Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Sponsored by Davis-Putter Scholarship

Overview The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund offers need-based financial assistance to students who are active or emerging organizers in progressive movements working toward liberation, self-determination, and social and economic justice. Awards are available to students enrolled in college or university programs or in trade and technical training. Award amount and distribution - Maximum award: $15,000 for the academic year beginning Fall 2026 through June 30, 2027. - Average award in 2025–26: $7,700. - Payments are made for each individual semester, quarter, or term while the recipient is enrolled. - Grants must be used during the award year; they cannot be deferred or carried into a later year. - Recipients may receive awards more than once, but must reapply each year they seek funding. - Application deadline: submit by midnight EST on April 1. Applicants will be notified of decisions in July. Eligibility overview To be eligible you must meet all three of the following requirements: 1) Be enrolled in or have applied to a post-secondary degree, certificate, trade, or technical program (college, university, or trade/technical school). If you have applied but have not decided by April 1, you must notify the Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund once you choose a school. 2) Be actively involved in movements for progressive social change. The Fund supports organizing that advances self-determination for oppressed communities and challenges systems such as capitalism, racism/white supremacy, heteropatriarchy and gender-based violence, environmental exploitation, and other forms of systemic harm. Work in international solidarity that critiques U.S. imperialism is also strongly considered. Both public-facing organizers and those doing essential behind-the-scenes work (e.g., logistics, team-building, conflict transformation) are welcome. The Fund seeks active and emerging movement leaders who are committed to long-term organizing and personal and collective development, and it particularly encourages applicants from under-resourced regions, rural areas, students outside major urban centers, and people working on the margins of mainstream activism. 3) Demonstrate financial need. As a needs-based scholarship, the Fund prioritizes applicants who have limited or no access to family wealth. Answering “yes” to all three questions above means you may apply, but meeting these eligibility standards does not guarantee an award. Application timeline and instructions - Applications are posted in January each year and must be completed and submitted online by April 1 (midnight EST). - Read these instructions and the FAQs before beginning your application. Complete the official application form and upload all requested documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered. - Applicants will receive decision notifications in July. If you have questions, consult the FAQs or contact the Fund using the “Let’s Chat” button on the site. Required materials You must submit all of the following as part of your application: - Completed application form. - Personal statement from the applicant. - Two letters of recommendation. - Most recent academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). - Student Aid Report (SAR). If you are not eligible for federal aid, provide a state equivalent or a completed FAFSA worksheet. Notes - You are required to fill out every section of the application and respond to the short essay prompts. - Previous recipients must submit a new application each year they seek funding.