Scholarship Application Procedure
Families must first apply for the scholarship through the FACTS Management online application form. The application fee is $35. The same application is used by the Good Shepherd Scholarship and your local school – you only pay one application fee. The Good Shepherd Scholarship is based on family income and the number of family members and is awarded to families who are under 225% of the Federal Poverty Level. For the Family Tuition Cap Scholarship all families, regardless of income level, may apply. Families pay for the first three children and the other children are eligible for a full-tuition scholarship. Families must apply in the FACTS Management system and provide standard tax documentation to be considered for scholarships. All scholarships that are awarded will be applied to the family’s tuition, including the Good Shepherd Scholarships and any local scholarships. The total of all scholarship awards will be deducted from tuition. A Scholarship Award Letter will be provided by your school.
Important Dates:
- January 1 – Scholarship Applications Available Online
- March 31 – Scholarship Applications Deadline
- April-May – Good Shepherd Scholarship Awards Announced to Schools
- May-June – Scholarship Awards Letters sent to Parents
- School Calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I help and why does the Lincoln Diocese need my support?
Each and every dollar matters. We are not a diocese that rests on the giving of a few, large donors. We count on the stewardship of our whole Catholic community to support our families and children and we need each family to give according to their means, to their schools, parishes and to the important mission work of the Christian community and the Catholic Church.
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How are the Good Shepherd Scholarship funds generated to pay for the scholarships?
The Good Shepherd Scholarship funds were established using the Joy of the Gospel campaign funds that were allocated to schools. In addition, new donations will be raised through the collaborative efforts of the Lincoln Diocese, local parishes, schools and the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska. These donors believe in the value of Catholic education and recognize that tuition assistance is needed by many families wanting their children to attend Catholic schools. For more information about the various fundraising initiatives or to make a contribution, please visit our website at www.goodshepherdscholarship.com.
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Can Non-Catholics apply for the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund?
Yes. Any family may apply for a scholarship whose children will be attending a Lincoln Diocese Catholic School.
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How many students receive Good Shepherd Scholarships each year?
It is estimated that 1,300 to 1,500 students will receive Good Shepherd Scholarships each year.
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How much will the Good Shepherd Scholarship Program grant to students each year?
The Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund will provide grants of $2m to $2.5m annually, to students whose families are within 200% of the nationally published Federal Poverty Level. This equates to approximately 25% to 30% of all students in Catholic Schools in the Lincoln Diocese.
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What are the income levels for the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund?
The Income Guidelines will be published each year at www.goodshepherdscholarship.com, the guidelines for the 2019-2020 school year are:
Household Size Income 1 $24,280 2 $32,920 3 $41,560 4 $50,200 5 $58,840 6 $67,480 7 $76,120 8 $84,760 9 $93,400 10 $102,040 -
How is the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund application information used?
FACTS Management will provide the Diocese of Lincoln with the name and school for each Scholarship awarded and will not require diocesan access to the application information provided by families. Based on local parish guidelines, your school does have access to the family information they need to grant local scholarships.
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What are the eligibility requirements for the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund?
The Good Shepherd Scholarship eligibility guidelines are based on family income, household size and tuition costs. Local school or parish scholarships may use additional criteria for scholarships, please contact your school for more information.
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Is other financial support available if a family has a financial hardship?
If during the course of the school year a family is having difficulty meeting tuition payments, they should contact their parish pastor or school administrator. Financial hardship programs vary across the Diocese.
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What happens if I don’t receive a scholarship?
If you are not eligible for the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund, but still feel that you need financial assistance, please contact your pastor or school administrator.
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