FAQ Veterans Statements

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  1. What is the Veterans Education Challenge?
    • The Veterans Education Challenge is dedicated to providing need-based scholarships to United States Military veterans that the GI Bill does not cover.  This program includes a matching component, whereby every dollar raised by the general public will be matched up to $1 million. 
  2. Who is matching the money raised through the Veterans Education Challenge?
    • Bruce and Avis Richards have committed to matching up to $1 million raised by the general public.  Mr. Richards is the Chief Executive Officer of Marathon Asset Management, a New York-based Hedge Fund, and Mrs. Richards is the founder of Birds Nest Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. 
  3. Which universities will be eligible to receive grants to provide these scholarships?
    • Accredited four year universities participating in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program (http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/yellow_ribbon.asp) are eligible beneficiaries of this program.  A funding committee established by Birds Nest Foundation will select universities within the eligible universe.     
  4. Can I designate a university of my choice?
    • Donations of less than $5,000 will be disbursed to universities selected by the Birds Nest Foundation funding committee.  If you are making a donation of $5,000 or greater, you may designate a specific university meeting the criteria described above. 
  5. What qualifications must a veteran possess in order to become a beneficiary of this program?
    • In order for veterans to be eligible beneficiaries of this program, he/she must have served at least 36 months of active duty in the U.S. Military from 9/11/01 onward; he/she must be in good standing with his/her respective branch of the U.S. Military; and he/she must be eligible for entitlement under the GI Bill (http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/)
  6. Who decides which eligible veterans receive benefits under the Veterans Education Challenge?
    • Universities receiving funds through the Veterans Education Challenge have complete discretion as to the disbursement of funds among the university’s eligible student veteran population.  If, for example, $5,000 is donated to a specific university, the university determines which students receive the donation and in what amount, based upon standards and criteria the university has put in place. 
  7. When can I make a donation?
  8. How much of my donation will go toward veteran scholarships?
    • 100% of your donation will be applied toward veteran scholarships.