Who We Are

Active Scholarships

Contact Information

“My hope is that this is the start of something bigger happening in our community.”
      - Dan Richardson

Founder Dan Richardson was right -- the tiny foundation he started has blossomed into an organization relied on by hundreds of families each year to help fund their scholar's education.

In 1965 DFS awarded $11,360 to 20 students. That seed grew into what we are today, thanks to a generous community that believes in education. We hope new donors will join us and help a local young person realize their dreams of going to college.

Who We Are

Dollars for Scholars is truly a grassroots effort. Dan Richardson and members of the Vero Beach Rotary Club gave birth to the to the concept of a locally funded scholarship organization in 1964.

Seeing a need for a dedicated effort, they found the perfect partner in Dollars for Scholars, a fledgling foundation headquartered in New England, which has since moved to St. Peter, MN. The national organization offered a guiding umbrella, but let local leaders set their own direction and keep the dollars they raised to benefit their own local scholars.

Through hard work, dedication and, most importantly, a very generous community, Dollars for Scholars of Indian River County has grown into the second largest chapter in the country, supporting over 150 students each year. Dan Richardson and his family still actively support Dollars for Scholars. He is proud of its accomplishments, the lives it has changed and the futures it will continue to shape.

Our Mission

It is the mission of Dollars for Scholars to offer hope, encouragement, and scholarship opportunities to Indian River County students with financial need who demonstrate the desire and academic ability to succeed in pursuing a post-secondary education.

Our Scholarships

DFS awards two, three and four year scholarships to students who are residents of Indian River County, meet academic requirements, demonstrate financial need and complete applications by our deadlines. Scholarships range from $2,000 to $20,000. They are intended to help students close the gap between the cost of college and funds available through other sources of financial aid and family resources. Click for more information on applying for a Dollars for Scholars award or supporting Dollars for Scholars.

Contact Us

Executive Director:Camilla Wainright, director@DFSIndianRiver.org
Office Manager: Sandra Hager, office@DFSIndianRiver.org
Phone: 772-569-9869
Fax: 772-770-6181
Email: info@DFSIndianRiver.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1820, Vero Beach, FL 32961
Office Location: 333 17th Street, Suite T, Vero Beach, FL
Driving Directions: Click for directions and map

Board of Directors

Directors Emeritus
Dan K. Richardson, Founder
Darby Gibbons (1948-2009)

Honorary Directors
Samuel A. Block, 1973
Carol Fischman, 1984
Nancy Luther, 1990
Ann Marie McCrystal, 1980
Tomas Rene Perez, 1965

Officers
President
Kathryn Block Faires, 2006

Vice President
Sandra Rennick, 2001

Secretary
Joan Cook, 2011

Treasurer
Bobby Sexton, 2011

Past President
J. Vincent Boyle, 2008

Directors
Mark Ashdown, 1983
Laura Bass, 2012
Robert Brackett, 2011
Susan Chenault, 2011
Gwyneth Fournie, 2008
Patti Gibbons, 2011
Troy Hafner, 1990
Mary R. Johnston, 1994
Gaye Ludwig, 2002
William Marine, 2012
Michael Mersky, 2009
Jonathan Schwiering, 2012
Bobby Sexton, 2011
Jonathan Sternberg, 2006
E. Michael Stutzke, 2001
Karen VanDeVoorde, 1988