Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars was established in 1991 thanks to the encouragement and contributions from several alumni and area businesses. In 1992, five $500 scholarships were awarded. 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.

Now, over 30 years later, our Chapter has 78 named scholarships and has given 1,595 students $1,388,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors of Fergus Falls Public Schools, iQ Academy, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy and FF Homeschool.  These scholarships are made possible through the efforts of the Board of Directors and the generosity of donors.

Aside from donations that establish 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.