King Olav V Norwegian-American Heritage Fund
HRM, King Olav V of Norway allows the Sons of Norway Foundation to use his name in establishing a fund to promote cultural exchange between Norway and North America. The fund welcomes applications from Americans, 18 years or older, with a plan of studies to focus on exploring his/her interest in Norwegian heritage or in modern Norway at an institution of higher learning. The fund also welcomes Norwegians, 18 and older, who desire to further their studies in North American culture at an institution of higher learning.
Introduction and Purpose
King Olav V of Norway gave his permission to the Sons of Norway Foundation to use his name in establishing a fund to be known as the “King Olav V Norwegian-American Heritage Fund.” Its purpose is to fund activities in which the American and Norwegian heritages are explored, studied and shared by qualified grant and scholarship recipients through donations, memorials and gifts by will
Eligibility For This Scholarship
Any American, 18 years of age or older, who has demonstrated a keen and sincere interest in the Norwegian heritage and/or any Norwegian, 18 years of age or older, who has demonstrated an interest in American heritage, and who now desires to further the study of their heritages at a recognized educational institution (arts, crafts, literature, history, music, folk-lore, etc.) is eligible to apply for a scholarship/grant. Please note: The King Olav V Norwegian American Heritage Fund receives a large number of applications and only those which fulfill the above eligibility requirements will go to the scholarship committee for consideration.
Deadline for Applications
Applications must be post-marked no later than March 1st of each year. Please note: Sons of Norway Foundation does not accept applications via fax.
How Winners Are Selected
Final selection of the scholarship winners will be made by a scholarship committee appointed by the President of the Sons of Norway Foundation. Award decisions are based upon the criteria listed below. Notification of award will be made within 10 weeks of deadline.
The key criteria for selection are:
- Academic potential
- Financial need
- Statement of educational and career goals
- Benefit to Sons of Norway and wider Norwegian/American Community
- Involvement in school and community activities
- Other, e.g., work experiences
How To Apply
Applicants must submit a completed application form
(available from www.sonsofnorway.com or send a request for an application to: Sons of Norway Foundation, Attn: King Olav Fund, 1455 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408-2666).
What to Include with Your Completed Application Form
- An essay, setting forth in 500 words or less, their reasons for applying for a scholarship/grant,
- the course of study to be pursued,
- the length of the course,
- the name
of the institution which the applicant will attend and its tuition
and costs, and - the amount of financial assistance desired.
- Three letters of recommendation—in sealed envelopes— describing the character and abilities of the applicant, must accompany each application.
- Applicants must submit an “official copy” of their latest high school or college grade transcript.
Applicants should also state how their course of study will benefit their community and be in accord with the goals and objectives of the Sons of Norway Foundation:
King Olav V Norwegian-American Heritage Fund:
“ We award scholarships and grants to promote the heritage and culture of Norway, and provide assistance to our members, lodges and their communities.”
—Sons of Norway Foundation Mission Statement
Scholarship Guidelines
- Promote Improved International Relationships
- Provide People-to-People Enrichment Programs
- Promote Culture Exchange
- Promote Humanitarian Causes
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SENT TO:
Sons of Norway Foundation
Attn: King Olav Scholarship
1455 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408-2666
You may e-mail questions to foundation@sofn.com prior to submission.
Award Amount
The Sons of Norway Foundation Scholarship Committee will
determine each year the number of scholarships/grants to be
awarded. The range is typically $1,000—$1,500. A student may
be awarded a maximum of two scholarships within a five-year
period.
Obligations If Awarded a Scholarship or Grant
Except as described, no obligations of any kind are imposed upon you as a scholarship/grant holder, and no obligation or liability is assumed by the Sons of Norway Foundation in connection with any scholarships. However, a written report with photos upon completion of the study is welcome.
Payment of Awards
Checks will be made payable jointly to you and your school and must be endorsed by both.
Revision Policy
The general conditions and procedures under which
scholarship/grant awards are made may be reviewed periodically
by the Sons of Norway foundation. Applicant eligibility may be
modified at the sole discretion of the Sons of Norway Foundation.
However, any previously approved scholarship/grant award will
not be affected by new conditions or procedures. In cases where
a student has secured application materials early, it is
recommended that the student check www.sonsofnorway.com
in Nov. prior to submission, making certain that no revisions
have been made which will affect the upcoming scholarship
period.
