Etowah Foundation
​Discover how the Etowah Foundation supports education through scholarships and specialized Future Centers. Learn how your support, through donations or volunteering, directly benefits students and strengthens our community. Read more in our FAQ section to understand how you can contribute to our mission.

What is the Etowah Foundation? 
We are a community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving several areas of Georgia. We provide college scholarships and help students plan for their future in our Future Centers. These scholarships and our Future Centers are funded by local businesses, individuals, civic groups, churches, and organizations who care about helping our students. We are very thankful for our supporters who know how important education is and how it can make our community better. Their help has a big impact on the students who receive our scholarships and on the whole community, making life better for everyone. 

What are the goals of the Etowah Foundation? 
Our goal always is to increase support for people in the community and their pursuit of reaching their goals. By connecting students with these local scholarships, and advisors to help them along the way, we believe we help make our community a better place to live. 

What are my options if I want to become a donor? 
1) Giving Circle - Our Giving Circle offers donors the opportunity to choose from one of six levels of giving. Each level provides different ways to support the Etowah Foundation and make a positive impact on our community. To learn more and find the giving level that’s right for you, visit our website.   
2) Endowment Scholarship – Donors contribute a lump sum or sizeable gift which generates enough interest annually to fund a recurring scholarship in perpetuity. Many donors desire to memorialize a loved one or establish a family legacy by setting up an endowment to support the education of the youth of our community.  
3) Pass Through Donation - Donors can choose to make a one-time donation or set up a scheduled donation that happens automatically on a regular basis. Both options help support the Etowah Foundation’s mission.  
 
Donors may determine criteria in the selection of the scholarship recipient. Please call our office, or email [email protected] for additional details. 

Is the donation tax deductible? 
The Etowah Foundation is a non-profit organization so any donation of any amount should be tax deductible. Please check with your tax preparer to ensure you receive the full benefit of your contribution.   
What other ways to contribute to the Etowah Foundation? 
The community can support our program by attending our fundraiser events, or by donating merchandise to auction at our events. We are actively searching for contributors and participants for our annual fundraisers. Sponsors are acknowledged at the events through electronic presentations, banners, flyers, our Facebook page and on our website. For more information email [email protected] or call our office. 
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Scholarships
Understand how scholarships are awarded and the support available to applicants throughout their educational journey.

Who is eligible for a scholarship?   
Cartersville/Bartow County residents who are attending college or plan to attend college are eligible to apply. This includes both traditional and non-traditional students; scholarships are available for students enrolled full-time in undergraduate, graduate and technical programs. Please see our eligibility requirements listed on the Scholarships page.   

How many scholarships do you distribute each year and what’s the average award amount?   
We award over 200 scholarships each year, mostly ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.  However, the number of scholarships awarded each year varies according to the number of community donors. Scholarships are distributed according to need and/or merit. Since its inception in 1982, the Foundation has distributed more than $6 million to over 7,000 Cartersville/Bartow County students. 
 
How many students apply for an Etowah Foundation Scholarship?   
Each year we receive over 350 applications. Our goal is to meet the needs of the students by increasing the scholarship donations to better serve the needs of the community.   

How are scholarship recipients selected?  
We have anonymous volunteers who serve on our Scholarship Review Board (SRB). This Board operates independently from our Board of Directors and reviews all applications. The SRB then discusses the merits and financial needs of each applicant and works to match the best fit based on donor requirements. 
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When and how are scholarships awarded?  
In mid-May, we celebrate with the donors, recipients and family members at the Community Achievement Ceremony. The scholarship award certificate is presented to the recipient by the donor in the ceremony, like a graduation. Photos are taken and published in the local newspaper of the recipients and donors. Scholarship checks are then distributed in July. ​

Future Centers
Explore what Future Centers offer, including who can use them, the different types of help available, and how to get started. Learn how Future Centers guide people in planning their education and career paths.

What is the Future Center?   
The Future Center is a non-profit program created by the Etowah Foundation to help students plan their future. Whether it's going to college, starting a career, or joining the military, the Future Center provides advise and resources to help students plan for what’s next.

Who can use the Future Center?  
Anyone who wants help planning for their future can use the Future Center. It is open to any student attending the high school where the Future Center is located, no matter what their plans are after graduation. Our advisors can also meet with non-traditional individuals who need assistance.

What services does the Future Center offer?  
The Future Center offers a variety of services, see our Future Centers homepage to get an idea of what we can help with.  

Where are Future Centers located?  
To see a list of the Future Centers location, visit this page: Meet Your Advisor

What time is my Future Center location open?  
To see the Future Centers schedule, visit this page: Meet Your Advisor

How do I schedule an appointment with the Future Center?  
To make an appointment with your Future Center, scan a QR Code outside your Future Center, or email [email protected]. Drop-ins are also welcomed.   

Does the Future Center provide support for people not going to college?  
Yes, the Future Center helps anyone, even if they don't want to go to college. They offer advice on careers, help with finding jobs, and other resources to explore different paths. They can also discuss options for joining the military.  

Is there a cost associated with using the Future Center services?  
No, the services provided by the Future Center are free.  

How can I help support the Future Centers?  
You can help the Future Centers by donating to the Etowah Foundation, sharing information about their services with anyone you know, or working with advisors to set up college/career opportunities and industry tours. Contact the Etowah Foundation for more information.   

How can I reach the Future Center?  
You can reach the Future Center by emailing your advisor or [email protected], visiting in person at your high school, or calling the Etowah Foundation.   ​