A Mission 25 Years in the Making
Twenty-five years after the events of 9/11, the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund stands as a testament to what compassion, generosity and opportunity can achieve.
A Nation United
When the unthinkable happened, it forever changed thousands of families.
In response to that day, Scholarship America helped establish the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund to support the children and spouses of those who were killed or permanently disabled as a result of the attacks.
What began as an immediate response to an unimaginable tragedy grew into one of the nation’s largest scholarship funds, and in the years that followed, it continued to grow. Many rescue and recovery workers helping in the wake of the tragedy developed serious illnesses linked to their service, expanding the number of families eligible for support.
The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund adapted to meet this growing need, ensuring that more students received the educational opportunities their families deserved.
Twenty years ago, America made a promise to these students. The Families of Freedom Fund is here to help make sure that promise is kept. Our commitment to the students and their families remains steadfast. They could use your support now more than ever. — Bill Clinton, Former President of the United States
I was honored and humbled to help raise funds after 9/11 for students in families affected by that terrible tragedy. [..] As Americans, I believe it is our duty to make their futures brighter through education. — Bob Dole, Former Republican Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate
A Joint Effort From Across the Aisle.
When those affected needed us, the nation came together.
The Fund sparked incredible generosity nationwide. President Bill Clinton and Senator Bob Dole joined together to lead the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund fundraising effort, along with Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Liz Robbins, owner of Liz Robbins Associates.
Together, they served as co-chairs and helped raise over $100 million by September 4, 2002. President Clinton and Senator Dole also came together to spearhead the 20th anniversary fundraising efforts in 2021, resulting in a surge of generosity.
$108M
25
91%
106
Stewarding an Extraordinary Legacy.
As the Families of Freedom Fund Sunsets in 2030, We Look Ahead To Where Students Need Support.
Since its inception, the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund has been administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest scholarship administrator. For more than two decades, Scholarship America has proudly managed the fund, ensuring donor intent was honored while helping thousands of students pursue their educational goals.
If you would like to make a gift to continue the legacy, we would be grateful for your support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Families of Freedom Scholarship?
The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund supports dependent children, spouses, and domestic partners of those killed or permanently disabled in the September 11, 2001 attacks and the rescue effort that followed. That includes families of airplane crew and passengers, World Trade Center and Pentagon workers and visitors, and relief workers such as firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and law enforcement. Awards are need-based, and children must enroll in postsecondary study by age 24.
Is the Families of Freedom Fund still accepting applications?
Yes, registered students apply each year to determine continued eligibility and award amount. New registration remains open only for families of victims who died on September 11, 2001. Registration closed indefinitely for victims who were permanently disabled as a result of 9/11, and those individuals had to complete registration by September 30, 2016. All applicants must register before submitting a first application.
How much is a Families of Freedom scholarship worth?
There is no fixed amount. Awards are calculated as a percentage of demonstrated financial need, using school costs minus the Suggested Parental Contribution minus other scholarships and grants. The percentage is set annually by actuarial study and is 91% for the 2026-2027 academic year. Students with no demonstrated need may receive a one-time award of up to $1,000. Funding runs up to four academic years, or eight semesters.
Who runs the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund?
Scholarship America manages the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund and has administered it at cost since 2001. Scholarship America is the nation’s largest scholarship administrator, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The fund was established by the organization under its former name, Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of America, on September 17, 2001. It is governed by the Families of Freedom Fund Declaration, with oversight from Scholarship America’s Board of Trustees.
When does the fund close?
The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund sunsets in 2030. The fund was designed to serve even the youngest children of 9/11 victims, the last of whom are expected to be in college in 2030. Under the fund’s founding Declaration, any assets remaining as of December 31, 2030 may be redirected by Scholarship America to support other postsecondary scholarship programs.