Reynolds Foundation gives $100,000 to Single Parent Scholarship Fund

story and photo by Linda Kaufenberg

Officials with the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Crawford and Sebastian Counties announced Tuesday (Sept. 1) that the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation granted the organization $100,000 to establish the Barbara H. Hanna Scholarship Fund.

The Reynolds Foundation is a national philanthropic organization founded in 1954 by the late media entrepreneur for whom it is named. The grant was made in honor of Hanna for her years of service as a trustee of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

“We are pleased that SPSF is the recipient of this gift,” Cindy Long, SPSF board president, said. “Barbara served on our board and we are excited that the money will set up and sustain scholarships for single parents.”

The mission of SPSF is to provide supplemental financial assistance to those single parents who are pursuing a course of instruction that will improve their income-earning potential.

"SPSF started five years ago giving scholarships for $500. The amount was increased recently to $750 per semester. Forty recipients are chosen each semester," said Bill Coffelt, SPSF board vice president. "But, it is not just these 40 recipients who are impacted each semester. The recipients’ children see the value of education and it encourages them to also get an education."

The scholarships are not limited to tuition and books. SPSF recipients may use their money for utility bills, car maintenance, childcare or any other financial need to ensure his/her success. Mentors are assigned to each recipient.

"I have been blessed to be a recipient of SPSF scholarships," noted Kathy Johnson, who is working toward a two-year associates degree in banking from ATU-Ozark. "I have been helped more ways than just the money. And I hope to give back to SPSF when I get out and get a job."

SPSF has awarded more than $185,000 in the past five years.