Daughters of the Confederacy Scholarships: Eligibility and Opportunities

The United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) offers various scholarships and grants to descendants of Confederate soldiers, aiding them in pursuing higher education. These scholarships, rooted in the UDC's mission to support the education of worthy Confederate descendants, provide financial assistance for undergraduate studies. This article delves into the eligibility requirements, application process, and specific scholarships offered by the UDC and its divisions.

UDC Membership Eligibility

Membership in the UDC is a prerequisite or advantage for many of their scholarships. Eligibility for membership is extended to women (defined as those documented as the female sex at the time of birth) aged 16 years and older who are lineal or collateral blood descendants of men and women who honorably served in the Confederate States of America's Army, Navy, or Civil Service, or provided Material Aid to the Cause. Women who were adopted are eligible only through the bloodline of the biological parent. It is important to note that any Confederate ancestor who took the Oath of Allegiance before April 9, 1865, cannot be used for membership application purposes.

To find a chapter near you, individuals may contact the UDC Business Office. Genealogical research is not available from the UDC Business Office.

General Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Several common requirements apply across various UDC scholarships. Applicants must typically be lineal (direct) descendants of an eligible Confederate, defined as someone who served honorably in the Confederate military or civil service, or provided material aid. While some scholarships consider collateral descendants, UDC or CofC membership is often required in such cases.

Endorsement by the Chapter President and the Chapter Second Vice President, Division President and by the Division Second Vice President is typically needed. Applicants must attend a college or university in the United States.

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Stonewall Jackson Scholarship

The Stonewall Jackson Scholarship is an undergraduate scholarship offered by the United Daughters of the Confederacy without restrictions. It is available until the student completes their degree or for a maximum of 4 years, whichever comes first.

Specific Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3.0
Education level: Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Application Components: Application form, Transcript, Essay, Recommendation, Photograph
Military: Required to provide information on Confederate military ancestor.
Interview: May be required.
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

GED and recent SAT/ACT scores will be accepted without GPA if the applicant is not a high school graduate.

Winnie Davis-Children of the Confederacy Scholarship

The Winnie Davis-Children of the Confederacy Scholarship is awarded to a student who must be, or have been until the age of 18, a participating member of the CofC and approved by the Third Vice President General. This scholarship, like the Stonewall Jackson Scholarship, supports undergraduate studies for up to four years or until degree completion. The eligibility criteria regarding Confederate ancestry and endorsements from UDC/CofC officials remain consistent.

Texas Division Scholarships and Grants

The Texas Division of the UDC provides scholarships and grants to lineal and collateral descendants of worthy Confederates who are seeking education and training beyond the high school level.

Grant Requirements for the Texas Division

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years or older, and legal residents of Texas, enrolled at a Texas-based accredited institution.
The grant applies only to tuition, books, supplies, professional tools, and fees for certifying exams upon course completion.
Pre-admission testing, such as drug testing or skills assessment, is not covered.
Fees associated with testing for certificates of completion are paid from final funds disbursement.
Award money is deposited with the institution, not given directly to the student.
Award funds are divided into amounts to be disbursed each unit of study (quarter, semester, etc.).
Funds are disbursed at designated intervals, provided the student is "making satisfactory progress toward completion" and the institution’s Office of Student Finance possesses this documentation.
The Office of Student Finance will send a copy of the progress documentation to the TX Division Contact whenever funds are disbursed.
If the student fails to complete the course of study, any refunds of unused funds are returned to the Texas Division UDC. Reapplication approval for awarding of remaining funds is on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the Division.
An authoritative publication: Photocopy of title page, name of author, volume, page number, year of publication, location of library. Provide certified copy of pertinent data relating to Confederate ancestor only. Data from a tombstone is not acceptable as proof of military service but may be used as proof of birth and death dates.

Application Process and Required Documentation

Applying for UDC scholarships generally involves submitting an application form, transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. A photograph may also be required. Providing certified copies of pertinent data relating to the Confederate ancestor is crucial. Data from a tombstone is not acceptable as proof of military service but may be used as proof of birth and death dates. It is important to verify specific documentation requirements for each scholarship, as they may vary.

Additional Resources

For prospective members and scholarship applicants, contacting UDC Headquarters or visiting the Division or Chapter website (if available) is recommended. The General Services Administration, National Archives and Records Service, located at 8th and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., may also offer relevant resources.

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