Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars was established in 1991 with encouragement and contributions from several alumni and area businesses. In 1992 five $500 scholarships were awarded and awards have continued each year since that time.

The first by-laws of the Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars were signed by James Nitchals, Cora Sue (Tudy) Nycklemoe, John Erickson, Peg Kalar, Janet Kilde and Tim Johnson. They were members of the initial board of directors that envisioned raising $544,000 to establish a foundation to fund scholarships for Fergus Falls students.

As of May 2023, we've awarded around 1400 scholarships totaling $1.2 million dollars to graduating seniors of Fergus Falls Public Schools, iQ Academy, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy and FF Homeschool. Our foundation assets have exceeded $1,500,000. We far surpassed the original goal of $544,000 to perpetually fund scholarships!

Aside from donations establishing scholarships, Dollars for Scholars continues to grow through the generosity of community businesses, individuals and organizations who give generously each year through memorials, gifts to honor family and friends, and/or charitable giving.  We are a 501 (c)(3) organization and all donations are tax-deductible.

All contributions made to Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars are invested and returned to community youth through scholarships. The board of directors is a dedicated group of volunteers who strive to keep administrative costs of the program minimal. We are grateful for every dollar donated and will continue to make contributions grow to benefit the youth of Fergus Falls. It is great to live in a community that supports its youth as they pursue education beyond high school.

To find out more about what Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars can do for students seeking post secondary education, please click on the Scholarships tab above.