FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DINÉ SCHOLARSHIP ANNUAL FUND

Q.  What is DSAF?

A.  The Diné Scholarship Annual Fund (DSAF) is a fund raising component within the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance (ONNSFA). The main focus of DSAF is to raise revenue for Navajo student financial aid and a minor focus is to raise revenue for its own operational expenses. The majority of revenue raised by DSAF will be devoted to scholarships and financial assistance.

Q.  What is the mission of DSAF?

A.  The DSAF mission is “to raise and generate revenue for academic and vocational scholarships, financial aid, and DSAF program operations.”

Q.  Why is a fund raising component needed?

A.  As ONNSFA’s P.L 93-638 federal budget decreases and Navajo student population increases, numerous eligible financial aid applicants are denied ONNSFA funding due to the shortage of funds. More funding is required to meet the high demand for ONNSFA financial aid. DSAF is needed to help raise and generate financial aid revenue for ONNSFA.

Q.  How many staff members does DSAF have?

A.  ONNSFA currently seeks funding for full-time DSAF staff positions. DSAF will have three staff positions which include: Project Director, Accountant, and Secretary. DSAF will recruit volunteers to help with fund raisers.

Q.  How does DSAF raise revenue?

A.  DSAF will raise revenue by conducting fund raisers, soliciting funds, proposal writing, partnerships, internet website, and other methods.

Q.  What is the duration of DSAF and what are the steps that it will take?

A.  DSAF shall operate for 20 years under 2 N.N.C. §952 of the Navajo Nation Code. DSAF has a two phase growth plan. DSAF’s initial two-year interim period is a time when it must thrive and obtain project operation funds and hire full-time staff members. After the interim period expires is the full-phase period and is when DSAF will operate as a full fledge fund raising component. DSAF’s failure to thrive within the interim period can result in its termination or restructuring; thus, DSAF’s success during the interim period is essential and critical. [ Read More ]