Important Dates
All scholarship funds directly managed by the Community Foundation have one, common online application process. All you need to do is submit one application through our online application portal and be considered for all Community Foundation scholarship funds.
2026 Application Cycle is Closed
- January 26, 2026: Application portal opened
- March 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET: Application deadline (now passed)
The 2026 application cycle is now closed. Subscribe for updates when the 2027 cycle opens.
The 2026-2027 Scholarship Portal
is now closed
Award notifications will be sent to all applicants by the end of June.
Note: The 2026 application cycle has closed. The steps below are provided for reference and will be updated for the 2027 cycle. Subscribe for updates.
Scholarship Application Steps
Step 1: Prepare to Start Your Application
- Browse the scholarship opportunities offered through CFSEM
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions listed on our website here
- Preview a sample list of the scholarship application questions
- Decide who you will ask to provide Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – you will need TWO of these
- Read our suggested essay tips here to help you get ready to begin the application
Step 2: Complete Your Application
- Starting on January 26, begin the registration process and create your login credentials
- Complete the application (which determines eligibility). Note you may log in and out as needed
- Work on the application itself
- Required items include: your transcript, two letters of recommendation, questions about your activities/employment/achievements/etc., and essays
- Ask someone you trust to review your application – especially your essays – and provide feedback
- The 2026 application deadline — 11:59 p.m. ET on March 16, 2026 — has passed. These steps will be updated when the 2027 cycle opens.
Step 3: Check Your Email
- Check your email often to ensure you do not miss any updates on the status of your scholarship application(s) or requests for more information
Special Forms
For School-Based Scholarship Programs Only:
Below is a list of forms for the school-based scholarships for use by the students and guidance counselors in the schools that offer them directly. Simply click on the name to download a PDF of the form:
- Common Application Form: This form is used for any of our school-based programs.
- Recommender Form: This form is an optional template for our school-based programs to use.
Special Forms for Renaissance of Values Fund Only:
- Everest Application Form: This is for eighth graders at Everest Academy who want to apply for funding for private, accredited high schools.
- Most Holy Trinity Application Form: This is for eighth graders at Most Holy Trinity School who want to apply for funding for private, accredited high schools.
- Financial Aid Form: This form is for Everest and Most Holy Trinity applicants to complete for inclusion with their applications.