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Boone County Community Foundation Scholarships

James and Joretta Chambers Scholarship

James and Joretta Chambers believe in the power of education.  Both graduated from the University of Illinois.  James graduated with a degree in engineering and Joretta graduated with a degree in in home economics.  They believe that the knowledge and skills gained from their education set them up for success in their life and community.  They have established this scholarship to help support and provide students with opportunities.

Criteria:

  1.  Applicant must be a graduating senior from Belvidere High School or Belvidere North High School
  2.  Must be a declared engineering major or be pursuing any engineering field of study leading to a degree in the engineering field.
  3.  Must be enrolled in or intending to enroll in any college or university located in the state of Illinois.
  4.  Must have and maintain a “B” Average. 3.0 GPA
  5. Must include an essay of 300 words or less describing why they are pursuing a degree in engineering and what they plan to achieve with their degree.
  6. Financial need is not a prerequisite but can be a consideration.  Students applying may add a financial statement to their application essay.

You may apply for this scholarship through your High School’s Guidance Department.

Wilbur & William Cummings Memorial Education Scholarship

Wilbur and William Cummings were twin brothers and lifelong residents of Caledonia, IL.  They were active members in the Caledonia Congregational Church, the North Boone Fire Department, the Belvidere Moose Lodge, and both worked at the Belford Theater for 27 years.  After Wilbur lost his arm in a farming accident in 1953, he was treated by a doctor in nearby Caledonia.  Both brothers attributed having a physician close by to saving Wilbur’s life.  The incident had an incredible impact on Wilbur and William.  They valued and saw the importance of education and wanted to provide scholarship opportunities for young men and women interested in furthering their education.  As a reflection of their lifelong interest in and support of Community District 100, Wilbur and William Cummings established a scholarship to assist Belvidere and Belvidere North graduates who intend to enter the field of public education.

The intended purpose of the scholarship is to assist in the payment of tuition, books, and fees for undergraduates.  Due dates and data forms are available through the high school guidance office.

Criteria:

  1.  Must be a current resident of Boone County, Illinois.
  2.  Must be a graduate of a District 100 public high school.
  3.  Must have been accepted by a 4-year university or college with a declared major in education.
  4.  Must be able to demonstrate charitable or civic activities and community service in Boone County.
  5.  Financial need is not a prerequisite but a consideration.
  6.  A 200 words or less essay describing the qualities of a teacher and why you want to obtain a teaching degree must be submitted.  

 

Renewal Application for the Wilbur & William Cummings Memorial Education Scholarship

The Cummings Renewal Application is only available to past recipients of the Wilbur & William Cummings Education Scholarship.  A recipient can only be eligible for renewal for up to three additional and consecutive years.  The renewal process is a competitive scholarship application and there is not a guarantee as an applicant you will get selected for a renewal scholarship.  All renewal applications must be submitted via this portal and by March 1. Please call the office at 815-544-7231 with any questions about eligibility or requirements.           

Cummings Renewal Apply Here

Dudley Trust High School Scholarship ***NEW***

Ed Marx, a longtime Belvidere business owner, craftsman, and investor is continuing his legacy of community and support by establishing the Dudley Trust Scholarship.   The purpose of these scholarships is to provide opportunities for individuals to pursue technical and vocational training.

Four $1,000.00 scholarships will be given to the Dudley Trust High School Scholarship.  Eligible students may apply with their guidance counseling office.

To be eligible for the Dudley Trust High School Scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Applicant must be a graduating senior from District 100 or 200 High School
  • Must be accepted into an accredited technical/vocational training school/program for the following courses/certifications: automotive, CNC machining, mechatronics, manufacturing engineering technology, and electronic engineering technology
  • Must have a recommendation/reference form submitted by a teacher, club advisor, coach, supervisor, community member etc. No family members are allowed to complete the form. (Link Coming Soon!)
  • Must include an essay of 300 words or less describing what technical training and career you plan to pursue and how you plan to achieve your goals. Applicant may also include any other information they would like the selection committee to know about them.  Applicants have the option of providing a statement of financial need.  Financial need is not a prerequisite but may be a consideration. 

