FAQs – Questions about Eligibility

How do I know if I’m eligible for a scholarship?

Martin Methodist Legacy scholarships are provided to undergraduate students who meet any of the following criteria:

• Students attending United Methodist–related higher education institutions
• United Methodist students attending higher education institutions in Tennessee
• United Methodist students who are residents of Tennessee
• United Methodist students attending the University of Tennessee Southern

What is the definition of “United Methodist Student”?

For purposes of this scholarship, students are considered to be “United Methodist students” if, for at least one year immediately prior to applying, they have:

• Been a member of the United Methodist Church OR
• Been an active participant in a Wesley Foundation that is recognized and governed in accordance with the United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline.

An active participant is defined as a student engaging in Wesley Foundation activities at least once per month. It means your membership is recorded with a United Methodist Church.

Are undergraduate and graduate students eligible?

Only current and soon to be undergraduate students are eligible. You must be an incoming college first-year student or a current freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior.

FAQs – Questions about Applying

When is the application deadline?

Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are open through May 1, 2026. (Note: You must reapply for a scholarship each year to be awarded for a new school year.)

Am I guaranteed a scholarship if I apply?

While we aim to award as many students as possible, funds are limited. With the high number of applications we receive every year, not everyone is guaranteed an award.

Must I submit a new application each year?

Yes. The scholarship portal opens in March each year. Scholarships are awarded each year for the fall semester. You must apply for a scholarship with updated documents and recommendations each year you are eligible. (You have four years of eligibility while working toward an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution.)

Should I use my personal email or school email address?

Use your personal email addresses instead of your school email address. This allows us to maintain contact with you after graduation or for a school change.

Should I use my physical home address or school address?

Use your physical home address instead of your school address. This allows us to maintain contact with you after graduation or for a school change.

Which school should I list on my application if I have not made a final decision?

You should list your first choice. You may change your college choice any time before the May 1st application deadline. If chosen, you need to confirm your final choice. If you change schools after receiving a scholarship, you must notify the Martin Methodist Foundation at martinmethodist@umfwtk.org. Our scholarship programs have specific criteria which must be followed.

Where and when should I send my supporting documents?

All required documentation must be uploaded to your online application by May 1st. You must follow the upload instructions exactly or your application will remain incomplete. Uploaded documents by the deadline will be processed and considered on time. We do not accept documentation by mail or email.

When do I request my recommendation?

You should request a recommendation as early as possible. You do not have to wait until your application is complete before requesting your recommendation. You must submit your recommendation before the deadline. As the applicant, you must seek your recommender’s permission before including them in your application.

Remember, recommenders are often busy individuals. Be mindful of their time by asking them to complete the form early in the application window.

How will I be notified about the status of my application?

Application reminders and award information will be emailed from martinmethodist@umftwk.org. Add this email to your “safe senders list” to ensure critical emails are not sent to your spam or junk folder. You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete by the deadline.

FAQs – Awards

When and how will I be notified if I have been selected for an award?

Notifications will be sent by May 30, 2026 via email using the contact information you provided on your application. A notification letter via the USPS will also be mailed by May 30th to the address you provided on your application?

What are my responsibilities if I am chosen as a scholarship recipient?

You must provide a Verification of Enrollment form for the fall term. You must be enrolled in the fall of the year in which the scholarship is awarded and return a Verification of Enrollment to claim your scholarship.

When will I receive my scholarship award money?

Scholarship funds are sent directly to your school after we receive your Verification of Enrollment form, which is provided after you’ve been notified of your award. If we receive your Verification of Enrollment form by the September 15th deadline, you can typically expect funds to reach your school by October 1st.

How and when are scholarship awards disbursed?

Funds will be issued to your college or university via one (1) check or electronic funds in September, pending completion of the online Acceptance and Verification of Enrollment Form. Your funds are only payable to the institution listed on your My Profile page. All funds will be disbursed to your college/university.

How can I use my scholarship award money?

All scholarships are paid directly to your school and must be applied to tuition, room/ board or other school fees. Award money will not be given directly to students.