The Higher Advisory Council

The Higher Advisory Council strengthens and stabilizes The Higher Foundation by securing funding for our organization. The Higher Advisor is an advisory board member with a fundraising goal of $10,000.00 within a 12-month term. At the end of the Higher Advisor’s term, his or her individual performance will be evaluated by The Higher Foundation Board of Directors to determine his or her reappointment eligibility. The Higher Foundation Board of Directors is by invitation only, and Higher Advisors may or may not be invited to apply based on the board majority vote. We accept rolling applications to The Higher Advisory Council year-round. Applicants will receive an application update within 4 weeks of submission. If you have any questions, please email us advisors@higherfoundation.org.

Submit Your Application

The Higher Advisory Council Priorities

Fundraising

We need servant leaders who are avid fundraisers to help us meet our annual operating budget.

Service

We need servant leaders who know the value of prioritizing others above themselves.

Leadership

We need servant leaders who can lead the way for our mission and for our state.

Passion

We need servant leaders who have a strong passion for Georgia students overcoming basic needs insecurity.

Commitment

We need servant leaders who can commit to serving in excellence their entire term.

Integrity

We need servant leaders who walk in integrity at all times – no matter the cost.

The Higher Advisory Council Application

Please read through each stage carefully to understand our application process.

Stage 1

Donation Solicitation Letter

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be a Georgia resident.
  • Must have at least an Associates degree or be a current student at a Georgia post-secondary institution.
  • Must have a demonstrated commitment to serving with charitable organizations that relate to youth, education, higher education, human services, or religion.

Application Requirements:

  • One-Page Donation Solicitation Letter:
    • Write a sample one-page donation solicitation letter to a Higher Supporter requesting support for our grant or scholarship program.
  • Resume
  • 1 professional reference that can speak to your passion and commitment to service.
  • Headshot with a backdrop, white wall, or outdoor background. (Blurry photos, AI photos, and selfies are not accepted.)

Application Period: Rolling Applications

Stage 2

Donation Solicitation Video

We select top applicants from our Stage 1 Applicant Pool based on the strength of their donation solicitation letter and service experience. If an applicant becomes a top applicant, he or she must submit our Stage 2 application within 30-days of being invited.

Application Requirements:

  • The Give Higher Campaign Video Submission
    • Topic: Create a donor engagement video that inspires our donors to give.
    • Video Format: Your video is recorded in landscape orientation.
    • Video Length: Your video is between the time length of 3 minutes minimum and 5 minutes maximum.
    • Video Quality: Your video is recorded in high quality lighting and audio with no added media, including but not limited to, pictures, videos, background music, and captions
    • Applicant Presentation: You must present yourself in a professional manner, similar to an interview.

Stage 3

Board Interview

We select top applicants from our Stage 2 Applicant Pool based on the strength of their donation solicitation video. If an applicant becomes a top applicant, he or she must schedule and complete an interview with The Higher Foundation Board of Directors within 30-days of being invited. After the interview, the applicant may or may not be invited to join The Higher Advisory Council based on the board majority vote. 

Higher Student Testimonials

For privacy reasons, these pictures of our Higher Students are for illustration purposes only.

Receiving the $500 grant from The Higher Foundation has been incredibly impactful, allowing me to cover essential living expenses like groceries, car insurance, and my phone bill. This support has relieved financial stress, which has, in turn, allowed me to focus more fully on my studies without the constant worry of managing basic needs. By helping me maintain reliable transportation and access to daily necessities, the grant has strengthened my foundation for both academic success and personal well-being. With these critical expenses covered, I am able to concentrate on excelling in my coursework and pursuing my long-term career goals. This sense of stability has been invaluable, allowing me to dedicate more energy to my education and growth. The support has not only kept me on track but also inspired me to continue striving for success, knowing that I am not alone in my journey. I am deeply grateful to The Higher Foundation for empowering me to go higher in my educational and career aspirations.

Higher Student, Atlanta Technical College

Receiving the Higher Foundation Scholarship has been instrumental in supporting my cost of rent and utilities as I continue pursuing my degree. The provided financial assistance has allowed me to focus on my studies to gain the skills and knowledge I need to be successful inside and outside of the classroom while relieving financial stress. Furthermore, this scholarship has allowed me to engage in extracurricular activities and community service projects striving for excellence and fostering a sense of community. I am grateful and appreciative to The Higher Foundation for supporting my educational goals and career development.

Higher Student, Kennesaw State University

Receiving financial assistance significantly eased my burden of covering essential cost-of-living expenses, including food and transportation. It allowed me to focus on my education without the constant worry of making ends meet. With this support, I could afford nutritious meals, reliable transportation to and from campus, and essential resources for my studies. This stability enabled me to fully engage in my coursework, leadership roles, and research opportunities, ultimately strengthening my skills and career trajectory. By reducing financial stress, I was able to pursue internships and professional development experiences that would have otherwise been out of reach. The assistance I received not only helped me succeed academically but also empowered me to give back to my community through service and advocacy.

Higher Student, Emory University