Frequently Asked Questions

Counselors

Can I verify whether my student’s application was submitted?

We’re working on a system that will give counselors the ability to see all submissions from their students.

When will scholarship decisions be shared with students, and how should counselors prepare for follow-up?

Award notifications will be sent via email by April 10 to the email address provided at the time of application.

Counselors may support students by ensuring they remember the email address used to apply, as well as their login credentials for the application portal.

Can students still apply if undecided on major or college/university?

Yes

Can I contact the foundation directly if I have questions about a student’s application?

If you’re a counselor you’ll be able to view the application from each student from your school in its entirety. 

Will you notify me before the application deadline of applications that are started, but not yet complete?

A list of incomplete applications is compiled a week before the application closes and each student is emailed directly. 

Students

Am I eligible to apply for your scholarships?

Southwest Iowa Educational Foundation (SWIEF) scholarships are limited to students who attend high school in southwest Iowa, which means your high school must be located in one of the following counties in order for you to be eligible: Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby. Additionally, students who attend the following high schools are also eligible: Boyer Valley, Exira-EHK, IKM-Manning, and Southwest Valley.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

You can apply by completing our online scholarship application, which is available on our website under the “Application” tab.

When can I apply for scholarships?

The online SWIEF application opens January 15th each year. 

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Each applicant must complete a single Application Packet, which will be used for consideration of all scholarships that are indicated on the list of scholarships.

Is there a cost to apply?

No. There is no cost to apply for any of our scholarships.

What materials do I need to submit?

Each application packet must include a completed scholarship application, high school and/or college transcript, and any additional supplemental materials, if applicable. 

How do I submit my transcripts? 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to upload transcripts directly within the application portal, as this is the preferred submission method.

If necessary, transcripts and other supporting materials may be mailed or delivered together in a single package. Materials must be postmarked on or before March 22 to be considered. Application packets received after this date will not be reviewed, regardless of postmark or delivery method.

Mailing address:
Southwest Iowa Educational Foundation
536 East Broadway
Council Bluffs, IA 51503

When is the application deadline?

The online SWIEF application’s deadline is March 15th each year. This date is non-negotiable. 

How and when will I be notified if I receive a scholarship?

Scholarships will be awarded and candidates notified by April 10th of each year. Notification will be sent via email to the student. All applicants are notified -- not just recipients. Applicants that are declined are also notified. 

Do I use my weighted GPA or unweighted GPA?

Applicants should report the higher of their weighted or unweighted GPA, whichever is highest. Please include your strongest GPA when completing the application.

Who do I contact for a question about scholarship distribution?

Contact scholarships@givewesterniowa.org   for inquiries, concerns, or questions regarding scholarship disbursements. 

Parents

How can I support my student through the scholarship application process?

Support your student by tracking deadlines, reviewing the application for completeness, and assisting with the submission of required documents. Encourage students to reach out with any questions throughout the process.

Will I receive updates about my student’s application status?

No. All application updates are sent directly to the student. We encourage you to stay connected by checking in with your student throughout the process. If your student has questions or needs help understanding an update they receive, they are welcome to contact us for assistance.

What is the deadline to apply?

March 15th.

If my child receives a scholarship this year, are they eligible to apply again next year (after 1st year is completed)?

SWIEF scholarships are primarily designated for graduating high school seniors and are not intended for current college students. The only exception applies to select scholarships available to current college students who graduated from East Mills High School or Riverside High School.

Graduating seniors who are awarded a multi-year scholarship are required to submit official college transcripts to SWIEF each year to maintain eligibility for subsequent disbursements. These students receive ongoing communication to ensure timely submission of all required documentation.

Who do I contact for a question about scholarship distribution?

Contact scholarships@givewesterniowa.org   for inquiries, concerns, or questions regarding scholarship disbursements. 

Donors

Can I choose the scholarship criteria?

Donors collaborate with SWIEF board members to establish scholarship criteria that reflect donor intent while aligning with SWIEF’s recommended criteria and standards.

How often are criteria reviewed or updated?

The SWIEF Board of Directors reviews criteria each year and makes updates when necessary. 

Can the scholarship be named in honor or memory of someone?

Yes

What is the timeframe or deadline to create a new scholarship?

You may begin the process of creating a new scholarship at any time throughout the year. However, to ensure the scholarship can be included in the upcoming award cycle, all details must be finalized by December. This allows us to set up the criteria, update our materials, and include the scholarship in our application system.