About H509 Dollars for Scholars

Our mission

The mission of H509 Dollars for Scholars is to encourage post-secondary educational opportunities for Hillsboro High School students through scholarships and academic support.

Since 1987, $1,801,959 has been awarded to Hillsboro High School graduates.

In 2025: Hillsboro High School 2020 graduates

  • 26 seniors who applied received scholarships
  • $133,900 was awarded to graduating seniors
  • The top award was $6,900
  • The average award was $5,150

How we do it

Earnings from our endowment fund

We determine our net worth on Dec. 31 of the current year and the previous two years, determine the average and try to give away 5 percent of the three-year average as scholarships. The exact amount depends on how our investments are performing.

Donors who direct their funds as "pass-through" scholarships

Donors can give donations to H509 to be used as a named scholarship of their choice with a preference guideline for the type of student or field of study. A donor may not choose a specific student for their donation.

Our annual raffle

This is H509's major fundraiser for the year. Funds raised from this event pay for our operating expenses as well as funding the H509 Raffle scholarships. One raffle winner also has a $250 scholarship awarded in his or her name.