SALEM–The Salem Community Foundation’s annual scholarship application for current college students is now open.

The application and guidelines can be downloaded from the scholarship section of the foundation’s website at www.salemcommunityfoundation.org. As always, consideration will be given to students based on their class level and financial need, and all applicants must have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average or higher, a minimum class load of six semester hours, and be a resident of the city of Salem or Perry Township. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. on June 3 for consideration by the foundation’s scholarship committee

The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Fund is comprised of 15 principal funds brought together in accordance with the wishes of donors including: the funds of George Theiss, Paul and Olive Astry, Joseph G. Smith, Zella C. Litty, Louise C. Bunn, Salem Scholarship Fund, Freda S. Sweitzer, Russell B. McArtor, C. Harold Musser, Ethel B. Beall, Anna L. Thomas, F. Robert Mathews, L. Raymond Maurer, Mary Ellen Pizzino, and the Corso family.

The Community Foundation also distributes scholarship funds annually from several named funds established in the memory of loved ones and named after their benefactors including: the Evelyn Lease Fund (1969), the Sam and Bernice Keener Fund (1991), the Salem Community Foundation Scholarship Fund (1991), the Avanell E. Beck Fund (1992), the Lyle and Mary Biehler Fund (1993), the Salem Label/Menegos Fund (1994), the George and Jeannette Emeny Fund (1995), the Betty Ruth Ulicny Fund (1999), the Hart/Litty Fund (2001), the Bruce P. and Eileen J. Gordon Fund (2010), the Herbert J. Hansell Fund (2015), the Vange Firestone Memorial Fund (2016), and the Jacqueline E. Troll Fund (2016).

The Ministerial Scholarship application and guidelines are also available under the scholarship section and have the same deadline as the foundation scholarships. Established in 2008, the ministerial scholarship is intended to assist those seeking to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is extended to those individuals who wish to enter the fields of the ministry, Christian education, youth ministry, or a closely related field. Valid at undergraduate and graduate schools, and bible colleges, applicants for the ministerial grant must submit documentation of financial need, academic performance, reference letters, and a personal statement.

Scholarship funds created with the community foundation can be structured to benefit students at any education level or for a specific institution and make a direct impact in the lives of Salem students continuing their educations. Those interested in creating a creating a scholarship fund or contributing to an existing scholarship fund should contact Brittany Maniscalco by phone at 330-332-4021 or by email at brittany@salemcommunityfoundation.org.

“The Salem Community Foundation is proud of their focus on education and extremely grateful for the donors who have provided a bright future for generations to come. This annual program continues the Foundation’s tradition of giving and supporting the local community,” a press release read.