Grant Application – Education for Freedom Foundation

Apply for a Grant

Start Your Journey Toward Education and Independence

The Education for Freedom Foundation is dedicated to supporting women who are overcoming hardship or abuse and are ready to pursue education as a pathway to independence. This application is the first step in that journey.

Before you begin, please note that the form takes about 30–45 minutes to complete. Because it cannot be saved and returned to later, we recommend gathering your information in advance (personal details, a short personal statement, and reference contacts).

Your responses will help us understand your story, your goals, and how this grant can make the greatest impact in your life. Every application is reviewed with care and confidentiality.

Grant Application Form

Full Name

Date of Birth

Street Address

City

State

ZIP Code

Phone Number

Have you experienced domestic abuse (financial, emotional or psychological) or personal hardship?

Yes No

Please provide a brief explanation of your experience and how it has impacted your life

Name of Institution

What educational program do you plan to pursue?

Degree or Certification Sought

Expected Start Date

Expected Completion Date

Please provide a statement detailing how receiving this grant will help you achieve your educational and personal freedom goals. Explain how education will provide you with opportunities for independence and change. (500-1,000 words)

Do you currently have any other financial aid or scholarships?

Yes No

If yes, please list them

What is your estimated cost for tuition and books?

How much financial assistance are you requesting?

Please provide two references (can be a counselor, teacher, mentor, or community leader)

Reference #1 Name

Relationship

Phone Number

Reference #2 Name

Relationship

Phone Number

Consent to Contact References

I consent to the Education for Freedom Foundation contacting my references.

Signature
Please review the information below before submitting your application.

Applicant Certification

I certify that all information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Media Consent *
Education for Freedom Foundation highlights grant recipients on its website and/or in printed materials to celebrate achievements and inspire others. This may include a first name, photo, and program details. You may choose the level of privacy you prefer:

You may use my first name, photo, and program details on the Foundation’s website or materials. You may share my program details while changing my name and using a stock photo to protect my privacy. Do not share any identifying information.

Testimonial Consent *
Education for Freedom Foundation will reach out after program completion to request a brief testimonial about your experience. Testimonials help raise awareness and inspire others. You may choose how your story is shared:

You may contact me for a testimonial and share my story, including my first name and program details. You may contact me for a testimonial and share my story anonymously (no identifying details or photos). Do not contact me for a testimonial.

Digital Signature

Need Help?

We’re Here to Support You

If you have questions about the application, our team is available to provide clarity and guidance. Whether you need details on the requirements, help understanding a section, or confirmation that you have everything prepared, we’re just an email away.

Before You Begin

A few quick notes so you can finish in one sitting

This application asks for personal and program details that help us understand your goals and needs. The form cannot be saved and returned to later, so please plan enough time to complete it now.

Have these ready:

Contact information
Brief explanation of your circumstances
Program and school details
Estimated costs and any aid you have received
Personal statement (500 – 1,000 words)
Two references with names, roles, and contact information

Recognition & story sharing:
At the end of the application, you’ll be asked to choose your preferences for how the Foundation may recognize your accomplishments and, if you wish, share your story in the future. You’ll be able to:

Decide how your name, photo, and program details are displayed
Choose whether to be contacted at the end of your program for a testimonial and how it will be shared

Privacy and use of information:
We use your information to review eligibility and to contact your references, if needed. See our Privacy Policy for details.

I understand that I must complete this application in one sitting and that any unsaved progress will be lost if I leave the form.

Rachel Dalton

VP of Education Grants

Advocate for Educational Opportunity and Community Service

Rachel Dalton’s passion for education and service permeates her work and community engagement. As Vice President of Education Grants, she leads the Foundation’s efforts to provide survivors of abuse with educational opportunities—opening new pathways for women to rebuild and achieve their goals.

Her longstanding volunteer roles within her local school district reflect a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives. Rachel’s commitment to supporting students, teachers, and families speaks to her integrity, compassion, and spirit of service.

Rachel brings professional expertise as a loan processor to our mission of expanding educational opportunities. Her keen attention to detail, financial acumen, and commitment to fairness—skills honed in her day job—ensure our grant programs are efficient, transparent, and impactful.

By guiding grant initiatives and advocating for access, Rachel directly advances the Foundation’s mission—empowering women and children in adverse situations to find renewal, healing, and hope through the gift of learning.

Emily Sparks

VP of Reading Grants

Innovator in Literacy and Differentiated Instruction

With 13 years of teaching excellence, Emily Sparks is an educator whose commitment to student growth and learning shines through every endeavor. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology, complemented by endorsements in Reading, STEM, Technology, and ESL.

Emily’s training in the Science of Reading and LETRS equips her with evidence-based strategies that make her one of the state’s top-scoring reading teachers. Her expertise in phonics-based methods and literacy instruction nurtures strong foundational skills and reading confidence in young learners—an essential element in the Foundation’s mission to foster academic success and independence.

Emily’s dedication to differentiated instruction and support for diverse learners ensures that every student, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to thrive. Her innovative approach and mastery of best practices make her an invaluable asset to the Board, guiding efforts to expand reading support and cultivate lifelong curiosity.

Laura Hesson

Secretary & VP of Communications

Champion for Educational Equity and Community Empowerment

Laura Hesson’s career is defined by over two decades of unwavering service to education and advocacy. With a lifelong love of learning and a belief in its transformational power, Laura has shaped equitable opportunities for underserved and at-risk women and children.

Her 18-year tenure as an elected official on her local school board attests to her leadership and vision—developing policy, overseeing budgets, and championing equity initiatives to ensure that every child, regardless of background, receives a quality education. Her strategic planning and engagement have left an indelible mark on her community, earning respect from peers, families, and educators.

Laura’s experience working with PTAs at every level for over 20 years further amplifies her impact. From parent engagement to community programs and student advocacy, Laura has fostered meaningful connections and empowered families.

Professionally, Laura brings organizational leadership and executive support experience, alongside a background in marketing to promote causes and forge genuine community bonds. Her blend of heart, strategy, and administrative expertise makes her uniquely qualified to help the Foundation create safe spaces where education becomes a pathway to hope, healing, and opportunity.

Cinthanie R. Crenshaw

Founder & Executive Director

Visionary Leader, Compassionate Advocate

For over three decades, Cinthanie R. Barton Crenshaw has devoted her life to service—evolving from business owner to community leader, volunteer, and most importantly, mother and grandmother. As a survivor of abuse, Cinthanie transformed her personal journey into a source of hope for others, founding the Education for Freedom Foundation to provide survivors with educational grants and the chance to attend technical colleges on scholarships.

Her philosophy is simple but profound: through education, freedom is possible—not only for women rebuilding their lives, but for generations yet to come. Her vision extends to fostering early literacy through reading tutoring, nurturing a love of learning from the start.

Cinthanie’s qualifications reflect both academic achievement and real-world experience. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (minor in Communication) from Utah Tech University and ongoing graduate study in Non-Profit Leadership and Management at Arizona State University, she pairs theoretical understanding with hands-on expertise. Her entrepreneurial journey spans 30+ years, managing businesses and properties across Utah and Nevada, while her volunteer service includes roles as foster mother, PTA leader, CASA advocate for at-risk youth, and support for organizations such as Boy Scouts of America and Utah Foster Care Foundation.

Cinthanie’s deep community involvement—including service as Secretary/Treasurer for her local Republican district and HOA management committee—illustrates her tireless dedication. Now living in the peaceful woods of Utah, she embodies the foundation’s mission every day, guided by a steadfast commitment to helping others achieve renewal and freedom through learning.