FAQ
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How can I donate today?
Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page and click donate. If you would like to utilize another form of payment please e-mail for further assistance.
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How can a Marine qualify for the Cpl Kolda Scholarship?
Base Criteria:
Reservist or Active Duty Marine *HM’s assigned to USMC Units meeting the same criteria below are also eligible.
-Applicant must provide proof of good-standing with service obligations.
-Provides evidence of honorable and/or meritorious service (i.e. awards and commendatory service records, good conduct medals, certificates of commendation, achievement medals, commendatory fitness reports, etc)
-Two letters of recommendation.
-Enrolled in or plans to enroll in the next semester (2.67 GPA or better *Exceptions made on case by case basis.)
-If Reservist, employed full-time (In good standing with employer)
E-mail Info@ThePatelFoundation.us for more in-depth criteria. No member of the Department of Defense participates in or influences the scholarship award process. All information considered in the award process must be public information or provided personally by the applicant. TPF is an independent non-federal entity. 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines is not affiliated with The Patel Foundation.
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Besides scholarships, what else does The Patel Foundation do?
The Patel Foundation’s mission is to support Marines in the community far and wide and those that support them.
Besides the Cpl Kolda Scholarship we do the following:
Deliver Care Packages to service members past and present to include household goods and food.
Provide emergent relief to Marines and their families past and present.
One Team One Mission Grants - Education, Emergent, or Community Public Service Grants to those in the military community past and present that embody the spirit of Sgt Patel and Cpl Kolda.
Business Filing Grants - Currently serving Marines (Reservist or Active Duty) who wish to start a business with their spouse can apply to have their state filing fee paid by TPF (100% Veteran owned business get their filing fee waved by the sate)
Freedom Through Fitness Education Grant - *Marines about to EAS or spouses of Active Duty Marines or Reserve Marines are eligible ( Not exclusive to 1/23 Marines)
Support not only translates to scholarships for college but also community equity building throughout the military & local community. In addition we focus on connecting those we serve to resources to promote mental well-being and eliminate the risk of suicide.
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Instead of making a donation for a scholarship, can I designate an alternate use for a donation?
Most certainly. The Patel Foundation is a huge advocate for mental health and building connections. Your donations whether for scholarships funds or alternate resources help positively impact the life of Marines.
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What are the differences between Active Duty Marines and Reservist Marines?
Even though both kinds of Marines receive the same sort of training, their pay, benefits and time commitments are different. Active Duty Marines serve full-time while Reservist serve one weekend a month and two weeks during the summer.
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Do Reservist receive the same benefits as their Active Duty Components?
In regards to benefits, Active Duty Marines have full coverage with medical, dental, and additional incentives such as the GI Bill.
Reservists, on the other hand, do not receive medical or dental coverage and with financial support for college, reservists are eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill if they are mobilized.
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What is the post 9/11 GI Bill?
The Post- 9/11 GI Bill is an education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. Percentage of benefits paid are based on active duty time served.
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Can a Reservist utilize Tuition Assistance?
No. The Marine Corps Tuition Assistance (TA) is only available to Active Duty Marines and Active Reserves. (Active Reserves are not the same as Reservist Marines).
Active Reserves (AR) serve on a full-time basis in their MOS therefore qualifying for TA.
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If I don't qualify for a scholarship, what are other options to help pay for college?
At The Patel Foundation, we want to help Marines succeed, E-mail Info@ThePatelFoundation.us and we can work with you on other options and becoming qualified for a scholarship.
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How much of my donation actually goes towards a scholarship?
90% of donations received go directly towards scholarship funds. The remaining 10% goes towards supporting the growth of the Patel Foundation in order to impact more lives.
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How will my donation be handled by The Patel Foundation?
The Patel Foundation will be utilizing a 529 Scholarship Accounts.
The Patel Foundation is established as the account owner.
When a scholarship is awarded, a separate 529 account is established for the benefit of the scholarship recipient. This can assure to our donors that the funds will be earmarked for college education purposes.
In many cases, much of the administrative burden can be transferred from the organization to the 529 plan provider.