 

Hugh K. and Alice Iles Funderburg Scholarship 

The generosity of Hugh K. and Alice Iles Funderburg will live on as the descendants of R. Robert and Sally D. Funderburg have set up this scholarship in their memory. By endowing this scholarship program, the donors intend to continue to help the Boone County Community and its residents succeed and to promote entrepreneurship at the Belvidere and Belvidere North High Schools. Two eligible applicants will be awarded the amount of $10,000 each. Students must meet certain requirements, obtain all information needed, and complete the application process through their high school’s guidance office.

Criteria:

  1. Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in senior year of high school in Belvidere School District 100.
  2. Scholarship applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  3. Scholarship applicants must have accepted entrance as a full-time student at an accredited four-year undergraduate college, where he or she is enrolled in the college’s business school or intends to major in business or a related field of study.
  4.  Scholarship applicants must demonstrate active involvement in Boone County community and/or substantial participation in school extracurricular activities and/or sports.
  5.  Preference given to applicants who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit through academic, community or other endeavors.
  6.  Scholarship applicants have the option of providing a statement of financial need, but financial need will not be determinative in the selection process.                                                                                              
  7. Please submit a minimum of one recommendation and /or reference from a professional
  8.  Please submit a maximum 300-word essay explaining your interest in the business field for your course of study and/or how you have demonstrated your entrepreneurial spirit through academic, community, or other endeavors.  You may also include anything else you would like the selection committee to know about.
  9.  Must be willing to have an interview with the Boone County Community Foundation’s selection committee if they find it necessary to determine the recipients. 

 

Renewal Application for the Hugh K. and Alice Iles Funderburg Scholarship

The Funderburg Renewal Application is only available to past recipients of the Hugh K and Alice Iles Funderburg Scholarship.  A recipient can only be eligible for renewal for up to three additional and consecutive years.  The monetary amount of each renewal scholarship is to be determined by the scholarship committee.  All renewal applications must be submitted via this portal by March 1. Please call the office at 815-544-7231 with any questions about eligibility or requirements.

Funderburg Renewal Apply Here

Dave Graham Memorial Education Scholarship

Dave Graham was a history teacher, librarian, and golf coach in District 100.  As a lifelong learner and proponent of the value of education Dave’s legacy is to help future educator fulfill their dreams.  Eligible graduating seniors from North Boone, Belvidere North, or Belvidere High School may apply.  Two recipients will be chosen from Boone County to receive a $2,500.00 scholarship.

Criteria:

  1.  Applicant must be a Boone County graduating senior having attended North Boone, Belvidere North, or Belvidere High School.
  2.   Pursue a career in education.
  3.   Must have a GPA of 3.0 or above
  4.   Must be accepted by a 2- or 4- year accredited college or university
  5.   Financial need may be considered
  6.   Application must be typed
  7.   Must include a statement of 300 words or less on why you have chosen education as a career and explain how you plan to achieve your goals.  Students may also provide any additional information they would like the selection committee to know.

Margery Hinrichs Scholarship 

Margery was a long time librarian at Belvidere High School and wished to recognize students who are both active in sports and good academic students at Belvidere High School with this scholarship fund created at the time of her death. This scholarship is given to senior athletes at Belvidere High School who demonstrate athletic skills, academic skills, good character, and are pursuing a post high school education at an accredited college or university upon graduation. Coaches at Belvidere High School make the selection for this scholarship. There are up to four possible scholarships available ranging from a minimum of $1,000 up to $2,500.

The Margery L. Hinrichs Scholarship was established for graduating seniors of Belvidere High School. 

Criteria:

  1. Must have a nomination form submitted and filled out by a coach.
  2. The coach must attach a letter of recommendation to the nomination form.
  3. Must be a senior male or female athlete from Belvidere High School.
  4.  Must have applied for post-secondary study at an accredited college or university.
  5. Typed applications and letters of recommendation are required.

 

Marjorie Carroll Johnson Scholarship

The Marjorie Carroll Johnson Scholarship was established in 1987 to recognize a Boone County high school senior who had excelled in public speaking or performance.  Marjorie met her husband Owen M. Johnson while they were attending law school at the University of Chicago.  While few women attended law schools in those days, Marjorie Carroll had excelled at debate competitions.  In 1935, the Johnsons moved to Belvidere, where they remained for over 50 years, during most of that time practicing law together.  Their three children attended Belvidere public schools and went on to achieve success in college and professionally.  Two (2) scholarships, $2,500 each will be awarded in remembrance of Marjorie Carroll Johnson. To be eligible for the Marjorie Carroll Johnson Scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria. 

