Scholarships

The DONNICA CLARKE Foundation was established in 2007 to keep the memory of the bubbly and multi-talented teenager at the forefront of community minds. Donnica, or 'Nica' as she was affectionately known, was a dual Australian Surf Life Saving beach sprint and flags champion who died in a tragic cliff fall at North Avoca Beach on the Central Coast of NSW on April 10, 2007 - aged just 16 years.

The aim of The DONNICA CLARKE Foundation is to offer financial, moral and 'in kind' support to young male and female athletes across all sports from the Central Coast region of NSW, Australia.

Scholarships will be awarded at the discretion of the foundation to deserving applicants who meet the criteria and best demonstrate their aspirations to further their sporting, personal and educational development.

Scholarship applications open on November 1, 2009 and the closing date for applications is January 31, 2010. Application forms are now available from this website by clicking on the link shown below:

ckfinder/userfiles/files/DCF%20Scholarship%20Application.pdf

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIPS:

The foundation will award a minimum of $10,000 worth of grants annually. Successful applicants will receive a financial grant payable in two installments. Recipients will be required to report on the expenditure of funds.

Grants can be used to offset travel to sporting events, camps and clinics; to undertake high performance training programs, tournaments and events; to cover gymnasium membership fees; to attend professional development programs and courses; to purchase performance clothing; to offset the cost of further education and other costs that may be associated with the development of the athlete.

The first installment will be paid once the successful applicant has been announced. The second installment will be made upon the foundation receiving a mid year update of the applicant's progress.

It is anticipated that 10 (8-12) scholarships will be awarded in 2010 The scholarship value (financial contribution) may vary according to individual needs and circumstances.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY:

To be considered for a DONNICA CLARKE Foundation scholarship, applicants need to meet the following criteria:

A current resident of either the Gosford City Council or Wyong Shire Council Local Government Areas.
An athlete that shows the potential to become a successful competitor in their chosen field.
Between 12 - 25 years of age (born 1988- 1997inclusive).
Ability to uphold the high standards of the foundation.

HOW TO APPLY:

Athletes who meet the criteria above, can apply for a DONNICA CLARKE Foundation scholarship by completing a scholarship application form, available from this website, and submitting it to the foundation as per the details on page 4 of the form prior to 31 January, 2010.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO:

Uphold and support the ethos, aims and philosophy of the foundation.
Act as an ambassador to further the aims of the foundation.
Sign the foundation athlete agreement (this agreement stipulates the operational aspects for the expenditure of funds).

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applicants are required to submit an official application form and information detailing why they are in need of financial support from The DONNICA CLARKE Foundation.

SCHOLARSHIP DECISION:

The decision will be made by the foundation selection committee. The committee comprises 3 members of the DCF Board and the DCF Patrons.
The selection committee decision is final.
The details of the scholarship recipients will be made in April 2010 at the annual DCF dinner.