Private Scholarships Databases
Deseret First Charitable Foundation
The Deseret First Charitable Foundation (DFCF) provides tuition assistance of up to $1,000 to recently returned missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as they begin their education.
This is a separate scholarship from BYU-Idaho's Returned Missionary Scholarship. Both are great options for International students.
This is a separate scholarship from BYU-Idaho's Returned Missionary Scholarship. Both are great options for International students.
Private Scholarships Checklist
- Make sure your offering agency sends a check made out to “BYU-Idaho” to:
BYU-Idaho Cashier’s Office
Kimball 130
Outside Scholarships
210 West 400 South
Rexburg, ID 83460-1625 - Be sure they include your name, I-Number, and a letter specifying the term(s) the scholarship is intended for and any eligibility requirements.
- Once BYU-Idaho receives your scholarship, it takes 10-14 days to process to your Financial Aid Portal.
Scholarship Tips and Tricks
Scholarship searching is all about YOU. The more effort you put into your scholarship search, the more reward you will receive. Take the time to self-evaluate. What can you do that no one else can? Then be specific about your experience, passion, skills, and qualifications for each specific application. Market yourself! Make yourself stand out.
Finding Scholarships:
- Local scholarships give the best opportunities to win because fewer students qualify, and most qualifiers do not apply!
- Tap into organizations and businesses where you already have connections: parent’s employers, booster clubs, sports teams, and alumni.
- Your employer may provide tuition assistance programs and scholarships! Check with HR to see how to qualify and be sure to follow up with all documentation!
- If your parents are serving or have served in the military, scholarships may be available for you through their military branch. Check out our Veteran’s Benefits page for more info!
- AI tools can help you in your scholarship search. Ask your favorite AI tool to help you find scholarships related to topics that interest you.
- Ask your guidance counselors and teachers at your high school what is available.
- Ask for the senior awards night program from last year and study it.
- Who won last year’s awards? Ask them for advice. Why did they win, and who decides? Was it one of your counselors? The business owner? Reach out to that decision-maker!
Helpful tips:
- Don’t wait until the last minute! You may miss important deadlines and opportunities.
- Use legitimate and vetted resources. You should never pay to apply for a scholarship.
- Follow the instructions! Answer every question. Watch the word count on essays and be creative. Check your grammar. Submit early!
- Provide the correct amount of recommendation letters. Ask those who write one for you to be specific about your qualifications for that scholarship.
- Save your essay(s) in a word document to edit and use for the next application.
Avoiding Scams
- Be wise about the information you share on a scholarship application.
- Never pay to apply for a scholarship.
- The Federal Trade Commission and Federal Student Aid both offer suggestions on avoiding scams.
Application
Application Required
Application, deadlines, and requirements vary, so be aware of the specific requirements for each scholarship. Apply for scholarships as soon as possible. Many deadlines are early in the year. Search available private scholarships from the databases listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you receive a private scholarship, you will need to inform the Financial Aid office. Have your offering agency send a check made out to “BYU-Idaho” to the address below: BYU-Idaho Cashier’s Office ...
Once you are offered a scholarship, have your offering agency send a check made out to “BYU–Idaho” to the address below: BYU–Idaho Cashier’s Office Outside Scholarships Kimball 130 210 West 400 South ...
Generally, your scholarships cannot exceed the full LDS tuition amount. However, the Returned Missionary Scholarship, when combined with another scholarship, can exceed tuition. You can also receive p...
Yes, even if the funds exceed the full LDS tuition amount. Any leftover funds can be deposited directly into your bank account using eRefund. To find out how to set up eRefund, check out this page.