The Bowen Trust Distribution Committee meets six times every year. Completed
Applications (including all supporting documents, i.e. references, school financial aid forms, and
transcripts) must be postmarked or submitted electronically at least 14 calendar days
prior to the meeting date at which the application is to be considered.
Interviews for new applicants must be completed before applications may be considered.
Applications are to be submitted to Bowen Charitable Trust, P. O. Box 346, Parkersburg, WV
26102-0346.
In addition to the general application deadline stated above, the following deadlines apply to these specific applications:
- Initial Scholarship Applications – 60 days prior to the beginning of the term or semester.
- Scholarship Re-Applications – 30 days prior to the beginning of the term or semester.
- Individual Continuing Education Grant Applications – 60 days in advance of the date of the event
- Institutional Grant Applications – 60 days in advance of the beginning of the event or program.
Please see our full Distribution Guidelines for more information on the different forms of assistance provided by the Bowen Trust.
Applications & Forms
To fill out an application online:
- Select the form you want to fill out. Either open it in your browser or click “Download.”
- These are fillable forms, which means you can type your answers directly into the blue boxes. Type your answers into the boxes.
- If you haven’t already downloaded your form, download it once you’ve filled out all the areas required.
- Email the completed form to bowentrust@gmail.com OR print it off and mail it to PO Box 346 Parkersburg, WV 26102-0346.
To mail your application:
- Download the form you want to fill out onto your computer.
- Print the form in its entirety.
- Fill out all the areas required. Use an extra sheet of paper if necessary.
- Mail your completed form to PO Box 346 Parkersburg, WV 26102-0346
Scholarship Application
The Bowen Scholarship is the primary application for financial assistance provided by the Trust. Applicants must communicate a clear and compelling call to vocational ministry and be a member of an American Baptist Church in the West Virginia Baptist Convention. They must also provide references who speak for their Christian character and personal calling to ministry.
Note: Scholarship Application must be submitted along with your two Reference Forms and Financial Aid form.
Recipients of the Bowen Scholarship must reapply every semester they are enrolled in seminary or theological education. They must prove continued Christian character and growth in spirit and knowledge.
The Bowen Individual Grant is a one-time grant provided to applicants to offset event expenses for continuing education or ministry skill development. This includes workshops, seminars, and retreats. Applicants must prove the event will be enriching to their spiritual and vocational skill and knowledge.
The Bowen Organization Grant is given to WVBC and ABC events for the professional development of vocational ministers. This also includes workshops, seminars, and retreats that focus on training and teaching vocational ministers.
Reference Form
Each application must be submitted with two references: one from a church staff member and one from a WVBC/ABC representative.
Each application and re-application must be submitted with a Financial Aid form filled out by your college or seminary’s financial aid office.