by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

I’ve just finished conference number two and am heading into conference number three. The one thing that is consistent is the desire for directors to offer conference scholarships. I’m not sure anyone has ever addressed this subject, but I’d like to pass on some information about the scholarship process and how they are earned and distributed.

Let’s address pride first. I say this because pride often stands in the way of what is needed. There is nothing shameful about applying for a scholarship. We all understand the times we live in and know the needs. Some families may be making it fine on their paychecks, but there is nothing left over for things like conferences. Others may not have enough to make ends meet. Either way, don’t let pride stand in the way of asking. We cannot help if we do not know the need. I see this all the time in prayer requests. How can we pray for those in need if others do not share the need?

Directors and their staff work diligently to provide scholarships. Sometimes, we have more requests than we have provisions. At other times, we can bless every recipient. Either way, we trust that God will provide.

How are scholarships funded?

Good question. Some conferences are lucky to have donors who consistently give to just such needs. Others run contests and awards programs. Many sell the MP3s to their conferences. For MP3s, a small amount is taken for production, but after that, the remaining funds are funneled into scholarship accounts. Rest assured, your money for MP3s and contests filters into needs.

How are scholarships distributed?

Another good question. Most conferences ask for a short paragraph on why you request the scholarship. We don’t need your financial history but simply a reason why you want to apply. No need to send your tax information. We ask this question for two reasons. 1) It filters out those who refuse to admit there is a need. If they don’t ask, we can’t help. 2) It’s a matter of the heart. If you long to write, you won’t have trouble asking for help to attend. Again, a filter that separates the, “I’ve attended five conferences this year, and I haven’t been to yours. So, I need help,” versus “We’re tight on funds due to an ongoing illness or family need.”

What do scholarships include?

It varies from conference to conference, but most include housing, food, and conference fees. Some remove the conference fee. Others pay for housing only. Rarely do scholarships cover travel, sundries, contests, or critiques/mentoring.

What is a partial scholarship?

Again, another good question. If a conference is small, they can provide more scholarships in part over full scholarships. There is also the theory that when there is some personal skin in the game, the gratitude for a scholarship is greater. In other words, someone who pays a portion is more likely to show up at the conference versus someone who receives a full scholarship and decides at the last minute they don’t want to attend (trust me, it happens all the time). In fact, it happened at our conference two years in a row that a recipient failed to show with no explanation and knocked someone else out of an opportunity. Many times, a partial scholarship will be ½ to 75% of the cost, but this varies from conference to conference depending on how many funds are available.

Is asking for a return scholarship acceptable?

Well, I suppose that depends on your heart. If you receive a scholarship to one conference, in the interest of allowing others to experience a conference, I wouldn’t personally ask for two years in a row. But, and this is a big but, it depends on the funds a conference has available. I try to ask our recipients to pay it forward. They may not be able to fund a full scholarship for someone else, but perhaps they can pay forward $10, $25, or more to help fund another scholarship. Maybe they step aside for someone else to experience a conference. It’s all where your heart lands. Applying for a second year does not decide if you can have a second scholarship. The directors I know pray over every need. Apply according to where your heart leads you. If you are able to donate to a scholarship fund—do! That provision is a make or break for some conferees.

Is writing a thank you note acceptable?

By all means. Gratitude is always a welcome repayment, especially when scholarships come through foundation owners, corporations, or generous donors. Kindness is always appreciated. It’s not old school. Thank you letters should always be sent to the conference director for them to distribute. Why? Well, many donors prefer to be anonymous. They want to give quietly. Recipients may never know who gave; honestly, that’s unimportant. Your acknowledgment via a thank you note is transferred to the giver, and they are blessed to know their gift was appreciated.

Should you share if you are a scholarship recipient?

Again, I suppose this depends on your heart. But your conference director will not divulge winners. It’s just unnecessary, and in some cases, there are good reasons not to share scholarship winners’ names. Privacy, situation, and need are personal and cherished by directors. It’s our goal to honor those who receive, not flaunt their need to others.

Finally, ask!

If you have a need, ask. Conference directors want to help if possible. Don’t be ashamed. It’s not like a giant red S is printed on your forehead. I think of Mordecai’s response to Esther—for such a time as this. We never know what surprises God holds for us when we step out and simply ask. Asking shows willingness. It shows vulnerability and honesty. If you have a need, ask. God may have something really special in store for you behind the curtain of a scholarship.

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. Having served for a number of years as a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Ironstream Media, Cindy now works as a mentor, coach, and freelance editor. She is the co-founder of Writing Right Author Mentoring Services with Lori Marett and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is also the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and www.christiandevotions.us, as well as www.inspireafire.com. Her devotions are in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and her novels have become award-winning, best-selling works. She is a popular speaker at conferences and a natural encourager. Cindy is a mountain girl, born and raised in the Appalachian mountains, where she and her husband still reside. She has raised four sons and now resorts to raising chickens where the pecking order is easier to manage. You can visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com or www.wramsforwriters.com.