Margaret’s Fund supports residents of Madison’s Northside neighborhoods to pursue post-secondary education. The award goes to a graduating high school senior in odd years and to a returning adult in even years.
2012 Recipient: Omobolanle Kikelomo Olubi
Most scholarships cover only tuition and books but Margaret’s Fund is unrestricted. A Margaret’s Fund: Northside Scholarship recipient can use the award at their discretion to pay for some of the extra costs of college, such as childcare, computers, transportation, supplies, or special fees.
Applicants to Margaret’s Fund must:
* live on Madison’s Northside
* be accepted into a degree or certificate seeking program
* be planning to enroll or continue in a degree or certificate program in the fall semester
* returning adults must have had their education interrupted (didn’t go to college or a degree program immediately after high school or GED)
* high school applicants must have attended a Madison public school
Among those applicants who meet the requirements, Margaret’s Fund gives preference to applicants who:
* are in the first generation in their family to go on to post secondary school
* actively participate in Northside organizations
* have overcome substantial obstacles or challenges to success
In 2013, the scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors. The application deadline is May 10 (postmark deadline). The application is available here. CLICK HERE FOR THE 2013 APPLICATION
Margaret’s Fund is named in memory of Margaret Ackerman Sparks, a spirited woman who pursued her continuing education with grace and joy. This scholarship honors her life as inspiration for others to take the leap of pursuing an education despite challenges of age, income or other hardships.
Margaret’s Fund was founded in 2007. Generous contributions by supporters throughout 2008 secured its status as a Scholarship
Fund within the Madison Community Foundation. Margaret’s Fund first award was made in 2009.
Past Recipients:
2010 Recipient-Nicole Tackes, attending Madison College and 2009 Recipient-Tara Hoffman, attending UW-Whitewater
2011 Recipient-Stacey Yang, attending UW-Milwaukee
Margaret’s Fund is professionally managed by the Madison Community Foundation. Donations are tax deductible. Contribute today. Be sure to designate Margaret’s Fund.
The Margaret’s Fund itself was a proud recipient of a 2011 Northstar Award from the Northside Planning Council.