Money Matters Scholarship
Offered by PayrollOrg (API Fund) / Dayforce, Inc.
- Award
- $1,000 – $5,000
- Deadline
- Level
- National
Conditions worth reading twice
Open to U.S. high school juniors and seniors, and to individuals pursuing or planning to pursue higher education or continuing education. Entrants must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (see citizenship_note). Employees, officers, and directors of API Fund, Dayforce Inc., and PayrollOrg, and members of their immediate family, are not eligible to enter. Scholarship funds must be used at an accredited U.S. university, college, community college, technical school, or vocational school. Application requires a 1,000-word-or-less essay OR a 1-2 minute video (applicant chooses ONE format), plus a completed Media Release Form; entries submitted without the Media Release Form will not be considered. No application fee.
Essay prompt
Recorded from the provider's application. Read the prompt before you write anything — most rejected essays answer a different question.
- Why does understanding your paycheck matter, and how can it help set you up for a stronger financial future? You may include personal examples.
How to apply
Applications are handled by the provider, not by ScholarDuck. Check the deadline on their page before you start — deadlines move, and ours is only as fresh as our last check.
Common questions
When is the Money Matters Scholarship deadline?
October 16, 2026. That is the date ScholarDuck recorded from PayrollOrg (API Fund) / Dayforce, Inc.'s own page. Providers move deadlines without notice, so confirm it on PayrollOrg (API Fund) / Dayforce, Inc.'s page before you plan around it.
How much is the Money Matters Scholarship worth?
Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. PayrollOrg (API Fund) / Dayforce, Inc. describes it as: One $5,000 scholarship and two $1,000 scholarships awarded each cycle. Offered twice annually (spring and fall cycles); this deadline is for the fall 2026 cycle. This is the figure listed on the page ScholarDuck checked, not an estimate of what any one applicant receives.
Does the Money Matters Scholarship application require an essay?
ScholarDuck recorded 1 essay prompt on PayrollOrg (API Fund) / Dayforce, Inc.'s application. It reads: Why does understanding your paycheck matter, and how can it help set you up for a stronger financial future? You may include personal examples. That is what we captured rather than their full instructions, so confirm on their page — and read the prompt itself before you write anything, because most rejected essays answer a different question.
How do I apply for the Money Matters Scholarship?
Through PayrollOrg (API Fund) / Dayforce, Inc.. ScholarDuck does not accept or forward applications. This page links to the PayrollOrg (API Fund) / Dayforce, Inc. page ScholarDuck checked, which is where their instructions live; open it, confirm the deadline and requirements there, and apply directly with them.
Writing the essay is the slow part
ScholarDuck matches you against the whole catalogue for free, then helps you adapt essays you have already written instead of starting each one from a blank page. See what you qualify for in four questions — no account needed.