General Application

A Boost on Your Path Through College and Career Training

Completing one online application puts you in the running for hundreds of scholarship awards for college, career training or graduate school. Most of our scholarships are designated for students who have a connection to West Michigan (students who currently live in West Michigan or have lived here in the past). Click here to review the list of scholarships and their eligibility requirements. The general application opens December 1 and closes March 1 each year.

Start your application Scholarship FAQs

How to Apply: Easy as 1-2-3

Application Process

  1. 1 Gather Your Information

    You will need financial information, a snapshot of your education history and a personal essay to complete your application. Start by completing the FAFSA or FAFSA Student Aid Estimator, find your most recent transcript or grade report and prepare your personal statements.

  2. 2 Get Logged In

    Create your account in GoApply, making sure to use an email you check regularly and will have access to for the next year.

  3. 3 Submit your Application!

    Complete all required questions and submit your application by March 1. We'll take the information you entered and see which Community Foundation scholarships you qualify for. With one application, you'll be in the running for the almost $700,000 we award.

A photo of Jennifer S.

Student Spotlight

“After high school during the pandemic, my parents told me I would not be able to go to college because they could not afford it. I worked hard while doing school part time hoping to be able to save enough, while also struggling in class. This scholarship isn't just monetary; its months of working and years of thinking I may not be able to attain the dream of a bachelor's degree gone. I am so grateful for this opportunity not just once, but twice from all the individuals from the Foundation.”

– Jennifer S., Scholarship Recipient

what to expect

General Application Timeline

December 1

Application Opens

Students can apply for scholarships using the all-in-one, general application. Learn how to apply above.

March 1

Application Closes

All submissions must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on March 1.

Spring

Matching and Selection

Community Foundation staff use the details from your application to determine which scholarships you qualify for. Then, scholarship committees meet to make selections.

Late May

Scholarship Decisions are Announced

Applicants are notified via email of scholarship decisions. Scholarship recipients are provided with instructions on how to formally accept their scholarship and initiate payment.

June

Payments are Made

Scholarship payments are sent directly to the institution indicated in the scholarship acceptance form. Learn what your scholarship can be used for here.

HAVE A SCHOLARSHIP QUESTION? I'M HERE TO HELP.