Scholarship Fund

Higher education has long been seen as one of the surest paths to increased opportunity. Unfortunately, many young people who could benefit the most from a college education are least able to afford it. Scholarship funds help them on their path to higher education. Grand Rapids Community Foundation holds funds for aspiring artists, engineers, musicians, pilots, teachers and others.

Applications are available online, and awards are decided based on a competitive process, which considers academic achievement, extracurricular activities, a statement of the applicant's personal aspirations and goals and financial need. Advisory committees, comprised of responsible and knowledgeable community members, help screen and select candidates. They make recommendations to the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees. You may designate a member of your family to participate in the scholarship selection process if you wish.

Like other Grand Rapids Community Foundation funds, scholarship funds are endowed, and may be named to honor loved ones. Community Foundation staff handles all details of awarding scholarships—from announcing their availability to processing applications to writing the checks.

Since the inception of Grand Rapids Community Foundation's scholarship program in 1945, the Community Foundation has awarded more than 5,000 scholarships. Each year, more than half a million dollars in scholarships are awarded to students.

Key benefits to remember: