Introduction
The charity foundation offers the UFCW grants, and its local unions are joining hands to make a positive impact through the UFCW Charity Foundation. The dedication and kindness of local unions affiliated with UFCW, representing workers in the food, retail, and healthcare industries across the United States and Canada, make this foundation possible. The UFCW Charity Foundation aims to support union members and their communities by providing relief and assistance through different grants and programs. Working together, they strive to create a better life for all hardworking individuals.
Relief Grant for Essential Workers
Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, meat and farm workers faced additional burdens, such as expenses for personal protective equipment (PPE) and childcare, along with lost wages. Acknowledging their sacrifices, the UFCW was crucial in obtaining a $668 million USDA Farm and Food Workers Relief Grant. Through the UFCW Charity Foundation, qualified workers will receive relief checks to help alleviate the financial strain they endured during this challenging time. This initiative aims to provide support and recognition for the essential contributions of these workers.
Community Representation
The UFCW proudly represents 1.3 million dedicated men and women, making us the largest private-sector union in the U.S. Our members, your friends and neighbours, contribute their hard work in various sectors. They can be found in grocery and retail stores, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and manufacturing facilities. Additionally, our members play vital roles in food processing and meat packing. Whether in the rural heartland or bustling urban centres, the UFCW grant committee members are at the forefront, diligently working to feed, serve, and fortify their neighbourhoods and communities.
Empowering Futures: UFCW Grants Scholarship Opportunities
At the core of the UFCW’s mission is the belief in workers joining forces to forge improved lives. This commitment extends to creating opportunities for growth and development. Each year, the UFCW Charity Foundation proudly grants several scholarships, each valued up to $8,000, to UFCW members or their unmarried dependents under 20. It’s important to note that UFCW-employed officers, staff, and their immediate families are not eligible for these scholarships.
The impact of these scholarships is profound, as past winners have made significant contributions across various fields, including public service, medicine, law, business, and education. Many of these accomplished individuals have returned to the UFCW as staffers, organizers, and community activists, playing a vital role in advancing our shared mission.
Scholarship Application Procedures
- The scholarships offered are exclusively available to active UFCW members who have maintained their membership since January 1, 2022.a. Children and dependents of active members are also eligible to apply if unmarried and under 20 as of May 31, 2024.b. To be considered, eligible students must complete the scholarship application and essay.
- Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on various criteria, including academic accomplishments, community involvement, and an essay demonstrating an understanding of the principles of the labour movement.
- To complete the UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship Application, submit your Official Grades Transcript and Part B Form (provided after completing the online application) to the scholarship committee. Both documents must be postmarked no later than May 28, 2023. Keep in mind the amount of time needed to receive information from your school.
- Scholarship recipients will receive annual payments of $2,000 for each year enrolled as a non-probationary student in an accredited college or university for up to four years. a. Payment is contingent upon providing written evidence of high school graduation or equivalent and enrollment in an accredited college, university, or institute of higher learning.b. Subsequent stipend payments depend on the recipient’s eligibility, as outlined in the Scholarship Acceptance Agreement.
Application Process
- Familiarize yourself with the procedures: Read the scholarship procedures thoroughly to understand the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Complete the Online Application: Fill out the UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship Application online between February 13 and May 14, 2024. The application includes providing a family profile, detailing school activities, awards, work experience, and completing an essay. If you cannot apply online, request a paper application by writing to UFCW Charity Foundation, Attn: Scholarship Program, 1775 K St., NW, Washington, DC 20006.
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- Sign and Date the Application: Both you and a parent (for students under 18) must sign and date the application before submitting it to your high school officials. These signatures authorize your school to release information about you and verify the accuracy of the provided details. It also permits your local union to share your membership information with the UFCW Charity Foundation for eligibility verification.
- Submit to Academic Counselor: Give the signed application to your academic counsellor, who will complete it and mail it with your grade transcript and proof of graduation, intent to graduate, or receipt of your GED.
- Submission Guidelines: Ensure you submit only the requested materials and refrain from including additional materials.
How to receive the Scholarship
The disbursement of the scholarship is contingent upon providing written evidence of enrollment in an accredited college or university and maintaining continued eligibility.
This scholarship award is renewable for a maximum of four (4) years, subject to the recipient submitting written evidence of registration from the college or university where the student is enrolled or will be attending. The recipient must be registered as a non-probationary student in that school.
To ensure ongoing eligibility, the recipient agrees to maintain a satisfactory grade level and must forward either a copy of their grades each quarter or semester, as applicable, or a transcript of grades for the entire school year to the UFCW Charity Foundation.
Under certain circumstances, the payment of benefits to scholarship recipients may be temporarily suspended upon the winner’s written request.
If the recipient’s education is interrupted, they must promptly notify the UFCW Charity Foundation in writing about the expected interruption. The recipient should provide information about the cause of the disruption and the estimated date on which they expect to resume their studies.
Important Info
The UFCW Charity Foundation administers and oversees the UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship Program. The foundation holds complete discretion to make final determinations regarding the annual number of scholarships granted, the awarded amounts, and the chosen recipients for each scholarship. The UFCW Charity Foundation also retains complete discretion in determining whether a scholarship will be continued or deferred for any specified period.
For accessibility, the procedures for the UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship Program are available in both French and Spanish on this website. If you require assistance understanding the scholarship rules and application in another language, don’t hesitate to contact 800-551-4010; we will facilitate the necessary support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UFCW Grant Charity Foundation Scholarship Program supports and empowers students on their educational journey. By providing financial assistance and recognizing the achievements of UFCW members and their families, the foundation aims to impact the lives of hardworking individuals positively. The commitment to accessibility, language inclusivity, and the transparent administration of the program reflect the foundation’s dedication to creating opportunities for a brighter future. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. I wish all applicants the best in their educational endeavours!