About Us
Who we are
Scholarship Foundation
Our Mission
Our Core Focus
Access to Education
Removing financial barriers so students can keep moving forward.
Personal Growth
Encouraging confidence, responsibility, and goal setting.
Community Strength
Building a network of support rooted in care and connection.
Paying It Forward
Inspiring students to uplift others as they succeed.
Why Choose Us
Discover Why Joseph’s Legacy Creates Real Opportunity
Scholarships With Purpose
Support that goes beyond money, grounded in care and encouragement.
Community First
Built and sustained by people who believe in lifting one another.
Student Centered Support
We meet students where they are and walk beside them forward.
Values Led Giving
Every scholarship reflects Joseph’s values of effort and kindness.
Transparent Impact
Funds go directly toward helping students continue their education.
Legacy Driven
Joseph’s story lives on through every student we support.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are here to help.
The Joseph Jr. Scholarship Foundation (JJSF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to awarding scholarships to underserved students in Chicago and nearby suburbs to help them pursue higher education.
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JJSF was created by Jose “Fugie” Almanza in memory of his son, Joseph Junior, who tragically passed away at age 12. The foundation honors Joseph’s spirit and dream of helping students succeed through education.
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The mission is to assist students with financial disadvantages in continuing their education, while also teaching them goal setting, financial responsibility, and the value of “paying it forward” in their communities.
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Currently, the scholarship application is open to students enrolled in college. Applicants typically must meet program criteria and be present at the awards ceremony to receive their award.
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Past award distributions included one $5,000 scholarship, two $2,500 scholarships, and six $1,000 scholarships, with payments made directly to the student’s school or loan provider.
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Scholarships are traditionally awarded at a public event — previously held at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago — where recipients must be present to receive their awards.
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Yes — the foundation states that 100% of the money donated to the Joseph Junior Scholarship Fund goes directly toward students who have a strong likelihood of success with a bit of support.
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Donations can be made directly through the website via digital payment options (such as Zelle) and are greatly appreciated to support scholarship awards and foundation activities.
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As a nonprofit foundation, donations may be tax deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor or request documentation from the foundation for use in tax filings. (Nonprofit status is indicated on the site; individual tax advice should be confirmed with the organization or a tax professional.)
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Supporters can get involved by attending events (such as scholarship award ceremonies and benefit auctions), volunteering, partnering with local sponsors, or helping raise awareness of the foundation’s mission in the community.
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