FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

 

1. What is Dollars for Scholars?

  • It is the local organization approved by Scholarship America.  Its purpose is to encourage folks to set up scholarships for their local students.

2. Does North Tama have a Dollars for Scholars organization?

3. Are you managed by a board of directors?

  • Yes.  Our current directors are
    • Sandy Dengler
    • Marilyn Bauch
    • Keith Kennedy
    • Phyllis McKee
    • Jared Bauch
    • Steve Foster
    • Rex McKee
    • Teresa Keefe O'Meara
    • Ed Hoeg
    • Kim Howard

4. Are Directors paid?

  • No.  They are volunteers.  We anticipate the workers on projects like this will be volunteers.  Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

5. How do you get scholarship money?

  • We talk to North Tama residents, businesses, charitable organizations, and NT alumni.

6. Have you been successful?

  • Yes.  We have fully funded all our scholarships, established reserve funds, and set up an endowment fund.

7. What is the purpose and goal of NTDFS?

  • Our PURPOSE is to encourage every NT graduate to think about their future. Our GOAL is to provide financial support so they can pursue and complete post-high-school study with less debt.

8. When did you provide your first scholarships?

  • In 2020 we awarded scholarships at $1,000 each.  Three were renewable a second year at $1000.

9. What is the value of your scholarships today?

  • Our base scholarships are $1000.  As of 2023 all scholarships are renewable for an additional year also at $1000 but must be a student in good standing for renewal.

10. How many scholarships have you awarded to date?

  • As of May 2025, NTDFS has awarded 110 students scholarships; this was a $197,500 commitment.

11. What kind of scholarships are available?

  • Iowa four-year college and university; community college; trade and licensure programs accredited in Iowa, including part-time and on-line study.

12. How do my child and I learn about and apply for NTDFS scholarships?

  • You can go to our website NorthTama.dollarsforscholars.org.  There is a tab called "students and parents". This will be introduced to your student by the high school counselor. 

13. How are winners determined?

  • It is an anonymous online process. The program matches qualified applicants and scholarships.

14. Won't that committee know who the applicants are?

  • No.  Applicants are identified by number.

15. Won't the smartest kids get all the scholarships?

  • No.  Scholarships are available to students whose GPA ranges from 2.0 to 4.0.

16. Is there any tax benefit to donating to North Tama Dollars for Scholars?

  • Yes, we have a "Determination letter" which recognizes us as a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization according to the IRS.

17. Will you accept donations other than cash by check?

  • Yes. Following are typical ways to support us other than by check:
    a) Gifts of stock transferred from your broker to our broker;
    b) Corn or beans delivered to the elevator. Ask for a warehouse receipt to be made out to North Tama Dollars for Scholars for the number of bushels you are donating. Deliver the warehouse receipt to us.
    c) Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) from IRS - 401k - other retirement accounts.
    d) You can donate through VENMO or go to our Website to the DONATE.

18. Will I get a receipt for my donation?

  • You will receive a written receipt acknowledging your gift for tax purposes.

19. Can I establish an honorary or memorial scholarship?

  • Gifts of $1,000 can be given by you through NTDFS in honor of a parent, child, favorite teacher, etc.  If you wish, you can present it at awards night to the anonymously selected student.

20. What students qualify for NTDFS scholarships?

  • The student must be a graduate of the North Tama County Community School District. The student can be a North Tama resident who is home schooled in the North Tama District.

21. How is the scholarship paid out?

  • North Tama Dollars for Scholars sends the check with student name and ID to the institution to be used for tuition and books (Iowa accredited program in Iowa).  The check is made out to the student and institution. The student must go to the business office to sign it.

22. What benefit is there to we whose children are grown and gone?

  • It is a cliche "we stand on the shoulders of our forebears" and it is true. We are generous people and it shows in the history of our communities and the North Tama alumni. Every year classes hold a reunion and many return to renew their connections. Some return to live. Many support our local public causes. A community that invests in itself will thrive. That investment is not based on personal short term benefits. It is made by people who know the truth of the cliche. We stand on the shoulders of our forebears. And others will stand on ours!
    Investing in the future of our students is the kind of thing done by people who live out lives of hope.
    We can expand the horizons of our students;
    We can awaken a dream of a student;
    We can show a student the way toward a real future;
    We can let students know they can overcome adversity as have we;
    Then we can provide some financial help to make the dreams real with a lot less debt. Some of these will go on to wonderful careers. All will be fine citizens. Some will remember your care and help future North Tama Dollars for Scholars friends pay it forward!

 

Revised 2025