other" amount should be left blank.
10B. I read the awards will be increased for 2015. What will the new award amounts be?
ANSWER: There are two level of awards for 2015. The award amounts are $300 and $500. More information will be provided during the filing period.
11. If my documentation is postmarked by June 13th but it is received June 16th or later, will I be disqualified from consideration?
ANSWER: All documentation postmarked no later than June 13, 2014 will be considered. All documentation received after June 13, 2014, will not be considered and the application will be removed from further consideration. If additional information is needed, a grace period to submit the documentation will be provided to the applicant.
12. Why is the application period less than two months?
ANSWER: The fund is providing a limited amount of awards in 2014. The application process takes less than a week to complete the information online and submit documentation. Seven weeks is sufficient for the 2014 application process. During the first year, it was two months. For 2015-16, the filing period will be from November to April.
13. How will recipients be notified of the award?
ANSWER: The award will be sent to educational institution in accordance with the college or university guidelines. All recipients will be notified whether they receive an award by email.
14. Will my information be shared once I receive the award? I am concerned that the abuser will know where to find me at my educational institution when I go for classes.
ANSWER: Recipients award information will not be disclosed or made public. We will announce the names of the recipient but not the institution. During 2015, we will begin having award ceremonies and applicants must be present to accept the Award. During 2014, the recipient does not have to be present to receive the award. During 2015, we will request a photo of the recipient to be submitted with documentation. As aforementioned, all applications will be kept confidential. Additionally, once documentation is matched with the application, a number will replace the name. This will ensure that records are not used in future court proceedings. Our goal is to always maintain the privacy and safety of all applicants.
15. What criteria disqualifies a survivor from receiving the scholarship?
ANSWER: Applications without complete documentation will be removed from consideration. Any proof that an applicant is not a survivor will not be considered for the Scholarship.. Additionally, if it is evident that an applicant is educationally unprepared for higher education, the application will be removed from consideration.
16. Am I eligible to receive more than one award in the same calendar year?
ANSWER: No. One award will be given to each applicant for the 2015-16 academic year.
17. Am I eligible to receive the scholarship more than once in my lifetime?
ANSWER: Yes, an applicant can receive the Award twice within a five year period and no more than three times during an applicant's lifetime. New applicants will be given priority consideration.
18. Can more than one family member receive the award in the same calendar year?
ANSWER: No, only one award will be given during 2015 per household or family involved in the Domestic Violence. We understand children and parents may need the award. We suggest determining the greatest need in the family each academic year.
19. I need the award for July 2015 and the available school sessions begin in August. Will any awards be paid before August 2015?
ANSWER: Any application submitted for a term prior to August 2014 will be removed from consideration. Awards will be announced on July 7, 2015 and the Financial Aid Officer will be contacted in July to determine the process for payment for the upcoming academic year. No funds will be provided for sessions prior to August 2015. Further, the award cannot be used for outstanding debts and fees, such as campus parking tickets.
20. My educational institution stated that they will not accept a third-party payment for my studies or fees. How can I receive the award?
ANSWER: The Award will be paid by the deadline established by the university or college. If the university or college will not accept the award, the applicant is not eligible for the Betty Jean Simmons HeartSeeds Scholarship. We will contact the Financial Aid Officer listed on the application to ensure the award is submitted properly.
21. I need a "second chance" because I did not do well in school or my first year of college. Would you consider me for an award now that I have improved academically?
ANSWER: Schools, such as Columbus State Community College, has a forgiveness opportunity for students who did not do well initially. The HeartSeeds Scholarship will consider, on a case-by-case basis, an award if a student has not performed well in high school or college.