More than 50 years ago, Bill and Connie Elkins donated shares of stock valued at $24,000 to establish an Endowment Fund to help make a critical difference for deserving students in funding their undergraduate degree or specialized vocational studies. This Endowment Fund was further enriched in 1999 by Dortha Nelson’s generous gift of stock that was valued at close to $50,000. Education was important to Dortha; she viewed her gift as a way to help young people realize their educational goals. This dedicated fund is named in honor of these visionary church members.

The FCC Endowment Committee is responsible for the oversight and management of this fund with investment earnings designated for use in awarding student grants. The Committee is now accepting applications for grants to be awarded at the June 2023 Congregational Meeting. Selected recipients will receive up to a maximum of $1,000 on a one-time basis, not renewable.

To qualify, applicants must be current high school senior students who plan to enter an undergraduate or vocational program upon graduation. Each must exhibit moral awareness, social concern, leadership capability and have been active in the life of Eugene’s First Congregational Church.

Application forms are distributed each spring.