Criteria:

  1.  Applicant must be a graduating senior from North Boone, Belvidere, or Belvidere North High School
  2.  Be accepted into a 4-year college or university.
  3.  Have a grade point average of 3.7 or above
  4.  Excel in public speaking or performance.  Including but not limited to student government, debate/speech, drama, vocal, or instrumental performances.
  5. Must include an essay of 300 words or less describing your public speaking or performance experiences, your goals, and future plans.

You may apply for this scholarship through your High School’s Guidance Department.

Owen M. Johnson Scholarship

The Owen M. Johnson Scholarship was established in 1989 to recognize a Boone County high school senior who had excelled in academics and all-around good citizenship. Owen M. Johnson was born in 1901 and raised on a farm in Boone County.  In 1927, he married Marjorie Carroll, whom he had met when they were classmates at the University of Chicago’s Law School.   In 1935, the Johnsons moved to Belvidere, where they remained for over 50 years, during most of that time practicing law together.  Both were very active in the community, serving on public boards, and their churches. They also maintained a much-loved residence adjoining the family farm south of Capron.  Their three children attended Belvidere public schools and went on to achieve success in college and professionally.  Two (2) scholarships, $2,500 each will be awarded in remembrance of Owen M. Johnson. To be eligible for the Owen M. Johnson Scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria. 

Criteria:

  1.  Applicant must be a graduating senior from North Boone, Belvidere, or Belvidere North High School
  2.  Be accepted into a 4-year college or university.
  3.  Have a grade point average of 3.7 or above
  4.  Excel in community service and participation in school activities.
  5. Must include an essay of 300 words or less describing your community service and participation in school activities, your goals, and future plans. 

You may apply for this scholarship through your High School’s Guidance Department.

Wilbur S. Mong Science Scholarship

A scholarship in memory of beloved Belvidere High School science teacher and beekeeper, Wilbur S. Mong, affectionately referred to by his peers and pupils as the “World’s Smartest Man” was established to help a graduating senior from Belvidere High School, majoring in any field of science attend either a two- or four-year college program. 

Eligible students will apply through District 100’s scholarship program.

To be eligible for the Wilbur S. Mong Science Scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Applicant must be a graduating senior from Belvidere High School
  • Be accepted into a 2-year or 4-year college or university program
  • Must be majoring in any field of science.
  • Must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
  • Must have a minimum of 3 science credits in high school
  • Must write an essay, 300 words or less, describing why they are pursuing a major in science, describe what type of science will be studying, and their career goals. The student may also use this essay to include any other information they would like the selection committee to know about them.

NBFPD#3 Firemen’s Association Jake Schoepski Memorial Scholarship

Jake Schoepski was a dedicated firefighter for the North Boone Fire Protection District #3 for 48 years. For 25 of those years, he also served as a trustee. In his memory, the NBFPD#3 Firemen’s Association is awarding a $500.00 scholarship to a graduating senior from North Boone High School and a $500.00 scholarship to a graduating senior from Belvidere North who are interested in pursuing a career in Fire Fighting, EMS, Medical, Police, or other first responder type profession.

Eligible North Boone and Belvidere North high school seniors may apply through their guidance department.

Criteria:

  1.  Must be a graduating senior of North Boone or Belvidere High School
  2.   Must be a legal resident of Boone County, IL at the time of application.
  3.   Must be interested in pursuing a career in firefighting, EMS, medical, police, or other first responder type profession.
  4.   Must be willing to attend a personal interview if requested by the Foundation.
  5.  Submit an essay 300 words or less stating how a first responder has affected the applicant’s life or share why they are pursuing a career in firefighting, EMS, medical, police or other first responder type profession. Applicants should include their goals, and how the scholarship would aid in achieving those goals.

Poplar Grove Lions Scholarship

Founded in 1961, the Poplar Grove Lions Club is one of the oldest chapters in Illinois.  The PG Lions created, built, and maintain Lions Park in Poplar Grove, a nearly 14-acre park open to the public.  The PG Lions partner with local organizations, local government, and neighbors to enhance the quality of life in Boone County.  They continue that mission by providing scholarships to North Boone and Belvidere North graduating seniors.

