FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE DR. JOHN S. DAHLEM SCHOLARSHIP FUND?
The goal of the Fund is to offer scholarship support to graduating seniors from Loara High School in Anaheim, CA, who are passionate about pursuing their education but may lack the financial resources to do so. Coach's last wish was for us to participate in the life of a young person, and we believe this is a meaningful way to honor his legacy!
IS THE SCHOLARSHIP ONLY FOR LOARA HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS?
Yes, John spent 27 years at Loara High School as a teacher, coach and principal, making Loara a natural and fitting home for his scholarship legacy.
HOW WILL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS BE SELECTED?
Candidates will be evaluated using criteria established in collaboration with the principal, teachers, coaches and counselors at Loara High. The scholarship will be open to graduating seniors and awarded at the conclusion of each school year as part of Loara's annual student recognition program.
DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT VOCATIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL PATHS?
Yes, Coach believed strongly in perseverance, teamwork, commitment, sacrifice, and integrity -- values that apply to many educational and career paths. The Fund intends to consider students pursuing four-year colleges, community colleges, trade and vocational programs, and other appropriate forms of post-secondary education.
HOW MUCH WILL THE SCHOLARSHIPS BE?
Depending on the success of our fundraising efforts, we envision awarding two scholarships in the range of $2,500 and $5,000 each, beginning in May 2027, with additional awards in subsequent academic years.
HOW LONG WILL THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND BE ACTIVE?
Our hope is that the Fund will provide scholarships for many years to come. As the Fund grows, the goal is to generate sufficient investment income to support annual scholarships while preserving principal for future generations of Loara students.
WHO IS GIVSUM AND WHAT IS ITS ROLE?
Givsum is an Orange County-based organization that provides fundraising, donor communication, financial accounting and administrative support to charitable organizations. The John S. Dahlem Scholarship Fund operates through Givsum's fiscal sponsorship structure, which enables us to accept and administer charitable contributions.
IS MY CONTRIBUTION TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?
Yes. Contributions to the John S. Dahlem Scholarship Fund are made through the Givsum Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 27-3460415), and donors will receive a contribution receipt for tax purposes. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your individual tax considerations.
CAN I CONTRIBUTE MORE THAN ONCE AND WILL I BE RECOGNIZED?
Absolutely. You can make a one-time, monthly or annual contribution from the Donations page. You may also choose to have your name and contribution acknowledged or remain anonymous. We welcome a brief personal message about how Coach influenced your life--those stories help keep his memory alive!
HOW CAN I HELP BEYOND MAKING A DONATION?
There are many ways to help honor Coach's legacy. One of the best is to share the Fund with friends, former teammates, colleagues and by activating your social media networks. You can also make a recurring contribution, or simply share your own story about how Coach Dahlem influenced your life. Every contribution helps us carry Coach's values forward to future generations.