FAQs - Philadelphia Foundation

Home | Scholarships | FAQs

FAQ

Answers to questions frequently asked by our scholarship applicants can be found below.

Eligibility

Am I eligible to apply for a Philadelphia Foundation Scholarship?

To be eligible to apply for a Philadelphia Foundation Scholarship, the applicant must meet the following the criteria:

Be a high school senior, undergraduate college student or post-baccalaureate student.
Be a resident of Greater Philadelphia
Demonstrate unmet financial need (scholarship awards are prioritized through a need‑based review process)

Must I be a US citizen to Apply?

Yes. Applicants must be a US citizen. Completion of the FAFSA is required as part of the application process.

Do I have to attend college in the U.S.?

Yes. Applicants must be enrolled in college in the US. Students who are enrolled in a US college but studying abroad are eligible to apply

What documents will I need to complete the application?

Copy of your FAFSA report. You may submit the first page that includes the FAFSA summary
Copy of your financial aid award letter
Unofficial transcript
Letter of Recommendation:
- It is best to select a person who knows you well and can speak to your academic and personal strengths such as a teacher, guidance counselor, pastor, employer, etc.
- Family members are not permitted to complete letters of recommendation.
- Letters of recommendation must be submitted by the deadline.

IMPORTANT: Your application will not be reviewed without a submitted letter of recommendation.

Do I have to attend a four-year college to apply for a scholarship from Philadelphia Foundation?

No. While some of our scholarships are for four-year college programs, others cover the costs of two-year programs and vocational or technical training.

About Applying

When should I start the application?

Start the application as soon as possible to allow time for recommender to send the recommendation form to us.

Does the Foundation allow the use of AI tools to complete my application?

Applicants should ensure that the information submitted in the application, including essays and short answers, is truthful and written from their unique perspective.

How do I submit or attach required documents to my application?

All required documents must be uploaded and attached directly within the online application system

What if I do not have a digital copy of my document? Can I use a screenshot?

If you do not have access to a scanner, you may take a clear photo of your documents. The picture must include the data release number and a Student Aid Index (SAI).

I received an email stating that my application is incomplete. What does an incomplete application mean?

An incomplete application means that the required information or documentation is missing. You must log in to to edit your application, review the error messages and make corrections. If the issue is related to your transcript, recommendation letter or other supporting document, please ensure they are uploaded prior to the deadline.

If necessary, you can edit your application and change the person providing your recommendation letter. Be sure to notify your new recommender and confirm they can provide the required documents before the deadline.

If you continue to experience issues submitting your application, contact [email protected]. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

How do I check my application status?

The online application system allows you to submit your application even if your transcript, recommendation letter or other supporting documents are not yet uploaded. When you complete your application, the main screen will show a status of “Submitted”. This is not your final confirmation that the application is complete.

You MUST open each application to verify the status. If the status of any application shows “Pending” or “Incomplete,” your application is not submitted. This could be due to a missing transcript, recommendation letter or another required document. Please review the reason and follow up as needed.

The application will remain in a pending or incomplete status until all documents are submitted.

How do I know when my application is fully submitted including transcript, letter of recommendation and all other required documents?

The online application portal will email a confirmation once your application has been submitted. This confirmation is sent only after all required documents (transcript, letter of recommendation, or supporting documents) have been uploaded.

If you do not receive a confirmation email, your application has not yet been submitted may still be missing required documents or information.

Receiving a Scholarship

When will I know if I was approved for a scholarship?

If you are approved for a scholarship, you will receive an official notification by email in mid-to-late summer. This email will include a link to the acceptance form that must be completed and submitted prior to releasing payments to your school.

Who will receive the scholarship payment?

Scholarship payments are paid directly to the school listed on your acceptance form. If you have changed schools after you submit your acceptance form, please email [email protected] immediately.

What happens if my bill is paid in full prior to receiving the scholarship.

If your bill is paid in full, you will not receive a refund, and the scholarship will be returned to Philadelphia Foundation.

How will I know if I received a multi-year scholarship?

If you are selected for a multi-year scholarship, you will be notified in your award letter.

When will I receive additional payments for a multi-year scholarship?

The additional scholarships will be released at the beginning of the fall semester. To receive each additional payment, you are responsible for submitting a copy of your official or unofficial transcript after each spring semester (May) to confirm continued eligibility, before the payment can be released.

How do I submit a copy of my transcript to receive a multi-year award?

Transcripts can be submitted electronically. An email with instructions and a link will be provided.

Who do I contact with questions regarding the scholarship application process?

You may contact [email protected]