General Information & Commonly Asked Questions
In hopes of providing some general information about the Kavanagh Education Trust, the Trustees listed below have prepared this information sheet.
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1. Why was the Kavanagh Education Trust created?
Joseph, Eugene, and Lloyd Kavanagh were born to farmers in Greene County, Ohio. Each brother's life was significantly improved by education—at a time when it was neither universally valued nor pursued. They believed education enabled them to progress and succeed, and established the Trust to assist relatives who earnestly desired the same opportunity.
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2. Who operates the Kavanagh Education Trust?
The original Trust established five Trustees as the operating authority - one Trustee representing each branch of the Kavanagh family.
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3. What is the purpose of the Trust?
The Trust financially assists relatives of William and Rose Kavanagh in obtaining an education, with preference for undergraduate studies but supporting all who earnestly seek education.
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4. How long will the Trust last?
The Trust is expected to last for generations. Successor Trustees will take over as needed, and with proper asset management, funds will remain available to assist worthy applicants for years to come.
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5. How much financial assistance can an applicant receive from the Trust?
Applicants may receive annual assistance up to the cost of tuition, room, and board at Ohio State University, usable at any institution. No award is guaranteed; distributions vary based on income and applicant numbers.
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6. How does one apply for financial assistance from the Trust?
Applicants must submit the online application by April 15th. Trustees review all applications and notify recipients by June 1st. Awards cover education expenses for the following school year beginning in August.
7. Does the grant from the Trust to a successful applicant go directly to the student or the school of his or her choosing?
At this juncture, the Trustees have decided to make the award payable to the successful applicant and allow it to be used by the applicant to pay for education expenses.
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8. Is the Trust a charitable organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(C)(3)?
No. The Trust is not a recognized charitable organization and contributions to the Trust are not tax deductible. Anyone is welcome to make contributions to the Trust at any time.
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9. Is the distribution from the Trust to a successful applicant taxable or tax-free?
The Trust's accountants confirm all distributions are taxable to recipients. Formal tax notification is provided as required by law. Recipients are responsible for accounting for tax consequences.
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10. Can an applicant apply more than once?
Annual applications are required. Awards are not guaranteed and depend on available assets, applicant numbers, and individual needs as determined by Trustees each year.
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11. Is the award from the Trust need-based such that applicants in greater financial need would have a greater opportunity to receive money from the Trust?
Awards are not strictly need-based, but Trustees consider each applicant's needs and available resources. Financial disclosure forms are not required at this time.
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12. Is there a cost to file an application?
No.
12. Is there a cost to file an application?
No.
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13. What is the financial standing of the Trust and what could a successful applicant hope to receive from the Trust?
Trustees prudently manage Trust assets and distribute annual income after taxes and expenses. Awards vary yearly at Trustees' discretion and will not exceed Ohio State University's tuition, room, and board costs. Trustees are not required to make equal distributions.
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14. Is a recipient obligated to repay the Trust for the money received?
No. There is no legal obligation to repay any or all of the money awarded, but the Trust hopes that the recipient recognizes a moral obligation to contribute to the Trust so other worthy applicants can receive assistance to obtain their education.
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15. Is the operation of the Trust made known publicly?
No. The Trust is not a governmental or public entity. Its operation is confidential to the Trustees, designated beneficiaries, and those to whom the Trustees make information available. Books and records of the Trust are maintained by the Trust in keeping with applicable law and the Declaration of Trust. Beneficiaries designated in the Trust are always able to review the records of the Trust.
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16. Should someone apply for a Trust grant if he or she intends to use the funds for graduate school?
The Trustees can and have awarded financial assistance to deserving applicants seeking graduate degrees.
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17. Is there an age limit for applicants?
No. Any relative of William and Rose Kavanagh may file an application for financial assistance.
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18. How closely related must an applicant be to be considered for financial assistance?Successful applicants should be descendants of William and Rose Kavanagh by blood, marriage, or adoption. While closer relatives may receive preference, this is not required. Any person related to William and Rose Kavanagh may apply for financial assistance.
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19. Where can I obtain additional information about the Kavanagh Education Trust?
More information is available from the Trustee representing your branch of the Kavanagh family.
You can also send an email to the Board of Trustees at kavanaghtrust2002@gmail.com
Rules and Eligibility
The Trustees of the Kavanagh Education Trust have, by resolution, established these rules of operation. They are intended to be guidelines and standard procedure. Yet, the Trustees specifically reserve the right to make decisions or award grants that are separate or apart and different from those set forth in these Rules of Operation.
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I. APPLICATION
Applicants must complete the online application in its entirety, including all required attachments, and submit by April 15th for grants covering the following school year beginning in August/September.
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II. REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
Trustees review all applications between April 15th and June 1st. If additional information is needed, applicants must submit it by June 1st. Trustees reserve the right to operate the Trust as they deem appropriate and compliant with its purpose. They retain complete discretion over Trust operations and asset distributions.
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III. NOTIFICATION OF ANNUAL GRANTS
On or about June 1st of each calendar year the Trustees shall notify applicants of any grant or award to be made to the applicant for the upcoming school year beginning August/September.
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IV. DISTRIBUTION OF GRANTS
Grants are distributed in June/July and used only for educational purposes. Distributions are typically made semi-annually: half in June/July and half in December. Trustees may adjust awards as deemed appropriate.
For out-of-state beneficiaries, the Trust withholds Ohio pass-through entity tax from the December distribution and remits it to the Ohio Department of Taxation on the beneficiary's behalf.
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V. RECORDS OF GRANTEE AND USE OF AWARD
Grant recipients must:
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Provide a transcript by August 15th confirming enrollment and completion of the funded education program.
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Submit records showing grant money was used for educational expenses.
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Immediately notify the Trust if grant money is not expended as indicated.
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Maintain current contact information with the Trust.
Trustees may request additional information; failure to provide it may preclude future awards. All grants must be spent on educational expenses. Unspent funds must be returned to the Trust.
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VI. ADDITIONAL GRANTS
The Trustees may, at any time, make additional grants or awards in addition to that set forth above.
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VII. GRANTEE COMPLIANCE
Non-compliance with Trust rules may result in withheld future awards and/or reimbursement of previous grants. Grantees must maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain eligible for future awards. Grantees must repay all grants if they fail to enroll or complete the educational program that was the basis of the award.
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VIII. MAXIMUM AWARD
A. ANNUAL AWARDS
1. Maximum annual award. No grantee will receive for any one school year a distribution or award in excess of the amount equal to the cost of tuition, room and board for a full- time student at The Ohio State University. The cost of the tuition, room and board for a full-time student at The Ohio State University shall be determined annually by the Trust.
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B. MAXIMUM LIFETIME AWARD
Grantees may receive funds for a maximum of eight (8) school years total. Awards are limited to five (5) undergraduate years maximum. If a recipient receives five undergraduate years, they are limited to three (3) graduate years. If four undergraduate years are awarded, four graduate years are available. Alternative eight-year combinations require Trustee approval.
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IX. REPAYMENT OF AWARD
Repayment of any award is not required. Grantees are asked to contribute financially to the Trust during their lifetime so that others may enjoy the benefit of an education.
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EFFECTIVE AUGUST 6, 2011; Revised January 2026