The Western Pennsylvania Golf Association Scholarship Trust Fund

The Western Pennsylvania Golf Association Scholarship Trust Fund, registered under the EIN 251609116, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the educational pursuits of employees at member clubs of the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association (WPGA).

History

The Scholarship Trust Fund was established in 1941, building on the legacy of the Caddie Welfare Committee that began in 1927. Initially focused on caddies, the fund has expanded to include employees from various departments within member clubs, such as course maintenance, clubhouses, and golf shops. The inspiration for these scholarships was partly influenced by Charles "Chick" Evans, who founded the Evans Scholars Foundation.

Mission

The primary mission of the trust fund is to award scholarships to deserving employees of WPGA member clubs, providing them with financial assistance for their educational endeavors. It emphasizes academic performance, employment history, extracurricular activities, and financial need in the selection process. The fund aims to foster opportunities for young individuals to contribute positively to society while supporting their educational goals.

Structure and Operations

• Eligibility: The scholarships are available to high school seniors or students in their freshman or sophomore years of college who have been employed at WPGA member clubs for at least two seasons.
• Renewability: Scholarships are renewable up to four years, provided recipients maintain a minimum GPA of 2.80.
• Financials: The fund operates primarily through contributions and investment income, with total assets exceeding $1.5 million as of recent filings. It is classified as a 501(c)(3) charitable trust, making donations tax-deductible.
• Governance: The trust has no employees and is governed by an independent board.

Impact and Partnerships

The WPGA Scholarship Trust Fund has supported nearly 600 scholars over its decades-long history. It collaborates with the Evans Scholars Foundation, occasionally offering joint scholarships to selected students. These partnerships reflect its commitment to promoting education and career development among golf club employees in Western Pennsylvania.

Continued Support and Expansion

To expand its scholarship program, the trust relies on donations from the golf community, corporations, and alumni. Its growth is contingent on the ability to secure additional revenue sources, enabling it to grant larger scholarships and increase the number of recipients.