GRANTS &
SCHOLARSHIPS
The good work of The Union City Community Foundation is only made possible through the foresight and generosity of our donors. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for Union City residents by evaluating and addressing community issues, building permanent charitable endowments, and promoting philanthropic and community leadership.
We are dedicated to strengthening the capacity of local organizations to increase their ability to benefit the community and support charities whose projects benefit the Union City community in sustainable ways.
Grants
Our grants are awarded to organizations recognized as 501(c)(3). If your organization is not a 501(c)(3), you must have a qualified sponsor. A grant application must be completed and submitted prior to the grant cycle deadline.
Please contact Kaylynn Ostergard, administrative assistant at The Union City Community Foundation, at 814.438.7622 or Grants@UnionCityCF.org for more information about grant applications.
Grant deadlines: January 2, April 1, July 1, and October 1
Grant decisions: Made the 2nd week of February, May, August, and November
Are you the 501C3 sponsor for another nonprofit?
Scholarships
Each year, The Union City Community Foundation awards an average of $20,000 a year in scholarships to 15-20 deserving students in the Union City Area.
The availability of scholarships is publicized through local high school guidance offices. Each scholarship is distinct, and recipients are selected in accordance with criteria established by the donor
Scholarship funds allow a donor to define the scholarship’s advisory committee, guidelines for candidate selection, and award use. Scholarships can benefit a particular educational institution or field of study.
Please contact Steve Weiser, Vice President of Philanthropic Services at The Erie Community Foundation at 814.413.7345 or SWeiser@ErieCommunityFoundation.org for more information about creating a scholarship fund.
Apply through The Union City Community Foundation
Send the completed application and required materials to The Union City Community Foundation, P.O. Box 512, Union City, PA 16438. You can also email your application directly to Contact@UnionCityCF.org.
Jasper Drake Scholarship
The Erie Community Foundation began administering the Jasper Drake Scholarship Fund in 1994. According to Mr. Drake’s Last Will and Testament, “It is the purpose of this Trust Fund to enable students, graduates of the Union City Area High School, of good habit with normal intelligence to obtain a higher education, technical skills, vocation, college, or other advanced learning, as they would otherwise not be able to do so or could do so only at a sacrifice of health in the struggle to obtain such further education and earn a living at the same time, so that they may become better citizens of this country in general, and their community in particular, and to better able them to meet their responsibilities and ultimately to provide for themselves and their families a better livelihood.”
For graduating seniors from Union City High School. With your application, enclose a brief essay of 400-500 words or less. This essay should describe your current extracurricular activities, clubs, and service projects (no more than 100 words). Additionally, it should explain your plans and why you selected this path.
LaRue Ottaway Scholarship
This LaRue Ottaway Scholarship is for graduating seniors who are pursuing a degree in the medical field. You must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. With your application, enclose a brief essay of 400-500 words or less. This essay should describe your current extracurricular activities, clubs, and service projects (no more than 100 words). Additionally, it should explain your future plans and why you selected this path. Include two letters of recommendation.
LaRue Ottaway Alumni Scholarship
The Alumni scholarship is for those who graduated from Union City High School who may or may not have previously applied for the LaRue Ottaway Scholarship. If you are continuing your pursuing of a degree in the medical field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, please reapply. This scholarship is available for each year you are pursuing your degree. With your application enclose a brief essay of 400-500 words or less. This essay should describe your college learning experience and discoveries including class experience, internships, and extracurricular activities. You must also include your college transcripts and two letters of recommendation.
The Neil and Jean Dewey Medical Scholarship
The Dewey scholarship is available to graduating seniors of Union City Area High School with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who plan to pursue a degree in a medical or healthcare field as full-time students. Applicants must have participated in extracurricular activities and community service. Enclose a brief one-page essay discussing the importance of “hometown.” This essay should also describe your participation in high school activities and community activities. You will also need to submit two letters of recommendation.
NOTE: This scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years for $500 each. Past recipients must submit their most recent college transcripts by the end of each May for automatic renewal.
Joanne Homa Patterson Memorial Scholarship
The Union City Senior Center Co-op started a fund to honor Joanne Homa Patterson who passed away in 2015. Joanne had a passion for helping adults find their place in the world. The scholarship was created to help the non-traditional adult students continue their education. Applicants must be a resident of the Union City Area School District and must be 25+ years of age (as of July 1st of the application year) who have been accepted into a certificate program, associate degree program or higher at a college, university or technical school. The award amount will vary each year, with one or two scholarships awarded per year.
Eligibility:
- Verification of Residency in Union City Pa School District (example – Driver’s License, State ID, Utility bill, rental agreement, property tax receipts, etc)
- If previously enrolled, submit a copy of college transcript or most recent report card showing GPA (Unofficial transcripts or printouts from school’s website are acceptable). If not previously enrolled, a copy of the acceptance letter from the school should be included.
- Essay must be at least one page long and should discuss why receiving the award is important, how it will affect the candidate’s future plans, and in particular how those plans will improve the community of Union City.
- A letter of recommendation from employer if the training is related to your current employment will be requested.
Apply through Union City High School Guidance Office
An additional six scholarships are available through the Union City School District Foundation. The Union City High School Guidance Office will have the application and details for each of these. Note that ONLY these six should be turned in to the Guidance Office.
The Rogelio Allanigue Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is for graduating seniors from Union City Area High School enrolled in an accredited institution pursuing post-secondary vocational or collegiate education.
Donald E. Barteldt Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available to graduating seniors from the Union City Area School District with a minimum GPA of 3.0, who plan to attend a college or university. Preference will be given to students based on financial need. Students must apply for the scholarship by writing a one- or two-page essay on their life goals, including educational, career, altruistic, and spiritual goals. Also include the things in their lives for which they are most grateful. A cover sheet should indicate the student’s name and address as well as GPA. Do not put your name on the essay. The winner will be chosen at random from all essays which meet the essay criteria.
Raymond and Angela Gocal Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is for students who demonstrate self-initiative and a desire to pursue a career in any STEM field. Applicants must submit a copy of their acceptance letter to a post-secondary four-year or two-year institution, or a two-year technical school, along with two letters of recommendation and one from an employer. Additionally, applicants must write a brief essay explaining how they meet the self-initiative requirement and how these activities have influenced their career choices. This scholarship honors the legacy of Raymond and Angela Gocal, lifelong residents of Union City from 1916 to 2006, who valued education and personal initiative.
Edward Margie Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship is available to a graduating senior who has been accepted into an undergraduate program and has participated in at least one of the three sports that were long supported by Coach Edward Margie’s dedication: varsity football, varsity wrestling, or varsity track & field. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and have successfully passed the Pennsylvania State Driver’s License Exam.
This scholarship was established in memory of Edward Margie, whose legacy as an educator and athletic coach profoundly shaped the lives of countless Union City students. The scholarship reflects his passion for helping young people achieve excellence both on and off the field, encouraging them to pursue their lifelong goals while overcoming life’s challenges.
Jenine Mineo Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is for graduates of Union City Area High School who are enrolled in an accredited four-year institution. Preference will be given to students pursuing an academic program in choral or music studies. Scholarships will be awarded based on musical achievement, an excellent attendance record, and a demonstrated commitment to community service.
Sidney and Sylvia Carlburg Scholarship
This scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Union City Area High School with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicants must be actively involved in extracurricular activities, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to community service. enclose a brief essay of 350-500 words or less regarding your future plans. (Required). Please include: Athletic Involvement/Extracurricular Activities & Leadership/Community Service.