Tahoe Donner Giving Fund Scholarships

The Tahoe Donner Giving Fund (TDGF) was created in 2014 by the Tahoe Donner Association Board of Directors with the mission to inspire generosity and charitable giving among Tahoe Donner members to support deserving youth and programs in the greater Truckee community.  Thanks to the generosity of Tahoe Donner Giving fund members, scholarships to high school graduates and grants to local nonprofit organizations are made through the Giving Fund Committee’s participation in the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation’s annual review process. Scholarship awards are made each spring and grants to nonprofits are made each fall. Member contributions to the TDGF help those in need, support our youth, protect special places, and make our community a better place for us all.

The TDGF provides two kinds of scholarships: Traditional and Impact. Both awards are needs based, prioritize students who are the first generation in their families to attend college, and are provided to graduating seniors from the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District.

Tahoe Donner Impact Scholarship

Tahoe Donner Impact scholarships are comprised of annual scholarships, each up to $12,000 per year for up to 5 years (if conditions warrant), for a total of $60,000. These scholarships are funded by a seasonal Tahoe Donner resident who wishes to remain anonymous. Impact scholarships are designed for students who may otherwise not be able to attend college and are offered to TTUSD graduates intending to attend an accredited 2 or 4-year college, university or technical school.

• Substantial financial need as evidenced by FAFSA or equivalent financial information, which may include copies of family’s current tax return (first two pages only)
• First generation in the family to go to college or university
• Have a compelling story and/or other demonstration of motivation to complete college and make a difference in the community
• Drive and potential for success substantiated by academic performance commensurate with educational goals (minimum 3.0 GPA preferred)
• A comprehensive response to the supplemental essay (maximum 500 words)
• Strong recommendation by school personnel (teacher, counselor, librarian, coach, administrator, etc.). Note this letter of recommendation is in addition to the one secured for the common application.
• Successful interview
• The committee may decline awarding if no candidates are deemed to adequately fit the criteria

Requirements: TTUSD graduates intending to attend an accredited 2 or 4-year college, university, or technical school. Scholarship recipients should be enrolled in college for the fall term immediately following acceptance of the award. Additional essay and additional letter of recommendation by school personnel, and interview required.

Please Note: Impact Scholarship recipients are required to submit a copy of their official transcripts to TDGF on an annual basis.  To qualify for continued funding, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.  Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Amount: Up to $12,000 a year for up to 5 years (for a potential total of $60,000)

Tahoe Donner Giving Fund Traditional Scholarship

Traditional Scholarships are funded through collective donations by hundreds of individual Tahoe Donner members, who generously give during the annual summer and winter fundraising campaigns and recurring donations. The very first scholarship award of $1,000 was given to one student in 2015. In recent years scholarship awards have ranged from $2,500 to $5,000 and have been awarded to several students each year. These scholarships are offered on a one-time basis with the possibility of a second year of support.

Requirements: TTUSD graduates with demonstrated need, and intent to attend an accredited 2 or 4-year college, university, or technical school. Preference for those with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Scholarship recipients should be enrolled in college for the fall term immediately following acceptance of the award.

Amount: $1,000 to $5,000 one year awards with the possibility of a second year extension