Anderson Niskanen Scholarship Fund
Scholarship Sponsored by Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation
Overview
The Anderson Niskanen Scholarship Fund was created in 1998 by Suama Niskanen Anderson as a memorial to her husband, Elmer Anderson, and her sister, Saima Niskanen. The fund supports graduating seniors from Duluth public high schools who require financial help to pursue post-secondary study, and the Anderson family were longtime residents of St. Louis County.
Who is eligible
- Graduates of Duluth Denfeld, Duluth East, Harbor City International School, or the Duluth Area Learning Center.
- Applicants must intend to enroll at either the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities or the University of Minnesota Duluth.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5.
- Applicants must demonstrate leadership.
- Preference is given to students who show financial need for tuition assistance.
Award amount
- $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years (maximum total of $8,000).
Grant cycle
- Universal Application
Application timeline
- Applications open: December 1, 2025
- Deadline: February 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- Award notifications: recipients will be emailed by no later than May 1, 2026
How payments are sent
- Scholarship funds are mailed directly to the recipient’s school.
- Fall semester payments are mailed to institutions between July 15–30, 2026 (no later than July 30, 2026).
- Spring semester payments are mailed between December 15–30, 2026 (no later than December 30, 2026).
Use of funds and transfers
- Although applicants must plan to attend one of the two University of Minnesota campuses, the scholarship may be applied toward expenses at any accredited college, university, or technical/vocational school.
- If you plan to transfer schools, contact DSACF in advance. A school transfer does not automatically transfer the scholarship; if a transfer happens after funds have been disbursed, reprocessing the payment can take up to 90 days.
Tax information
DSACF advises recipients to consult a tax professional about scholarship taxability. Per IRS guidance, scholarships, fellowship grants, and similar awards are tax-free only if:
1. You are a candidate for a degree at an educational institution that maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally enrolls students at the place where it conducts its educational activities; and
2. The amounts are used to pay qualified education expenses such as tuition and required fees for enrollment or attendance, or required course-related fees, books, supplies, and equipment.
Questions
Contact DSACF with any questions about eligibility, transfers, or payment timing.