Apply for a Scholarship

CommunityGiving and our partner foundations believe the community members who will have the most impact on our community in the future are our young people like you. We believe that each and every one of you must have a fair chance to take advantage of the education available to you. That’s why we encourage you to apply for scholarships at every opportunity.

Last year we awarded more than $273,000 to students who applied for scholarships through our easy online application portal. These students – just like you – live or go to school all over Minnesota and the Upper Midwest and are planning to attend a 4-year college or a trade or technical school after completing high school.

Find out how to apply for scholarships below. More than 60 different scholarships are waiting for you on our website, so don’t miss out on your chance to receive assistance in paying for your education.

“Upon the subject of education . . . I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in."
– Abraham Lincoln

Looking for Scholarships

When should students start looking for scholarships? The summer before their senior year in high school is a good time to start researching. Collect deadlines, websites, start preparing essays and other information. Scholarships deadlines and applications vary greatly, so it is important to be prepared.

When should students stop looking for scholarships? Scholarships are available for all college levels. Students should continue their search until their last semester of college.

Types of scholarships available and where to find

• National Scholarship-websites
• Scholarships through your college-college website and financial aid office
• Local scholarships-the school guidance office

CommunityGiving Scholarships

To view scholarship information on our website, click below.
Are you currently a:

COLLEGE STUDENT

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

Online applications open on December 1, but deadlines vary so check back early and often.

Helpful Hints for completing scholarship applications:

• Review criteria to ensure you are eligible.
• Collect items needed to complete application. Prepare essays in advance.
• Use the correct method to apply for scholarships.
• Deadlines and submittal requirements vary greatly – check them carefully.
• Online applications: typically require a profile setup with an email address
  • Anticipate that all information will be communicated via email
  • Use a valid email address that you use on regular basis
• Once you are ready to apply for an online scholarship, review the tutorial and start the application

What to do when you are awarded a scholarship:

• Review award letter carefully.
  • Most scholarships require additional information such as a scholarship agreement and information about the college.
  • Some scholarships require transcripts to be submitted.
• Complete any additional documents and note any other deadlines.
  • Some scholarships only pay after the 1^st semester and require submittal of a transcript.
  • Multi-year scholarships typically require transcript submittal.
• Inform your college financial aid office of the scholarship.
• Send a thank you note to the donor.

ALREADY RECEIVED A SCHOLARSHIP AND NEED TO ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT? CLICK HERE!