Dr. Ronald E. Hodges Scholarships

The Joseph Project

A Dr. Hodges Scholarship Fund Initiative

Empowering dreamers to rebuild, rise, and realize their purpose.

Overview

The Joseph Project is a micro-grant program under the Dr. Hodges Scholarship Fund that provides $250 seed grants to individuals who have faced significant life challenges and are determined to start or grow a small business.

Inspired by Joseph, the biblical figure who overcame betrayal, imprisonment, and hardship to become a leader and provider for others, this program seeks to uplift those who have endured adversity and now wish to transform their trials into triumphs through entrepreneurship.

Mission Statement

To empower individuals who have endured hardship by equipping them with financial support, mentorship, and faith-based encouragement to pursue their entrepreneurial calling and build sustainable legacies.

Core Values

  • Faith & Purpose: Every individual has a God-given vision, even when circumstances hide it.

  • Resilience: Adversity can be a foundation, not a finish line.

  • Empowerment: With the right support, small beginnings can yield great impact.

  • Community: We rise by helping others rise.

Grant Details

  • Amount: $250 micro-grant

  • Purpose: Startup capital for business expenses such as permits, equipment, materials, or marketing.

  • Frequency: Awarded quarterly (4 cycles per year).

  • Number of awards: Determined by available funding each cycle.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.

  • Have experienced a life challenge (e.g., loss, incarceration, illness, homelessness, or other significant hardship).

  • Have a clear and realistic business idea or early-stage business.

  • Submit a short personal statement describing:

    • Their life challenge,

    • Their business idea,

    • How this grant will help them take the next step.

Faith affiliation is not required, but applicants should understand that the program is rooted in biblical principles of perseverance, stewardship, and hope.

Application Requirements

  • Completed online or paper application form

  • 1-page personal story & business concept summary (500 words max)

  • Optional letter of reference from a mentor, pastor, or community leader

  • Proof of identity (photo ID)

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a small committee representing community, business, and other partners. Selections are based on:

  • Demonstrated resilience

  • Clarity of business vision

  • Potential for impact and growth

  • Alignment with the program’s mission

Support Beyond the Grant

Recipients may also gain:

  • Access to free business startup resources (templates, legal basics, budgeting tools).

  • Invitation to quarterly virtual mentorship sessions with local entrepreneurs and faith leaders.

  • Opportunity to be featured in the Joseph Project Success Stories newsletter.

Biblical Inspiration

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done—the saving of many lives.”
— Genesis 50:20

Just as Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace was marked by faith, wisdom, and perseverance, so too does this program believe that those who have endured hardship can rise to build something meaningful and lasting.

How to Support

  • Sponsor a grant ($250 per awardee)

  • Become a mentor or partner organization

  • Contribute financially to the Dr. Hodges Scholarship Fund to expand The Joseph Project’s reach

Donations can be directed to:
Dr. Hodges Scholarship Fund
Website: www.DrHodgesFund.org

Program Information

The Joseph Project is a collaborative program initiative between Families 4 Life Center (F4LC) and Dr. Hodges Scholarship Fund (DHSF). More information at www.F4lC.us.