Every scholarship on Bold.org is completely free to create and run—with no setup fees, platform fees, or hidden costs. That’s core to our mission, and it will always remain that way.
When someone donates to a Scholarship or Fund, 100% of that contribution goes directly to students. To keep Bold.org free for students and donors, we also offer the option to make an additional tax-deductible donation to the Bold Foundation’s General Operating Fund. This extra gift is entirely optional, and many donors choose it as a way to support the platform that powers their student impact.
Bold Foundation donations are:
Completely optional
Fully tax-deductible (via the Bold Foundation, a 501(c)(3))
Unrestricted support that helps Bold.org operate, grow, and serve millions of students each year
Why Bold Foundation Donations Matter
Your scholarship changes a student's life. A Bold Foundation donation helps millions more access opportunities like yours.
How it helps students:
Keeps Bold.org free to use, with no application fees
Verifies applicant identities and academic records
Provides responsive help through live chat and email support
Supports application review to ensure quality matches
How it helps donors:
Keeps Bold.org free to use, with no scholarship management fees
Supports scholarship writing and optimization
Provides finalist recommendations and review support
Ensures secure award disbursement and check processing
How it helps the mission:
Serves over 2 million students annually
Manages more than $40M in scholarships awarded to date
Builds technology that connects students and donors seamlessly
Expands reach to students who need support most
How to Add a Bold Foundation Donation
All contributions are processed securely and include an automatic tax receipt.
You can add an optional Bold Foundation donation anytime — either directly at bold.org/foundation, or while:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bold Foundation donations required?
No. These donations are always optional. Your scholarship donation goes 100% to students whether or not you choose to support the Bold Foundation.
Is my Bold Foundation donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Bold Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 84-2719715). Your donation is fully tax-deductible, and you will receive an automatic receipt.
How is this different from my Scholarship or Fund donation?
Scholarship and Fund donations create the awards that winners receive. Bold Foundation donations support operations: the technology, systems, and staff that make your scholarship possible.
Where does my donation go?
Bold Foundation donations support general operations, including platform development, student support, donor services, application review, and secure award processing. These unrestricted funds allow us to allocate resources where they are needed most.
Need Help?
Our Donor Support team is here for you. Reach out anytime at donors@bold.org