MAXIMIZE THE STRATEGIC IMPACT OF YOUR SCHOLARSHIPS.

We partner with foundations, colleges and universities, nonprofits, and other funders to reduce workload, satisfy donors, and maximize the benefit to students.

IS YOUR SCHOLARSHIP PORTFOLIO OPTIMIZED?

High Operational Overhead: Your scholarship funds require disproportionate staff time and resources to administer compared to your other grant-making or programmatic areas.
Mission Drift: You worry that legacy criteria or outdated restrictions no longer align with your organization's modern strategic goals.
Data Gaps: You lack the longitudinal data to prove to your Board, donors, or leadership that these dollars are driving the intended outcomes.
Donor & Funding Risk: You fear that administrative bottlenecks or lack of transparency could risk key donor relationships or future funding streams.
Resource Strain: Your team is caught in a cycle of reactive "firefighting" during scholarship season, preventing them from focusing on stewardship and growth.

THE STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE

Defensible Impact: Your program delivers verifiable data that aligns with your organizational mission, turning scholarships into a high-performing asset.
Operational Efficiency: Processes are streamlined and predictable, significantly reducing the "cost to administer" per award.
Stakeholder Confidence: You confidently communicate transparent results to donors and leadership, protecting current assets and attracting new capital.
Scalable Systems: Your infrastructure is built to handle new funds and increased volume without breaking your current staffing model.
Applicant Experience: A modern, accessible process protects your brand reputation and ensures equity in deployment.

Three SFC Founders in professional setting

THE STUDENTS FIRST APPROACH

We’re the only consulting firm focused exclusively on the strategic management of scholarship funds. We move beyond simple administration to help organizations solve the complex challenges of compliance, design, and fund utilization.

With over 34 years’ combined experience, we are trusted advisors to foundations, colleges and universities, and public charities. We don’t just fix the process; we position your scholarship portfolio for long-term sustainability.

Schedule Your DISCOVERY CALL

"The go-to experts in scholarship programs. They deliver outstanding results."

National Scholarship Providers Association
"Our work with you has been productive and motivating."

Private Foundation Client
"Worth every penny!"

Nonprofit Client
“What a difference this year! It's been amazing to have your help.”

Community Foundation Client
"I have worked with countless consultants in my time but none compare to Students First Consulting."

Private Foundation Client
"We are so satisfied with everything Students First Consulting has done for us."

Nonprofit Client

OUR CLIENTS INCLUDE:

OUR BELOVED PROGRAM PLAYBOOK.

A 14-page guide filled with our favorite ideas, field-tested by scholarship providers just like you. You’ll find tips and tricks for every stage of your scholarship program’s lifecycle, in addition to plug-and-play examples and templates that you can use right away.