J B L Scholarship Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~$425,000 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-4 months (March deadline, decisions via portal)
• Scholarship Range: $17,000 - $22,000 (median awards)
• Geographic Focus: Delaware and areas within 20 miles of Delaware's border
• Applicant Type: Individual undergraduate students only (not organizations)

Contact Details

• Website: www.jblscholarship.com
• Application Portal: jbl.awardspring.com
• Email: admin@jblscholarship.com
• Phone: (302) 654-3444
• Mailing Address: PO Box 4248, Wilmington, DE 19807-0248

Overview

The J B L Scholarship Trust (formally the John B. Lynch Scholarship Foundation) is a private foundation established in 1963-1964 in Wilmington, Delaware. Named after John Bernard "Mike" Lynch, who overcame financial hardship to attend Princeton University in 1913, the Trust was created to help similarly situated students access higher education. The Trust holds total assets of approximately $8.1-$10.4 million and distributes charitable disbursements of roughly $400,000-$550,000 annually. Its mission is to financially assist deserving students in their post-secondary education regardless of field of study. The Trust operates a fully public scholarship application process via the AwardSpring platform.

Important note: This funder awards scholarships exclusively to individual students, not to nonprofit organizations or institutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• High School Senior Scholarships: $17,000-$22,000 - For graduating high school seniors in Delaware or within 20 miles of its border (renewable annually)
• New College Applicant Scholarships: $17,000-$22,000 - For undergraduate students new to the program (fixed deadline March 15)
• Renewing Student Scholarships: $17,000-$22,000 - For previous JBL recipients continuing undergraduate studies (annual renewal via AwardSpring)

Priority Areas

• Post-secondary undergraduate education (2-year and 4-year degree programs)
• Students demonstrating financial need combined with strong academic achievement
• Students from Delaware or the immediate tri-state border area

What They Don't Fund

• Graduate students
• Students over 30 years of age during the application period
• Part-time students
• Students outside Delaware or the 20-mile border zone
• Nonprofit organizations, institutions, or other entities

Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by three trustees:

• Michael G. Duffy – Trustee ($10,000 annual compensation)
• Dana P. Robinson – Trustee ($10,000 annual compensation)
• Kathleen D. Smith – Trustee (no reported compensation)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications accepted only through AwardSpring online portal:

1. Register at jbl.awardspring.com
2. Complete online application form
3. Upload required documents:
   • New essay (topic of student's choice)
   • Application Form (PDF in portal)
   • Transcript(s)
   • Part II Endorsement Form (submitted directly by school)
   • Headshot photograph (new applicants only)

Decision Timeline

• Application window opens: December annually
• Submission deadline: March 15 (11:59 pm, no exceptions)
• Decisions communicated through AwardSpring portal

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. Limited number of awards made annually relative to asset base.

Reapplication Policy

Existing recipients may apply as renewing students annually if eligible (full-time undergraduate, under age 30, GPA 2.75+). Unsuccessful new applicants may reapply in subsequent years if eligible.

Application Success Factors

• Financial need is primary: The Trust explicitly prioritizes "students who require aid"
• Academic achievement with moderate floor: Minimum GPA 3.0 for high school seniors, 2.75 for undergraduates; or SAT 1100+
• Essay quality matters: Required essay on topic of student's choice should be compelling and personal
• School endorsement required: Part II Endorsement Form must be submitted directly by school - engage guidance office early
• Complete and timely submission: March 15 deadline is firm with no exceptions
• Geographic eligibility: Must confirm Delaware residency, Delaware school attendance, or residency within 20 miles of Delaware border

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This funder awards scholarships to individual students only, not to organizations
• Private foundation with ~$8-10 million in assets distributing $400,000-$550,000 annually
• Need-based scholarships with financial need as explicit primary selection factor
• Public application via AwardSpring with annual cycle (December-March)
• Three-trustee governance with two receiving modest compensation
• Operating since 1964, well-established in Delaware higher education community
• For organizations seeking to refer students: direct them to jblscholarship.com and AwardSpring portal

References

1. JBL Scholarship Official Website – www.jblscholarship.com – Accessed February 2026
2. JBL Scholarship Criteria & Eligibility – www.jblscholarship.com/criteria-eligibility-information/ – Accessed February 2026
3. JBL Scholarship Application Process – www.jblscholarship.com/application/ – Accessed February 2026
4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer – projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/516016533 – Accessed February 2026
5. Foundation Directory / Candid – fconline.foundationcenter.org – Accessed February 2026
6. Cause IQ – www.causeiq.com/organizations/j-b-l-scholarship-trust,516016533/ – Accessed February 2026
7. Grant Advisor – grantadvisor.org/profile/51-6016533/j-b-l-scholarship-trust – Accessed February 2026
8. The Shareway – www.theshareway.com/funder/j-b-25562 – Accessed February 2026