Criteria:

  1.  Applicant must be a graduating high school senior at North Boone or Belvidere North High School
  2.  Seeking post-graduate education including but not limited to college, junior college, trade or vocational schools.
  3.  GPA
  4.  SAT/ACT Scores
  5. Participation in Extracurricular activities
  6. Community Service and Involvement
  7. Quality of written applications
  8. Any association with or contribution to a Lion’s organization.
  9. A written narrative explaining how your participation in community service, volunteer work, or service projects impacted your life and shaped your future goals and plans. 

You may apply for this scholarship through your North Boone and Belvidere North High Schools Guidance Department.

Harold & Marjorie Pratt Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of lifelong Belvidere residents Harold and Marjorie Pratt.  Marjorie was a bookkeeper for Belvidere Candy Company, while Harold was involved in farming for most of his life.  They were active members in the community and at Zion Lutheran Church, Belvidere, IL, and Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Florida.  

To be eligible for the Harold and Marjorie Pratt Memorial Scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Applicant must be a graduating senior from Belvidere High School or Belvidere North
  • Must demonstrate academic achievements necessary to predict success in college
  • Must accepted by a 2- or 4-year accredited college, university, or technical school
  • Preference may be given to a student demonstrating financial need as shown on the SAR report that you receive after completing the FAFSA.
  • Must write an essay, 300 words or less, describing their academic achievements and explain how these achievements will assure the success of their future education and career goals. The student may also use this essay to include any other information they would like the selection committee to know.

Olney & Jennie Witbeck Scholarship

Olney & Jennie Witbeck were known for their community involvement and philanthropy.  Both were lifelong residents of Boone County.  Jennie Witbeck was involved in many organizations and a very talented musician, having studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.  Olney worked for the National Sewing Machine Company and in 1906 established a furniture and funeral home business.  He was also one of the original board of directors for the Belvidere Federal Savings and Loan association.  He was also one of the first directors of the Belvidere YMCA.  This scholarship was established in honor of their legacy.

To be eligible for the Olney & Jennie Witbeck Scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Applicant must be a graduating senior from Belvidere High School or Belvidere North
  • Must have lived on a farm within Boone County, IL
  • Must demonstrate leadership skills
  • Must accepted into a college or university
  • Must write an essay, 300 words or less, describing their life living and working on a farm and detailing their qualities of leadership. The student may also use this essay to include any other information they would like the selection committee to know.

Peggy Wolf Scholarship ***NEW***

To be eligible for the Peggy Wolf Scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Applicant must be a graduating senior from Belvidere or Belvidere North High School
  • Applicant must be accepted as a full-time student at an accredited college/university with an intended major in nursing.
  • Applicant must have a grade point average of 3.0 or above
  • Applicant must demonstrate active involvement in the Boone County community and/or substantial participation in school activities
  • Must have one confidential recommendation/reference form submitted by a teacher, club advisor, coach, supervisor, community member etc. No family members are allowed to complete the form.  (LINK COMING SOON!)
  • Must include an essay of 300 words or less describing why you have chosen to pursue a career in nursing and how you plan to achieve your goals. Applicant may also include any other information they would like the selection committee to know about them. Applicants have the option of providing a statement of financial need. Financial need is not a prerequisite but may be a consideration.

Jack Wolf Scholarship ***NEW***

To be eligible for the Jack Wolf Scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Applicant must be a graduating senior from Belvidere or Belvidere North High School
  • Be accepted into an accredited trade or vocational training school/program including but not limited to automotive, electrical, plumbing, hvac, welding, etc.
  • Have a grade point average of 3.0 or above
  • Applicant must demonstrate active involvement in the Boone County community and/or substantial participation in school activities
  • Must have one confidential recommendation/reference form submitted by a teacher, club advisor, coach, supervisor, community member etc. No family members are allowed to complete the form. (LINK COMING SOON)!
  • Must include an essay of 300 words or less describing why you have chosen to pursue this course of study and how you plan to achieve your goals. Applicant may also include any other information they would like the selection committee to know about them.  Applicants have the option of providing a statement of financial need. Financial need is not a prerequisite but may be a consideration. 

Dudley Trust Community Scholarship ***NEW***

Ed Marx, a longtime Belvidere business owner, craftsman, and investor is continuing his legacy of community and support by establishing the Dudley Trust Scholarship.   The purpose of this scholarships is to provide opportunities for individuals who want to pursue technical and vocational training after graduation or later in life.

