If you are a student who has lost a parent or legal guardian to murder and would like to apply for this college scholarship, please send an email to contactus@sadfund.org.  In return, we will email you an application to apply today.

Below are the list of requirements to apply:

Applicant must have parent or legal guardian who was a victim of murder  

Applicant must be an Illinois resident between the ages of 17 and 22 years of age (need proof of residency and birth date)
Applicant must be US citizen
Applicant must be a student who has been accepted and will be attending or who is currently attending an accredited vocational, technical school, college or university
Applicant must have a 2.5 GPA or better
Applicant must submit a copy of a recent transcript (provide official transcript with seal)
Applicant must provide at least two letters of recommendation (cannot be a family member)
Applicant must submit an essay about their personal tragedy and how this opportunity would benefit their future
Finalists will be interviewed prior to being awarded the scholarship
This is a one-time scholarship. Anyone who wishes to receive additional scholarships must reapply each year
Scholarship(s) will be awarded on the basis of funds available and applicant eligibility
Scholarship(s) will be disbursed directly to accredited vocational, technical school, college or university
Scholarship(s) must be used within a year of being awarded, otherwise it will become void
Non winning candidates can re-apply each year
Application deadline: February 28, 2011
Scholarship(s) to be awarded in June 2011 for the 2011-2012 school year


As a part of the application process, listed above, each applicant who applies will be required to submit an essay about their personal tragedy.   A picture of your parent should be sent with the essay.  Each applicant who applies, with their written consent, will have their parent’s story and picture posted on a dedicated page on our website.

Once the application is completed please submit the following via US mail:
Completed application
Essay about your personal tragedy and picture of your deceased parent
Color copy of your license or state ID
Copy of your acceptance letter to an accredited vocational, technical school, college or university you will be attending in the fall of 2011
Two letters of recommendation
Official high school or college transcript


Here is our mailing address:

Sheilah A. Doyle Foundation
450 W. 55th Street, Suite 200
Countryside, IL 60525
Attn: Scholarship Department

Thank you for your interest!  We look forward to hearing from you!