Mississippi Baptist Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Mississippi Baptist Foundation

Introduction
The apostle Paul wrote, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). That promise reflects the purpose of the Mississippi Baptist Foundation’s Scholarship Ministry. Supported by the generosity of many faithful Christian stewards, the Foundation provides needs-based, supplemental financial assistance to Mississippi students enrolled at Mississippi Baptist colleges or at one of the six Southern Baptist seminaries.

General policy
The MBF Board of Trustees has adopted uniform rules that apply to all endowed scholarship awards administered through the Foundation. These additional requirements are intended to honor the intent of each fund and to ensure equitable administration.

Eligibility and priority
- Applicants should be Mississippi residents (generally for the three years immediately before the initial application) and must be members in good standing of a Southern Baptist church in Mississippi that cooperates with the Mississippi Baptist Convention (see Article III, Sections 1 & 2 of the Convention Constitution).
- Priority is given to full-time students (as defined by the college or seminary catalog) who are juniors or seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a Mississippi Baptist college, or who are enrolled in a master’s program at one of the six Southern Baptist seminaries. If funds permit, juniors or seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a seminary may be considered.
- Seminary doctoral students and students enrolled in graduate programs at Mississippi Baptist colleges are not eligible. Generally, students pursuing a second degree are ineligible.
- Applicants enrolled at least half time may be considered; awards to part-time students will be prorated based on course load and fund availability.

Award timing and reapplication
- Scholarships are paid annually, with equal disbursements made for the Fall and Spring semesters.
- Recipients must reapply each year; completed renewal applications must be submitted between January 1 and April 30.

Application deadlines and submission
- A completed application must be received by the MBF office between January 1 and April 30. Applications may be submitted online or mailed to: Mississippi Baptist Foundation, P.O. Box 530, Jackson, MS 39205.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed. The Foundation will not take responsibility for notifying applicants of incomplete submissions.

Required application materials
The application packet must include:
- The completed MBF scholarship application form.
- A brief personal statement (included on the application) describing your life, Christian testimony, academic and vocational goals, and ministry interests.
- A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s pastor, mailed directly to the Mississippi Baptist Foundation, P.O. Box 530, Jackson, MS 39205. The pastor’s letter must arrive by the application deadline. If the applicant or the applicant’s father serves as the pastor, a recommendation from the Associational Missions Strategist or another church leader is acceptable.
- A signed Authorization for Release of Confidential Student Information form (included with the application).

Academic and post-award requirements
- Applicants must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- After receiving notification of an award, the recipient must submit an acceptable thank-you letter to the Foundation before the Spring disbursement of funds. Guidelines for the thank-you letter are available on the Foundation’s website. Mail the signed thank-you letter to: Mississippi Baptist Foundation, P.O. Box 530, Jackson, MS 39205.
- If you apply online, retain or print the confirmation page that appears after submission as proof that your application was filed.

Questions
For further information or clarification about the application process, deadlines, or required documents, contact the Mississippi Baptist Foundation office.