• Robert C. Saffold Scholarship Application – 2026

    The Robert C. Saffold Scholarship Fund was established by Florida Non-Profit Housing, Inc. (FNPH) in memory of Robert C. Saffold, who was instrumental in assisting youth to proceed with their post-secondary education that would be beyond their capacity to reach due to their low-income status. The Fund will accomplish its purpose by providing financial assistance with the expenses of higher vocational training and/or college education. An award, of $1,000.00 vocationally and $2,000.00 academically, will be given per student, with a maximum of six (6) students selected. This Scholarship is administered under guidelines established by the FNPH Board of Directors. Applications are due by March 6, 2026.

  • Biography

    Robert Calvin Saffold, Sr., was born on November 12, 1929, in Okeechobee, Florida. He was raised by his late Uncle Will and Aunt Jesse Saffold, whose domicile was in Sebring, Florida. His educational foundation was established in the Sebring, Florida school system. Upon graduating high school at E.O. Douglas High School, he enlisted into the military and served in the Korean War (1951-53). Afterwards, Robert received the GI bill and matriculated to Bethune- Cookman College (Daytona Beach, Fl). He excelled academically and was active in many clubs and organizations. Upon graduation, Robert dedicated his life to education and community development. He taught and coached generations of students throughout the community, including professional assignments at E. O. Douglas High School and Lake Placid High School during the era of integration/desegregation. As a result of his community efforts, students annually received school bookbags and supplies; the community celebrated Juneteenth; children and adults learned and played golf. Robert exerted foresight, thoughtful resource management, and strategic planning skills to achieve long lasting improvements in infrastructure and social change as a community activist and visionary leader. Roads in rural areas were paved; streetlights were erected; high school children learned and played competitive basketball; graduating seniors participated in college tours (the Bethune-Cookman stop was always the spotlight!); families received gift cards during the holidays; a church was built and sustained; and overall, his community prospered. Robert was a gifted orator and artist. He addressed crowds of any size or communicated on an individualized basis, i.e., Rotary Club, NAACP, Black History programs, City and County Commissions. Robert is an unsung hero who wore many “hats” throughout his life: son, brother, husband, father, veteran, educator, mentor, tutor, activist, visionary, trailblazer, coach, and so much more! He sacrificed his time, talent, and/or resources for children and his community - he was recognized on his 85th birthday with a key to the city by Mayor John Shoop for his many contributions. The following is a selected listing of the many initiatives/organizations to which he sacrificed his time, talent, and/or resources: Annual Florida Classic (Former Trip Coordinator); Annual Juneteenth Festival (Former Chair); Bountiful Blessings Church of God (Elder); Boys and Girls Club of Highlands County; Champions for Children Foundation, Inc.; Florida Non-Profit Housing, Inc.(Former Board member); National Alumni Association of Bethune-Cookman University; Sunshine State Amateur Golfers Association, Inc.; and the Rotary Club. Robert Calvin Saffold, Sr. lived to share his life with others, and he lived to help others. He lived a full, meaningful life. He transitioned peacefully with grace and dignity on July 21, 2021, at the age of 91.

  • Eligibility & Instructions

    The Robert C. Saffold Scholarship Fund is available to individuals who are: (1) Students at Avon Park High School, Lake Placid High School, and Sebring High School. (2) Have a high school diploma or GED / GPA of 2.0 or higher.

  • Scholarship Type Selection

    • Applicant Information 
    • Format: (000) 000-0000.
    • Format: (000) 000-0000.
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    • Education Background 
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    • Personal Essay

      Please write a 300–500 word essay describing how your career path will benefit the community in which you reside. If you are uploading a document instead, follow college-style formatting (1-inch margins, Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced). For the smoothest review process, entering your essay text directly in the form is preferred. File uploads should be used only when needed.
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    • Letters of Recommendation

      Academic Potential - Student InstructionsHave this section completed by a school administrator, counselor, dean, teacher, employer, or personal reference with significant knowledge of applicant’s experience and involvement. Have them place the completed signed appraisal in a sealed envelope. Enclose the unopened envelope with the completed application and forward it to Steven Brown, Florida Non-Profit Housing, Inc.This form must be completed by someone other than a family member. Up to two letters of academic potential recommendations may be included.

    • Certification & Signature

      I certify that the information provided in this application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that falsification of information will result in termination of the Robert C. Saffold Scholarship. If selected as a scholarship winner, I grant permission to Florida Non-Profit Housing, Inc. to use my name and likeness in announcing and promoting this scholarship. I understand the Scholarship Committee’s decision is final.
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