SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM GUIDELINES

BESDF (Benjamin & Edith Spaulding Descendant Foundation Scholarship Program)
Guidelines for Scholarship Application 2026
 

• SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: Download instructions and application forms from the foundation website www.besdfoundation.org ( i.e.  and click “BESDF Projects” to access the Scholarship Program.)

• Scholarship Amount: BESDF, Inc. has established a scholarship fund consisting of a $2,500.00 scholarship paid in two (2) equal distributions of $1,250. The 1st distribution shall be in August 2026 and the 2nd distribution in August 2027.

• The scholarships will be awarded every two years and the scholarship application must be submitted and postmarked by June 1st of the even number year, i.e., 2026, 2028 and every even year thereafter.

• Applicant must be an African-American or Native-American and a US citizen who is a currently a resident of Bladen, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender, Robeson, or Brunswick County in the state of North Carolina. 
   

• Applicant must be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate or graduate student in a degree seeking program at a US accredited college, community college or university in the US and or US territories. This scholarship is open to August 2026 college freshman, sophomores, juniors, and 1st year graduate students. Active enrollment is required for both distributions.

• Applicant must be pursing their first undergraduate or graduate degree.

• Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of family need, student income, required essays, and meeting minimum GPA requirements.

• The Scholarship Committee will review and select the scholarship recipients from the applications postmarked by no later than June 1, 2026.

• Applicants must include official transcripts from a high school, accredited college, community college, or university.

• Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

• The number of scholarships awarded is dependent upon funding for the BESDF, Inc. Scholarship Program.
   

• Please include the following documents in your application packet. ALL documents must be included in one packet.

• BESDF scholarship recipients will need to complete a total of 20 community service with a BESDF program/Activity by August 2027 in order to receive the 2nd distribution scholarship award.

⚠️ Please note: If documents are sent separately, your application will be discarded. ⚠️
 

• BESDF Application (Completed & Signed) 
   

• 3 Required Essays
   

• High School/College Transcript
   

• Fall 2026 enrollment/acceptance letter from the University you will be attending. This letter should state the university that youwill be attending in Fall 2026
   

• A letter of recommendation from a school counselor, teacher/professor, or principal. (Must be on letterhead)
   

• Application postmarked by June 1, 2026. 

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