When are scholarships open to apply for?

Scholarship applications are open annually from January 15 – March 1.

How do I apply?

Visit the Scholarship Application Process page for details. And, before starting the process, you will first need to register on the scholarship application portal where you will create a username and password. Then, you will be ready to apply!

Where can I find my Estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) number?

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is an eligibility index number that your college’s or career school’s financial aid office uses to determine how much federal student aid you would receive if you attended the school. This number results from the information that you provide on your FAFSA® form. This number is not a dollar amount of aid eligibility or what your family is expected to provide. A negative SAI indicates the student has a higher financial need. The Estimated Student Aid Index number will be listed on your submission confirmation email after you submit your FASFA form for review. Your Estimated Student Aid Index can range between -1,500 to 999,999.  A sample of the email can be found by CLICKING HERE. For additional information on how the SAI is calculated please visit www.studentaid.gov.

How do I return to my Scholarship Applications?

To return to your scholarship account, you need to log back on the Scholarship Portal .The easiest way to log back in is to click ‘Scholarship Portal’ at the top right hand corner of the NGCF home screen and it will take you to your logon screen to access your applications.

What scholarships are offered by NGCF?

A complete list of the scholarships administered by NGCF can be found here: www.ngcf.org/view-scholarships

What are my chances for receiving a scholarship?

Scholarship awards are based on scholarship criteria, the availability of funds and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. These factors change with every funding cycle, and some years are more competitive than others.

May I receive awards from more than one scholarship?

Yes. It is possible, and acceptable, to receive multiple awards.

How do I know which scholarships I am eligible for?

Applicants will typically fill out a ‘common scholarship application.’ The answers given on this application will populate the scholarships you are eligible for.

Do I need to wait until I am accepted for admission before I apply for scholarships?

No, you can apply for scholarships while making final decisions about your education. However, you will have to be admitted and enrolled to an accredited college or university before NGCF will pay the award.

What happens after my application is received?

Once a deadline has passed and all applications are processed, a committee will review the applications and make award recommendations. Award recommendations are based on scholarship criteria, the availability of funds and the competitiveness of the applicant pool.

When and how will I be notified if I receive a scholarship?

The review process will typically occur after scholarships close in March and continue through April. Scholarship recipients will typically be notified upon receipt of their award at their honors night program, and/or by an email by the end of May. The email will include details of your award and the process for receiving your scholarship.

If I receive a scholarship, how do I claim it?

The scholarship email will include instructions on how to accept your scholarship. Scholarship checks will be issued during the first part of July. They are mailed to the school you are enrolled at.

May I contact the donors who provided the funds for my scholarship?

Yes! We absolutely want you to send a thank you note that we can share with the founder of the fund. This is the best way for the donor to understand how important the scholarship is to the recipients. Unless otherwise instructed, please send your thank you note(s) to the Community Foundation, and we will send them along to the donor(s).