The application asks about: 

• You
• Your education journey (have you transcript ready!)
• Your story through your written statements (see the next question for prompts and instructions)
• Your college costs (have your SAI or estimated SAI ready; see more below!)
• Multiple choice questions that allow you to get matched with as many scholarships as possible!

Reach out if you need help! Email scholarships@GRFoundation.org with any questions.

In the application you will be asked four personal statement questions. Please answer each question in no more than 3000 characters. The prompts are: 

• Imagine yourself in the future, having successfully achieved your educational goals. What is your profession/career?
• What excites you about this career goal, and why are you motivated to explore it further? If you're still uncertain, share what motivates you to pursue further education, and outline the steps you're taking to explore different career options. We are particularly interested in learning about how your goals are shaped by experiences or people in your life; by your interests, passions, or work; or by your involvement in the community, volunteering, or extracurricular activities.
• People sometimes need extra support in overcoming significant challenges in their daily lives. We would appreciate learning how situations like these may be affecting you or your immediate family, and how they are impacting your education. You may enter "does not apply" or "choose not to answer" if the question does not apply to you or if you decide not to share.
• Is there anything else you'd like us to know? You're welcome to expand on your previous responses or share something we haven't asked about that you believe would help the committee better understand you.

This is your opportunity to share your unique story and stand out among other scholarship applicants. Each response is carefully reviewed as part of the selection process, so we encourage you to provide clear and thoughtful responses that will help us get to know you better. While AI tools can be helpful for brainstorming or editing, your personal statement should reflect your own voice and perspective. Your story matters—tell it your way.

Anyone who is pursuing college or career training and has a connection to West Michigan is encouraged to apply! Almost all scholarships are designated for people who currently live in West Michigan or used to. Whether you're a high school senior applying for your first year of college, a returning student continuing their journey, an adult going back to school, someone pursing a new trade through career training, or a working professional pursuing a graduate degree; we have scholarship opportunities for you!

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

All applicants will be notified of decisions by email to the email address provided on their application by the second week in May. See the full general application timeline here.