FAQ for Endowment Policy Change
FAQs about NP’s proposed Community Scholarships
On Sunday, Feb 4, the Endowment Committee held a Q&A meeting to clarify the proposed revisions to Nardin Park’s endowments policies and procedures. On Sunday, Feb 18, Nardin Park members will meet again to vote on the revisions. Addition #3 in the proposed endowment revisions, which addresses Community Scholarships through the Farmington Public Schools, drew the most questions at the Q&A. Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions.
ADDITION 3: The Scholarship Committee may consider offering Scholarship Funds to graduating seniors from Farmington Public Schools, which includes Farmington and Farmington Hills, for higher education purposes.
Q #1 - How does Nardin Park (NP) fund scholarships of any kind?
A - Scholarships are provided by an endowment fund, The Nardin Park Scholarship Fund. Our church has been supporting students financially since 1984, using donations and memorials given specifically to provide financial aid to people seeking education beyond high school.
Q #2 - Who is eligible for scholarships today (before the proposed Community Scholarships)?
A - Scholarships have historically been awarded to Nardin Park’s high school seniors for post-secondary education. In 2017, scholarships were added for Nardin Parkers who were continuing studies at colleges, universities, or trade schools. In 2018, scholarships were added for Nardin Park’s graduate students. (The proposed endowment revisions in Additions #1 and #2 solidify these scholarships.)
Q #3 - Can a Nardin Park student who attends high school in a different school district receive a scholarship?
A - Yes! Nardin Park students do NOT need to attend Farmington Public Schools (FPS) to be eligible for a scholarship. On Graduation Sunday the scholarship recipients are introduced to the congregation, proudly sharing their varied high school allegiances. This will not change if the congregation supports Addition #3 to add Community Scholarships through the FPS to NP’s scholarship offerings.
Q #4 - How does the Scholarship Committee decide which Nardin Parkers receive scholarships?
A - Annually, the Youth Director reaches out to all high school seniors who are active at Nardin Park, numerous times if needed, to encourage them to apply on time. Continuing post-secondary students are also invited to apply again if they wish to be considered for another scholarship.
After the application deadline, the Scholarship Committee processes the applications from Nardin Park students: high school seniors first, continuing undergrads second, and graduate students third. ALL of these recipients are Nardin Parkers! In recent years, every Nardin Park student who met the criteria and applied on time has received a scholarship.
Q #5 - Will Nardin Park students be competing with non-Nardin Park students if Community Scholarships are added?
A - No! The application process and the Scholarship Committee’s evaluation of Nardin Parkers’ applications will not change. All qualified Nardin Park applicants will be awarded scholarships before the Scholarship Committee addresses applications from non-Nardin Park students.
Q #6 - Is scholarship money paid directly to the students or to the program?
A - Scholarship money is sent directly to the accredited program/school/institution. Students never take possession of the scholarship money.
Q #7 - Why add Community Scholarships instead of saving the money or spending it elsewhere?
A - While we are not required to use all of the scholarship money that is available annually, donors gave generously so that The Scholarship Fund would help students further their education. Respecting donors’ expectations, as the number of eligible students has significantly decreased, we have added every category of post-secondary student to the list of Nardin Park recipients and we have increased the size of the scholarships, but more scholarship money is currently available each year.
As for spending the money elsewhere, donor restrictions and endowment rules dictate that The Scholarship Fund can only be used for scholarships.
Q #8 - Why limit the Community Scholarships to Farmington Public Schools students?
A - First, FPS agreed that students may only apply for a Nardin Park Community Scholarship if a professional educator has recommended them. The district’s teachers and counselors who know worthy students make the very first step a screening process. A 3.0 GPA minimum is also required.
- Second, the FPS specification offers clear direction and transparency in the responsible use of the endowment by the Scholarship Committee.
- Third, Community Scholarships through FPS would enrich our community and create goodwill, continuing the effort started during VCI to intentionally reach into the local community of Farmington/Farmington Hills. Nardin Park UMC would be visible through the Honors Night program, valuing education and loving our neighbors! (VCI was Vital Church Initiative, a church growth program Nardin Park utilized.)
Q #9 - Are the Community Scholarships going to bring people to Nardin Park?
A - Community Scholarships would be given to help students further their education by providing some financial help. Scholarships are not directly intended to attract new members. Perhaps God will use a Community Scholarship to warm someone’s heart, to open their mind about Christianity, or to lead them to a church, in God’s timing. Beyond the education, that would be an invaluable gift!
Do good. Show love.