How it Works
The Daniel H. Airey Sprinkle Trust exists to support the pursuit of higher education for potential beneficiaries. This website can help you understand the process necessary to gain funding for education and hopefully answer other questions you may have about the trust.
Thinking Ahead
When you begin to think about higher education for you or your children, you will need to thoroughly read through all the information on this website to ensure you understand 1) the annual application process to receive award funding, 2) how to maintain good standing and 3) the disbursement process.
How do I determine my eligibility?
What are the next steps?
What definitions do I need to understand?
What paperwork needs to be prepared?
What does the overall process look like?
Create a list of unanswered questions that you can ask the co-trustees.
The Trust exists to help you continue your education without the financial burden of going into debt or taking on student loans.
MAKE A CHOICE TO CONTINUE
Select a school aligned with your career goals by researching programs, faculty, and campus culture. Consult advisors and professionals in the field. Visit potential schools and prepare application materials early. See the resources on this site to help you think through the process. (UPDATE June 2024)
FILL OUT A FAFSA
The process of applying for admission to a college or trade/speciality school often involves completing a separate FAFSA. This shows that you are in the federal financial aid system and is very common throughout the nation. (UPDATE June 2024)
Why do this if the Trust will pay for your schooling? Because you may receive grants or scholarships offered by your college which reduces the overall amount the Trust pays out. This is one way you can do your part in helping the Trust have money for other beneficiaries in the future.
For example, one beneficiary was awarded $14,000 each year in institutioal grant money. That adds up to an enormous savings over 4 years for the Trust.
You are expected to complete a FAFSA each year. The FAFSA form applies to a single academic year. That means you need to submit a FAFSA form each year—and make sure you meet the FAFSA deadlines for state and school aid to maximize the amount and types of aid you could receive. Start the FAFSA here. (UPDATE June 2024)
CONTACT THE TRUST
Reach out to Dan or Jenn to let the know you have plans to use the Trust benefits. They will help guide you through important steps along the way around what is required by the Trust.
Once you've been accepted to an institution of higher education, you will need to submit a complete Trust Application Packet which includes:
1. Cover letter stating your intent to attend college or professional school and which school you will be attending.
2. Essay (one, or two-page, single-spaced Word document, Times New Roman or Georgia, 12 pt), that states:
what values you have in common with Uncle Dan that show your commitment to making the most of your education concerning life, family, work and financial values
why you desire to pursue higher education, graduate, professional or trade school
why you chose the school you are attending
what fields of study interest you
where you would like to be (your station of life) in five years after graduating from college
describe what steps you will take to maintain (UPDATE April 2023) a 2.0 GPA throughout college
3. Initial Trust Award Application (UPDATE April 2023) >> download
CO-TRUSTEE REVIEW
Once the co-trustees receive your Trust Application Packet they will begin the review process. If you meet the criteria you will be considered under review by the co-trustees. The review process may take up to sixty (60) days. Notice typically occurs faster than 60 days for fully submitted application packets.
NOTIFICATION AND AWARD
Notification of your qualification to receive trust award funds will occur via phone, letter or email. Checks from the trust for tuition will be mailed directly to the institution. Reimbursement checks for books, certain supplies, etc. (at the discretion of the co-trustees), will be mailed directly to the applicant (other arrangements can be requested in advance).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A note about "educational supplies"
In this time of "electronics, gadgets, and the online world" in which we now live and learn, the co-trustees have established the following priorities regarding our responsible stewardship of the funds available:
FUNDING PRIORITIES
tuition
mandatory fees
room and board (for students living on campus, or off, when housing is unavailable) (UPDATE April 2023)
educational supplies (UPDATE April 2023)
per diem expenses for visits and travel (UPDATE April 2023)
other expenses at the discretion of the co-trustees
Please do not assume that other expenses will be covered by the Trust. Questions about these expenses or technologies that can support your post-secondary education should be directed to the co-trustees ahead of time. Determinations can be made on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of the co-trustees. It is best to contact the co-trustees in advance for guidance.
Annual Cap on awards
It is the duty of the co-trustees to steward the funds of the trust. In order to manage the fair and reasonable distribution of monies to potential beneficiaries, the co-trustees at their discretion may limit or cap annual amounts of requested funds to preserve the growth of the trust assets.
FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
The co-trustees, in the spirit and intent of Dan Airey, strongly support your pursuit of additional education through college, professional schools, and other hybrid learning situations. The whole point of the Trust is to further the best version of yourself through education. The co-trustees want to talk with you about any opportunity that can offer you more education, professional development, and career advancement.