News

History of Children’s Scholarship Fund (CSF)

Theodore Forstmann, founding partner of Forstmann Little & Co. investment firm and the late John Walton of Wal-Mart began the national chapter of Children’s Scholarship Fund (CSF) in 1998. The two men were passionate about children’s education and committed $100 million to fund 40,000 initial scholarships for children to attend independent schools across the country. When Mr. Forstmann launched the program on The Oprah Winfrey Show, more than 1.25 million people called CSF’s toll-free number to inquire about potential scholarships. That was the beginning of what is now a thriving program in more than 30 cities nationwide.

Founding of Children’s Scholarship Fund-Charlotte (CSF-C)

In 1999, Salisbury native Julian H. Robertson, Jr., a renowned philanthropist and financier, made a $1.5 million gift to CSF which was matched by the national organization to start Charlotte’s chapter, CSF-C. Since that time, through the leadership of a board of trustees and board of advisors, and the financial support of Mr. Robertson and other funding from foundations, corporations and individuals, CSF-C has continued to ensure the long-term viability of this important organization for children in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

Mission

CSF-C is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding educational options for children (Kindergarten through Eighth Grade) from low-income families, as defined by the Federal Free and Reduced Meal Program, in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

Purpose

CSF-C’s purpose is to award partial tuition assistance to low-income families so that their children may attend independent schools, which best address their academic, emotional, physical and/or spiritual needs. Our organization believes that by providing a change in class size, teaching methods, school environment, individual attention or overall enrichment, children can be taught the way they learn best and reach their highest potential.

Goal

CSF-C’s goal is to “Open Doors of Opportunity” through the intrinsic power of education. We want to positively impact a child’s educational experience TODAY, which will change his or her life FOREVER! Through our organization’s assistance, parents can have a choice in their children’s education and children can have a chance for success, breaking the cycle of poverty.

Overview

  • Since 1999, CSF-C has granted nearly 3,800 scholarships.
  • In order to maintain enrollment, approximately 100 additional recipients are selected every year through a random lottery administered by the Foundation For The Carolinas (FFTC).
  • Scholarship amounts are determined by the family’s size and income, and the school’s tuition amount.
  • Average family’s gross income is $28,311.
  • Average tuition per child is $4,932.
  • Average “award” per child is $1,731.
  • Average family’s payment over the “award” amount is $3,201.
  • Each family is required to annually contribute $500 toward their child’s education.

Results

According to CSF-C/FFTC parent and child surveys, children are continuing to improve in their overall academic performance, social skills, behavior and self-esteem. Survey responses affirm how effective the program is as it provides children with a solid educational foundation for high school, gives them aspirations of going to college and molds them to become productive citizens in our community.

Impact on Children and Charlotte

According to the Social Benchmark Survey Executive Summary for the Charlotte Region which was compiled in 2001,

“The poorest and least educated citizens of Charlotte have low levels of social and racial trust, less diverse friendships, and marginal involvement in politics, volunteering, or associational involvement. Low-income individuals are more withdrawn from the community and are much less likely to make the positive civic changes necessary for all groups of a community to thrive.”

CSF-C is proud to be making a difference in the lives of children and our community. We welcome you to join us in our mission!