UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

General Policy Principles

of the

Academic, Dutton, Widner,

Mayer, Clark and Buell

Scholarship Funds

Worship & Education Center

- 219 W. Mulberry

Offices - 212 W. Walnut

Kokomo, IN 46901

(765) 457-5329

www.kokomograce.org

Scholarship Fund Policies

Bruce Clark General Academic Scholarship

 Grace United Methodist Church Scholarship

Source of Funds

The original funding for Grace Church’s Scholarship Fund came primarily from a bequest in 1975 from Candace DeLon given in memory of her son, Jack DeLon.

The fund has grown over the years, from memorials and donations by individuals and church organizations as well as by other gifts.

If you or your group would like to contribute to this fund, or if you would like to make provisions in your will for a bequest to the fund, please contact one of our ministers.     Contents

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Grace Church Scholarship Fund is to assist deserving persons pursuing advanced educations in vocations that support the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church.

Scholarship applications forms and copies of the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church brochure may be picked up in the church office.  Completed applications should be returned to the Church Office.  Academic Scholarship Application  Widner/Voorhis Music Scholarship Application   

2004 Social Principles On-line Version    Contents

Interpreting the Purpose Statement

• Applicants can be “deserving” in keeping with our purpose statement in terms of academic scholarship, church involvement, vocations and lifetime goals, as well as financial need.

• “Advanced education” implies almost any post high school educational degree or program.

• Many vocations can “support the Social Principles of the UMC.”  However, particular favor will be shown to persons pursuing church employed vocations.

• While the primary purpose of our scholarships focuses on “vocations,” the committee will also look favorable at applications which contain persuasive statements of how the applicant’s general life goals support the Social Principles of the UMC, especially with deserving younger applicants who may still be undecided on specific   future vocations.

• The “Social Principles of the UMC” are those adopted by the General Conference of the UMC which are printed in booklet and are available in the church office.  Applicants should read these before applying for a Grace scholarship and should address those principles in their applications.  2004 Social Principles On-line Version    Contents
  
  

Scholarship Fund Policies

• Grants are made only from money in the Scholarship Fund Special Account, which contains interest on our invested principal.

• Money may be disbursed from the Scholarship Fund Special Account only by authorization of the Scholarship Committee.

• All contributions to the Scholarship Fund are given to Grace Church Trustees to be invested for the Scholarship Fund.

• Members and organizations in the church are encouraged to make contributions to the fund through gifts, bequests, and memorials.

A scholarship offering is taken annually at Grace on the Sunday which we recognize graduating high school seniors and college graduates (usually in May).  This offering is divided equally between the Conference/General Church Scholarship Fund and the Grace United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund.     Contents

General Scholarship Policies

• Grants are usually made in early summer, in harmony with schools’ schedules and applicants’ needs.  However special grants may be made at any time.

  
  

• The regular application deadline is June 29 and recipients are notified by mid August.  Awards are presented to recipients at the beginning of a summer worship service.

• Grants generally range from $100-$500.  However the exact amount and number of grants are determined annually, according to the number, quality, and need of the applicants and the amount of funds available for distribution.

• Students may apply for grants during each year of their advanced education.

• While our awards are primarily for college-age youth, deserving adult applicants are equally considered.

• We strongly prefer that applicants be members of Grace UMC.
  
  

• If the student determines that they will be unable to attend class during the academic year for which the scholarship was awarded, he/she should refund the money to Grace UMC.     Contents
  
  
  

Walter Mayer Ministerial Education Scholarship

The Walter Mayer Ministerial Education Scholarship is named in honor of Walter Mayer, the beloved pastor of Grace United Methodist Church from 1981-1988.  The Walter Mayer Scholarship was founded because of Rev. Mayer’s life long concern for people entering full-time Christian ministry. 

The Havens Religious Education Fund that is combined with the Walter Mayer Scholarship was established by the Havens family to assist persons from the Grace UMC congregation who may enter into full-time Christian service.

Scholarships can be awarded to any applicant who is attending or planning to attend a seminary which is accepted by the North Indiana Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.  The Board of Ordained Ministry recognizes accredited non-United Methodist seminaries as well as Accredited Internet programs.     Contents

Grace Academic Scholarship

Established in 1971, the Grace Academic Scholarship Fund is the general scholarship fund of the church and assists deserving persons pursing advanced education in vocations that support the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. 

The recipient shall be a member or constituent of Grace United Methodist Church.      Contents

Dutton Health Care Scholarship

In addition to applying for our church’s general scholarships, certain students may also be eligible for the Dutton Health Care Scholarship.

This award of $300 annually is granted to a member or constituent of Grace United Methodist Church who is preparing for a career in a health - related occupation.  Recipients must be presently enrolled in a school or hospital program that leads to that health related career and must show promise of academic ability.

Applicants may receive the Dutton Health Care Scholarship more than once if they are eligible.

This scholarship was established in 1992 after the death of Dr. Kenneth Dutton, from memorial gifts and gifts from his family.      Contents

Mary Ann Buell Educational Scholarship

The Mary Ann Buell Educational Scholarship was established in 2002, after the death of Mary Ann, from memorial gifts and gifts from her family.  This award is granted annually to a member or constituent of Grace United Methodist Church who is enrolled in an educational program that leads to a educationally related career and who shows promise of academic ability.  Applicants may receive the Mary Ann Buell Scholarship more than once, if they are eligible.

Widner/ Voorhis Music Scholarship

This scholarship of $500 shall be awarded annually to a Howard county resident who is enrolled in an academic program leading to a career in music.  Preference will be given to a person who’s study emphasizes piano and/or keyboard performance.  Applicants may receive the award more than once if they are eligible.

The Widner Music Scholarship was established in 1993 in memory of Marguerite Widner.  For over 50 years, Mrs. Widner provided accompaniment for countless area young people in their singing and dancing activities.  In 2005 the long established Voorhis Family Music Scholarship was combined with the Widner Scholarship in order to enhance its value.      Contents

Bruce Clark General Academic Scholarship

In 2007, a scholarship was established through memorial gifts from family and friends in memory of Bruce Clark, a school teacher in the Kokomo community for many years.  Bruce was a long standing member and loyal supporter of Grace United Methodist  Church.

 A scholarship of a minimum of $500 shall be granted to a person who is attending college in a degree program, showing promise of academic ability and be a member of Grace United Methodist Church.       Contents