Frequently Asked Questions

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 scholarships to young men and women employed at New Hampshire golf courses, who are attending accredited colleges, universities, and 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 of its 501(c)3 and W-9 forms are available upon request.

Q: Who is qualified to apply for a McDonough Scholarship Grant?
A: Any male or female student employee of a New Hampshire golf course or club may apply. This includes pro shop, grounds, wait, kitchen, and office staff. All candidates must be recommended by the golf club where they are in at least their second year of employment, must demonstrate the promise of academic success, as well as require financial assistance. Once awarded, a McDonough scholarship may be renewed for up to four years, depending upon annual maintenance of academic standards, the continued need for financial aid, and the duration of the scholar’s intended degree or program.  All scholarship candidates must submit an application annually, and be full time students.

Q: How are scholarship recipients chosen?
A: New applicants and previous recipients are interviewed by a member of the McDonough Board of Directors on an annual basis.  Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and continue to show financial need.  Their qualifications are reviewed and an award is made based on meeting 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: No. In 2021, twenty-two clubs and associations donated to the Foundation, with recipients representing thirty-three clubs.

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. They are still qualified to apply for their upcoming academic year.

Q: What are the Average Total Annual Awards?
A: Over the past five years, total annual awards have averaged $122,584. A total of $3,005,110 has been awarded since the inception of the program.

Q: What are the Foundations primary sources of revenue?
A: In 2021, the Foundation had total revenue of $194,863, of which $91,176 was generated through New Hampshire golf club contributions.  An additional $62,887 was received from individuals, the New Hampshire Golf Association, the Profile Senior Golfers’ Association, and the New England Senior Golfers’ Association, together with profits from the McDonough Annual Benefit Golf Tournament.  Investment income from the McDonough Permanent Fund was $40,800 for the year.

In 2021, the components of our total revenue of $149,863 were as follows:

Club Donations: 47%

Transfer from Permanent Fund: 21%

Associations and Corporations: 3%

Pro Am Golf Tournament: 8%

Individual Donations: 15%

Dividends, Interest & Other: 5%

Memorial Donations: 1%

Q: What percent of annual donations actually go towards scholarship grants?
A: In 2021, 68% of the monies raised went toward scholarship grants. This percentage is lower than prior years (which averaged 89%) due to the uncertainties created by Covid-19 and the high percentage of funds received later in the year after the scholarships were awarded and paid out , Our historically high payout percentage is because the McDonough Foundation is a volunteer organization with only one paid administrative staff member. From time to time, expenses incurred involve the McDonough Annual Benefit Golf Tournament, and some promotional materials. The Foundation is extremely fortunate to have donated legal and accounting services.

Q: What is the McDonough Permanent Fund?
A: The McDonough Permanent Fund, currently valued at $1,016,125, is an endowment fund created in April 2000 to help ensure the continuation of the scholarship program for years to come. To date, twenty named scholarships have been endowed with contributions by families, individuals, and organizations in honor of an individual who was or is deeply committed to golf, and the education of New Hampshire youth.  The annual interest earned 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.” Consider becoming a member of the McDonough Board.