Education & Scholarships

ABOUT US

The scholarship programs offered by the Native Daughters of the Golden West (NDGW) Charitable Foundation, Inc. are dedicated to providing a range of scholarships supporting students in their academic or vocational pursuits.
We offer scholarships to students who are either Members of NDGW, have a familial relationship to a Member, or who are born in California. Nursing school applicants are exempt from this requirement.
Also exempt are Veterans or active-duty military personnel, and their dependents.
ALL academic and vocational entities must be based in the state of California.
We offer music grants to students who reside in California and are between the ages of eight and eighteen.
We offer music grants to accredited elementary, middle, or high schools, or accredited home-school programs based within the state of California.

OUR PROGRAMS…

SCHOLARSHIPS

• For undergraduate students enrolled at any University of California (UC) or any California State University (CSU).
  • For graduate school students of a UC or CSU as a one-time gift.
  • Annie L. Adair Scholarships for students majoring in business or social welfare at an accredited California university or college.
  • Sue J. Irwin Scholarships for students at an accredited California university, college, vocational program, trade school, or online course.
  • Bertha A. Briggs Veterans Scholarships for Veterans or active-duty military personnel, and their dependents attending an accredited California university, college, vocational program, trade school, or online course.
  • Nursing Scholarships for students enrolled in an accredited California nursing program.
  • Doris M. Gerrish Scholarships for California-born women pursuing a teaching credential
  at an accredited California university or college.

Applications must be emailed or postmarked by March 17, 2027

If you have questions about the application process, email the Committee Chairman at NDGW.edu@gmail.com.

SHARON M. JOHNSTON MUSIC GRANTS FOR STUDENTS TO HELP WITH

o Rental or purchase of a musical instrument
o Printed music for instruction
o Recorded music for instruction
o Music lessons

The Native Daughters of the Golden West (NDGW) Sharon M. Johnston Music Grant, hereinafter called “Music Grant”, provides financial assistance to students residing in California.
An application may be submitted for a student between the ages of eight and eighteen by the student’s parent or guardian. Decisions are made exclusively by the Education and Scholarships Committee and are determined by supporting information provided by the parent or guardian submitting the application. Submitting an application is not a guarantee of receiving a Music Grant. All financial assistance awarded through the Music Grant shall be paid directly
to the instructor or provider.

SHARON M. JOHNSTON MUSIC GRANTS FOR SCHOOLS TO HELP WITH

o Printed music for instruction
o Recorded music for instruction
o Musical Accompanist
o Uniforms
o Travel expenses to a performance venue for a band, orchestra, choral group, or a member thereof

The Native Daughters of the Golden West (NDGW) Sharon M. Johnston Music Grant,
hereinafter called “Music Grant”, provides financial assistance to accredited elementary,
middle, or high schools based within the state of California. Decisions are made exclusively
by the Education and Scholarships Committee and are determined by supporting
information provided by the teacher submitting the application. Submitting an application is
not a guarantee of receiving a Music Grant. All financial assistance awarded through the
Music Grant shall be paid directly to the school.