One $2,500 scholarship will be awarded for the Dudley Trust Community Scholarship.  Eligible applicants may apply HERE (Link Coming Soon!).  Applications must be submitted to the Boone County Community Foundation no later than March 1, 2025.

To be eligible for the Dudley Trust Community Scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Applicant must be a resident living in Boone County and/or a past graduate of District 100 or 200 High Schools
  • Must be accepted into an accredited technical/vocational training school/program for the following courses/certifications: automotive, CNC machining, mechatronics, manufacturing engineering technology, and electronic engineering technology
  • Must have a recommendation/reference form submitted by a teacher, club advisor, coach, supervisor, community member etc. No family members are allowed to complete the form.  (Link Coming Soon!)
  • Must include an essay of 300 words or less describing what technical training and career you plan to pursue and how you plan to achieve your goals. Applicant may also include any other information they would like the selection committee to know about them.  Applicants have the option of providing a statement of financial need.  Financial need is not a prerequisite but may be a consideration. 

 

JoAnne & Warren Emry Scholarship

JoAnne Carol Rahn Emry was born in Nebraska.  She taught second grade in Norfolk, Nebraska.  After her marriage she continue to teach.  Upon the arrival of her children, JoAnne became a full time Homemaker.  Later she served as a Christian Education Leader at the Methodist Church in Belvidere.  She also worked at the Ida Public Library for ten years.  Lewis Warren Emry was also born in Nebraska.  Upon graduating from college, he served in Korea as a member of the United States Army.  When he returned to the U.S., he married JoAnne and together they have three children.  Warren began teaching and coaching in Nebraska; later moved to Iowa as a school administrator for ten years.  The family moved to Belvidere in 1968.  Warren was hired as the Principal of Belvidere Junior High School.  He held this position for 24 years, retiring in 1992.  He is a graduate of Wayne State College.  He has a master’s degree from Northern Colorado University and graduate work at the University of Nebraska and Northern Illinois University.  Education has always been an important and focal point in the Emrys’ lives.  Their wish is to continue supporting individuals who are further along in their continued education journey and are pursuing a degree and career in one of the following areas: finance, education, law, pharmacy, nursing, environmental studies, or related fields.

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicant must be a Boone County District 100 graduate having attended Belvidere High School or Belvidere North High School
  • Pursue a career in finance, education, law, pharmacy, nursing, environmental studies or related fields.
  • Will have completed two years at an accredited college, university, or junior college with a minimum of 60 credits by the end of the current enrolled term.
  • Must provide official college transcripts
  • Must have a grade point average of 3.0 or above
  • Must include an essay 300 words or less
  • All applications must be received by March 1 and submitted via the scholarship portal on the Foundation’s website

 

***Please click button below to begin the application process.  You will create an account, be sent a confirmation email, and then login and hit submit application button to begin.  You may save your application and come back to it.  Once the application is completed with all required information and documents, please hit the submit application button.  All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2025. Please call our office at 815-544-7231 with any questions**** 

Emry Scholarship Apply Here
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Application

Applications may be obtained from the high school guidance department and returned to the school per deadlines set by the guidance department. If an application is obtained electronically, it must be returned per the same high school requirements. 

Applications for the JoAnne & Warren Emry Scholarship are to be filled out on the portal here on this website.  Applications due by March 1.

Applications for the Dudley Trust Community Scholarships must be filled out via the link provided and submitted by March 1.  Please note Dudley Trust High School Scholarship applications are filled out via your high school scholarship program and process.

Recommendation Forms for the Dudley Trust Community Scholarship, Dudley Trust High School Scholarship, Peggy Wolf Scholarship, and Jack Wolf Scholarship are listed below.  Applicants will email the link to the person they would like to complete the recommendation form.  Recommendation Forms are due by March 1.

Renewal applications for the Wilbur & William Cummings Memorial Education Scholarship and the Hugh K. and Alice Iles Funderburg Scholarship must be completed on the portal here on this website.  You must have received an initial scholarship as a graduating senior to be eligible to apply for a renewal scholarship.  Applications due by March 1.

Selection and Award Process

The students who receive a scholarship will be selected by a committee.  The scholarship will be disbursed by check payable to the recipient and the recipient’s college or university upon written confirmation of registration at a scholarship awards ceremony.

Scholarships

600 South State Street
Belvidere, IL 61008
(p) 815-544-7231
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Alliance of Community Foundations

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