Frequently Asked Questions (updated in January of each year)

Q: What is the McDonough Scholarship Foundation?
A: The McDonough Foundation is a volunteer organization whose sole mission is to solicit monies on an annual basis for the purpose of awarding scholarship grants to New Hampshire golf course employees who are attending colleges, universities, and accredited trade schools of their choice at the undergraduate level. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization. Its Employer Identification Number is 02-6012491, and copies

Q: Who is qualified to apply for a McDonough Scholarship Grant?
A: Any student employee of a New Hampshire golf course or club may apply. This includes pro shop, grounds, wait, kitchen, and office staff. All first-time candidates must be recommended by the golf club where they are in at least their second year of employment, have demonstrated financial need and the promise of academic success, and be of good character. Once awarded, a McDonough scholarship may be renewed for up to four years, depending upon satisfaction of eligibility criteria and the duration of the scholar’s intended degree or program. All scholarship candidates must submit an application annually and be full-time students enrolled in an undergraduate degree up to the bachelor’s degree level or accredited trade school program.

The application becomes available on our website in late January. All applications and required supporting documentation must be received no later than 11:59 EDT on May 15 for consideration of
a scholarship award for the current year.

The McDonough Foundation is an equal opportunity scholarship program and does not discriminate based on sex, race, color, religion, age, ethnic origin, orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.

Q: How are scholarship recipients chosen?
A: New applicants and previous recipients are interviewed by a member of the McDonough Board of Directors annually. Scholarship grants are based on the candidate’s demonstrated financial need, along with maintenance of a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and interview results. Their qualifications are reviewed, and awards are determined based on the criteria set forth by the Board of Directors.

Q: Does the amount donated by a given club have any bearing on the amount awarded to an employee or employees?
A: In 2025, 26 clubs and associations donated to the Foundation, with recipients representing 40 clubs. Our scholarships are awarded based primarily on financial need; however, working at a donor club as well as a scholar’s GPA are factors in determining the amount of final award.

Q: If a scholarship recipient does not return to his or her employing club, are they still qualified to apply for a scholarship grant the following academic year?
A: Yes. Often scholarship recipients will attend summer school or take an internship in their chosen field. These scholars are still qualified to receive McDonough grants for their upcoming academic year.

Book Awards are given to those who left their supporting club to pursue employment elsewhere and not to work at an internship or job relating to the individual’s career path or attending summer school.

Q: What is a “Book Award”?
A: All eligible applicants receive McDonough scholarship money. $500 Book Awards are given to: a) eligible applicants who are deemed to have no demonstrated financial need for that year based on the information submitted on their application; and b) applicants who left their supporting club to pursue employment elsewhere and not to work

Q: What are the Average Total Annual Awards?
A:  Over the past five years, total annual awards have averaged $168,098. A total of $3,713,800 has been awarded since the inception of the Foundation.

Q: What are the Foundations primary sources of revenue?
A: In 2025, the Foundation had total operating revenue of $341,914, of which $156,424 was generated through New Hampshire golf club contributions. An additional $185,490 was received from various sources, including: donations from individuals, the New Hampshire Golf Association, the Profile Senior Golfers’ Association, the New Hampshire Senior Golfers’ Association, and the New England Senior Golfers’ Association, together with profits from our Online Auction of golf rounds, and the McDonough Annual Benefit Golf Tournament. In addition, $73,610 in earnings from
the Permanent Fund were included in total operating revenue
for the year.

Q: What percent of annual donations actually go towards scholarship grants?
A: In 2025, 84% of our operating revenue (excluding earnings on our permanent fund) went directly toward scholarship grants. The high-payout percentage is made possible by the McDonough Foundation’s volunteer-driven structure, with just one paid staff member. Our executive director, who is instrumental in generating annual revenues, is also heavily involved in building our endowment. In 2025, the Foundation received $259,230 in contributions to our endowed Permanent Fund. Scholarship awards and salary expense are our primary operating expenses with other minor expenses incurred for promotional/marketing efforts (e.g., graphic design and website management, mass-mailing services, and printing expenses).

Q: What is the McDonough Permanent Fund?
A: The McDonough Permanent Fund, currently valued at $1,929,944, is an endowment fund created in April 2000 to help ensure the continuation of the scholarship program for years to come. To
date, 28 named scholarships have been funded by contributions from families or organizations that are deeply committed to golf and the higher education of New Hampshire golf course employees. The annual earnings from these named scholarships, together with unrestricted gifts, is applied to annual scholarship awards. Cambridge Trust Wealth Management is the custodian and investment advisor for the Permanent Fund.

Q: What is the McDonough Heritage Society?
A: The McDonough Heritage Society is an adjunct to the Permanent Fund, which provides an opportunity for individuals to make bequests to the Foundation as part of their estate planning. Bequests and other planned gifts are important sources of revenue to the Foundation and when received, become part of the Permanent Fund or designated as specified by the grantor.

Q: How can I help and or get involved?
A: There are many ways. For example, making a financial contribution, volunteering to become the McDonough ambassador at your club, serving as a McDonough liaison within your local business community, or informing friends of the McDonough “mission.” You might also consider becoming a member of the McDonough Board.

FAQs are updated early each year and are based on the year-end financials and Annual Report figures. 

Last updated 2/2/26.