Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Ballard family foundation scholarship created?
The Ballard Family Scholarship was created to provide support to junior and senior students currently enrolled in an accredited four-year institution, whose unmet financial needs put them at-risk for temporarily discontinuing their studies or dropping out.
In addition, we hope our “pay it forward efforts” will let them know that there is someone who cares about their wellbeing and future success. Lastly, we hope our efforts will provide a spark to stimulate a philanthropic giving desire in them so that once they are gainfully employed, they will reach out and help others.
What is the criteria to be considered for the ballard family foundation scholarship?
Scholarship criteria can be found in the Scholarship section of this website.
How do students apply for the Ballard family foundation Scholarship?
Our partner, The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta reaches out to the schools we select each year to inform them of the scholarship criteria and timelines.
Students must be nominated from either a school administrator, counselor or financial aid officer who has worked directly with the student.
We also require each candidate to have a face to face interview with the scholarship committee and at least one member of the Ballard family.
Where do your students come from?
Our current focus is on students who attend an Atlanta or Metro Atlanta 4-year college. Our initial colleges include Georgia State University, Spelman College, Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University.
Why should people support your scholarship?
Our Atlanta and metro community has the 14th largest economy in the United States, the 20th largest economy in the world, and has over 20 Fortune 1000 companies. Having good talent coming from many of our outstanding colleges and universities fits the “rising tide floats all boats” aphorism as it benefits our city, our economy, and our employers.
What was your inspiration to create the ballard family foundation scholarship?
We believe education is a key requirement for young people to achieve their version of the “American dream,” where upward mobility is possible for everyone if they are willing to work hard. Data trends consistently show a strong correlation between higher earnings and lower unemployment rates when stratified by level of educational attainment. Based on these observations, we believe there are two major challenges that need to be addressed:
Ensuring more students are prepared for, and have the opportunity to go to college
Increasing the likelihood that those students graduate and find a good paying job
There are a numerous organizations and programs designed to prepare and support students to go to college. A differentiating feature and key goal of the Ballard Family Scholarship is to increase the likelihood that students complete their education, graduate, and go on to land a good job.
How can I contribute to the Ballard Family Foundation Scholarship?
There are two ways in which you can contribute to the Ballard Family Foundation Scholarship Fund:
1. Write a check to the Foundation and mail:
The E. David and Linda C. Ballard Family Foundation Inc.
Suite B200, #2009
Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Please let us know that your contribution is on the way by sending an email using the “contact us” link.
2. Make an online donation by clicking on this “Donate” link which will take you to our “Donations” page,
then click on the “Donate Now” button located at the bottom of the page.