Scholarship Guidelines

The Scholarship Program is available to WDSRA residents with disabilities who meet the Income Eligibility guidelines. If you are unsure if you qualify as a WDSRA resident, please contact us at 630.681.0962 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Evidence of financial need must be demonstrated. Factors defining need include household size, family income, or extenuating financial situation such as excessive medical bills or current participation in public aid.

Assistance is awarded to applicants and dependent household members only. Balances from prior seasons must be paid in full before new scholarship requests  are awarded. All information provided must be accurate and verifiable.

The completion and submission of the Financial Assistance Application, along with all supporting paperwork, are necessary to verify financial eligibility and residency. Incomplete applications or those missing required documentation may result in a reduced award or denial of assistance.

Yearly Scholarship Amounts

• $300
• $200
• $100

To be considered for the Financial Assistance Program, The application will be used to verify the need for financial assistance for programs from May 1, 2025, through April. 30, 2026.

1. Application Timeline: The timeline for the scholarship assistance is as follows; however, you can apply at any time, and funds will be awarded based on availability.
• Scholarship Form Submittal: January 1, 2025 thru March 14, 2025
• Scholarships Reviewed: March 16 thru March 21, 2025
• Scholarships Awarded and Confirmed: March 24 thru March 28, 2025
• Scholarships Available for Use: May 2025 thru April 2026

2. Prepare Documentation: Financial assistance is based on the documents provided and their alignment with Agricultural Income Eligibility Guidelines. Incomplete or missing documentation may result in a reduced award or denial of application. Applicants are encouraged to submit all required documents to maximize their eligibility for assistance.

3. Complete and Submit your Application: WDSRA offers two ways to submit your application

1.Complete the form online (preferred method) Online Scholarship Form
2. Print and complete the form and either – Online PDF

•  Drop-off: At the WDSRA office, 116 N Schmale Rd, Carol Stream (Monday-Friday from 9 am to 4 pm)
• Mail to: WDSRA 116 N Schmale Rd, Carol Stream, Il 60188
•  Email to: registration@wdsra.com

WDSRA will keep all application materials confidential and will not share the application materials with other individuals, organizations or agencies without your express approval. Only WDSRA staff who review and approve scholarship applications can access the submitted materials.

Financial Assistance awards are determined based on the documents provided and their alignment with Agricultural Income Eligibility Guidelines. Incomplete or missing documentation may result in a reduced award or denial of application. Applicants are encouraged to submit all required
documents to maximize their eligibility for assistance. Please submit the following documentation with your application.

Copy of 2023 FILED Federal Income Tax Return
Household Assistance Documentation

If receiving assistance from the following, current documentation must be provided and must be in the name of, or applicable to, the primary adult in the household.

LINK/SNAP
Child Support
SSI Disability
Unemployment Benefit Statement
Child Support
Social Security
Utility Assistance
Alimony

Depending on the approval date, awarded funds may be used towards WDSRA programs from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, unless otherwise stated.

The household may receive the full amount if the Financial Assistance Application is approved for FY 2025-2026 before September 1.

If the Financial Assistance Application is approved for FY 2025 after September 1, the household may receive up to 50% of the amount.

FY 2025-2026 Assistance Funds issued will be valid through April 30, 2026. An applicant must reapply to be considered for future assistance.

Limited Funds are available for financial assistance, which will be awarded in accordance with WDSRA’s fiscal year. Awarded Financial Assistance funds are valid for programs that take place from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.

WDSRA reserves the right to ask for updated housing or additional documentation at any time if deemed necessary.

WDSRA reserves the right to approve either partial or full funding or deny an applicant’s request.

Awarding financial assistance does not ensure continued approval for succeeding fiscal years.

The information submitted in the application must be true and accurate. Fee assistance funds are legally recoverable if paid and awarded based on false information supplied by the applicant, and this will nullify any future requests for financial assistance.

The information submitted is not a matter of public record. WDSRA will keep all application materials confidential and will not share them with other individuals, organizations, or agencies. Only WDSRA staff who review and approve scholarship applications will have access to the submitted materials.

Financial Assistance funds are limited and a valuable resource. To ensure a fair and effective distribution, participants must commit to attending the activities for which they are approved.

For activities with four or more meeting dates, participants are expected to attend a minimum of (80%) of the sessions. For activities with fewer than four meeting dates, (100%) attendance is expected.

If a participant is unable to participate in an activity due to a medical or other valid reason, it is the responsibility of the participant or their legal parent/guardian to notify WDSRA of the conflict before the activity takes place. In cases where a medical reason is cited, WDSRA may request a doctor’s
note for verification.

Consistent non-compliance with attendance requirements may result in the forfeiture of Financial Assistance awards and the participant’s disqualification from future award consideration