Application Process
How do I apply for a scholarship?
I entered my contact information on the website and received an application packet in the mail. Now what do I do?

Transferring Scholarships
I want to move my child to another private school in New York. Can I keep my scholarship?
I am moving out of New York City. Can I keep my scholarship?

Other Questions For Current Scholarship Families
What is the Scholarship Verification Report (SVR) process?
Can scholarships be placed on hold?
What happens next year? Will my scholarship continue?
What happens after 8th grade?
My child has to repeat a grade. Can he still use the scholarship?
Can I homeschool my child and still get a scholarship?

Financial Information Questions
What financial information does CSF need?
What if my children are not listed on my tax form?
What if I did not file taxes last year?

General Tips To Remember





Application Process

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Please click here.

I entered my contact information on the website and received an application packet in the mail. Now what do I do?

You must complete the Application Form and Financial Form, attaching the required financial information such as your 1040 Federal tax form and other income statements. Then you should find the participating school you would like your child to attend and follow the school's admission requirements. You may need to have your child tested. When your child has been accepted to the school, the principal should sign the School Commitment Form and then your application should be mailed to CSF. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, so it is important to get your complete application in as soon as possible. Only when we have received your complete application, we can calculate your scholarship amount and send you a confirmation letter in the mail.

Transferring Scholarships

I want to move my child to another private school in New York. Can I keep my scholarship?

It may be possible to transfer your child's scholarship. Follow these steps:

1. Contact the Children's Scholarship Fund at (212) 515-7137 to let us know you want to switch schools. If a transfer is possible, we will send the old school a Exit Confirmation Form and we will send you a new School Commitment Form, or you can have your new school submit the new School Commitment Form.
2. Make sure the old school completes and signs the Exit Confirmation Form. This will tell us the last date the child attended the old school and show that you have no outstanding debts at the old school.
3. Have the principal or assistant principal at the new School fill out the School Commitment Form and fax or mail it to us with the tuition schedule.
4. Contact the Children's Scholarship Fund a week or so after you have completed this process to make sure that we have all your paperwork. Once you have completed the process, we'll send you a letter confirming your transfer and indicating your adjusted scholarship amount.

I am moving out of New York City. Can I keep my scholarship?

It may be possible to get a scholarship in another city. Please contact the Children's Scholarship Fund at (212) 515-7137 to see if we have a program in your new city.

Other Questions For Current Scholarship Families

What is the Scholarship Verification Report (SVR) process?

Twice a year, CSF makes scholarship payments to the schools. Before we can make the payment, you will be asked to go to your child's school and sign the Scholarship Verification Report (SVR). You will be asked to sign the SVR in November and again in March. Your signature is required before we can pay the school. If you are unable to go to the school to sign the SVR, please call CSF at (212) 515-7137 to designate another family member who can sign in your place.

Can scholarships be placed on hold?

If your child is currently using a CSF scholarship and you want to take the child out of school temporarily, it is possible to put the scholarship on hold for 6 months. After 6 months, if the child does not return to a private school, the scholarship will be lost. Please contact the Children's Scholarship Fund immediately at (212) 515-7137 if you would like to put your scholarship on hold.

What happens next year? Will my scholarship continue?

Provided there is sufficient funding, scholarships will be renewable every year through 8th grade, assuming financial need continues and you are current on the balance of tuition and meet other renewal requirements. Requalification packets are usually mailed in April. Please call our office if your address has changed or if you have not received your forms by the end of April.

What happens after 8th grade?

Please contact Children's Scholarship Fund for more information.

My child has to repeat a grade. Can he still use the scholarship?

Yes, the scholarship is not tied to academic performance. You can still use the scholarship to repeat a grade. However, your child must maintain a 90% attendance record at school, and you must be up to date on your payments to the school.

Can I homeschool my child and still get a scholarship?

1. Some CSF recipients may be eligible for homeschooling scholarships. Please call our office to find out if you are eligible.
2. Homeschool Scholarships are only up to $500 a year per child.
3. You will be asked to submit receipts for course materials or teaching supplies, and CSF will pay for a portion of these costs. CSF families qualify for discounts at www.k12.com, a company that provides a homeschool curriculum. If you are considering homeschooling, please call CSF for more details on materials that are covered by a CSF scholarship.

Financial Information Questions

What financial information does CSF need?

If you filled out a 1040 Federal tax form, we need a copy of the first 2 pages of the tax form. Please make sure the bottom of the 2nd page of your 1040 is SIGNED BY YOU. If your 1040 is unsigned, we will have to ask you to resend a signed copy. If you don't have a copy and cannot quickly find another copy, the IRS can send you a transcript. To receive an income tax transcript from the IRS, please call 1-800-829-1040. Keep in mind that it may take the IRS several weeks to mail your transcript.

What if my children are not listed on my tax form?

If your children were claimed by someone else on their tax form, we will need to see that person's tax form also. If your children were not listed on anyone else's tax form, then we will need to get a copy of their birth certificates, showing you are their parent or guardian.

What if I did not file taxes last year?

If you did not file taxes, then you will need to send us documentation of all income and you will have to get a notary to sign the Financial Information Form.

If you received public assistance last year, you must include a budget letter, supervisor's summary, or a copy of form W-700U.

If you received court-ordered child support last year, you must include official court-ordered documentation.

If you received child support last year that was not court-ordered, you must include a signed statement from whomever provided the support. This statement must be notarized.

If you received any Social Security payments last year, you must include the SSA-1099 form; or, if you are on disability, the SSI form.

General Tips To Remember

• All debts to your child's school must be cleared.
• Scholarships are partial, not full.
• Keep copies of all forms.
• Sign all forms.
• Report any telephone or address change.
• Mail may be sent "Return Receipt Requested" or via certified mail so that a postcard will be mailed to your home. This card will notify you when your mail arrives at our office.
• Have questions ready when calling the office.
• Please note that your child's scholarship percentage may change, depending on the previous year's income.
• You are responsible for making sure that the forms required during requalification are sent and received by the deadline. We cannot accept late forms.