Who is eligible to apply for a SAG-AFTRA Foundation Scholarship?

Applicants must be SAG-AFTRA members or dependents of SAG-AFTRA members who are paid current with their SAG-AFTRA dues.

The member must then meet SAG-AFTRA contract lifetime earnings.

What are the earnings eligibility requirements?

John L. Dales Scholarship Applicants must first meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Member/Parent must be in good standing for 10 years with minimum SAG-AFTRA lifetime earnings of $225,000
• Member Applicants under 27 years of age must be SAG-AFTRA member for at least 5 years with minimum SAG-AFTRA lifetime earnings of $40,000
• Dependent Applicants of Deceased or Honorable Withdrawal Members are eligible if parent was a member for at least 10 years with minimum SAG-AFTRA lifetime earnings of $225,000
• Dependent Applicants 27 and older are ineligible
• Scholarships are available to members over the age of 27 transitioning out of a performance career into another career

George Heller Scholarship Applicants must first meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Member/Parent must be in good standing for at least 5 years with minimum SAG-AFTRA lifetime earnings of $50,000
• Member Applicants under 27 years of age must be in good standing for at least 5 years with minimum SAG-AFTRA lifetime earnings of $10,000
• Dependent Applicants of Deceased or Honorable Withdrawal Members are eligible if parent was a member for at least 5 years with minimum SAG-AFTRA lifetime earnings of $50,000
• Dependent Applicants 27 and older are ineligible
• Scholarships are available to members over the age of 27 transitioning out of a performance career into another career

Do BOTH parents need to be paid current with SAG-AFTRA dues?

ONE parent must be paid current with their SAG-AFTRA dues.

If an applicant is a SAG-AFTRA member and the parent(s) are SAG-AFTRA member(s), can an applicant combine both applicant and parent(s) earnings to make the earnings requirement?

Yes. Applicant member and parent(s) earnings can be combined to make the earnings requirement.

Note: If one of the parents, or the applicant, is on Suspended Payment, Terminated or FICORE, that person’s earnings would not be included in the combined earnings. Earnings of the parent(s) or applicant on Honorable Withdrawal or Deceased (providing the member was Active at the time of death) would be included in the combined earnings.

Are the same materials required each time an applicant applies?

Yes. SAT or ACT scores, high school and college transcripts must be provided along with all other requested information such as financial aid documents, etc.

Note: If an applicant is a junior and has previously received a John L. Dales Scholarship, they need not submit their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.

May an applicant use the same essay from one year to the next?

No. A new personal essay is required each time an applicant applies.

What makes a good letter of recommendation?

• The letters are dated within the current school year.
• The letters are on official letterhead, if possible.
• Letters of Recommendation cannot come from family members or relatives.

What is the criteria for judging an application?

Academic standing, financial need, the essay, and letters of recommendation.

If an applicant receives a John L. Dales Scholarship, may the applicant re-apply the following year(s)?

Yes. An applicant may receive up to four (4) John L. Dales Scholarships in a lifetime if they meet the criteria.

If an applicant receives a George Heller Memorial Scholarship, may the applicant re-apply the following year(s)?

No. The applicant may receive one (1) George Heller Memorial Scholarship in a lifetime.

Does everyone who applies receive a scholarship?

No. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation Scholarship Program is competitive and each scholarship is awarded on the basis of criteria established by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.

If an applicant does not receive a scholarship, is there an appeals process?

No. The decisions are final.

What is the deadline for submitting the scholarship application and Federal tax returns?

The deadline for submitting the complete application with the current Federal Tax Return is March 31 at 1PM PT. There will be no exceptions or extensions.

What academic year does the scholarship cover?

From September of the current year to August of the next year.

When are the scholarships granted?

The Foundation will review applications and announce awards via email to individuals receiving grants by August 18. Grants should arrive by September 1.

Once an applicant is granted a scholarship, what documentation is required before receiving the scholarship?

• The signed Grant Agreement Form;
• A copy of receipt of tuition payment for school year beginning September

Note: These documents must be received at the Foundation office by September 1 to receive the scholarship check. 

What grant management software does the Foundation use?

This year, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation will be partnering with the scholarship and grant management software firm, Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope is a cloud-based awards management digital platform enabling organizations to fund, design, administer, and host branded scholarship and grant programs. The platform uses leading technologies to deliver an end-to-end solution for sponsors, organizations, and those they support. Kaleidoscope is building a future where financial aid and funding solutions are smart, cost-effective, and as unique as the applicants they serve.

Please expect emails from Kaleidoscope and check all junk and spam boxes regularly.

Who do I contact for more information or with questions?

Davidson Lloyd, Director of Assistance Programs, 323-549-6649

Is there a sample application that can be referenced?

If you would like to begin gathering information for the 2023-2024 Scholarship Application early, you can take a look at the sample application by clicking here. Please note that only applications submitted through the online scholarship application system will be accepted.