Foundation celebrates record, opens 2026 scholarship applications

Senior Scholarship Officer and Development Associate Deanna Green said the program’s growth is thanks to the generosity of local people. Last year, donors established three new scholarship funds, and the program awarded 499 scholarships overall — a 15% increase from the previous year.

“Scholarships are not only an important financial resource; they show students that someone out there believes in their talent and potential,” Green said. “Yet, even with our program growth, more than 60% of qualified applicants were unable to receive support last year.”

This year, there are 74 scholarships supporting undergraduate, graduate, technical and trade programs. Some are focused on students who graduate from certain high schools, attend specific colleges or pursue distinct fields of study, such as architecture, business, engineering, nursing, firefighting, teaching and the arts. Others offer broad support to students facing educational barriers, such as those who have experienced foster care, domestic violence, incarceration, homelessness or those living with disabilities.

Students can access all Community Foundation scholarships through a single eligibility quiz that quickly matches applicants to eligible opportunities. Students interested in learning more or applying for a scholarship award can visit www.cfsww.org/scholarships. Applications close on April 30.