Scholarship FAQs - The Community Foundation

2025-26 FAFSA

Submitting a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required for consideration of Federal financial aid assistance for students who desire to attend college. The FAFSA for the 2025 – 26 year will be available to students on or before December 1, 2024. For more information on FAFSA, check out 2025-26 FAFSA Form Coming Soon. This resource will answer many questions for students and families as they navigate the financial aid process.

Are all scholarships need based?

The majority of scholarship donors have elected to make demonstrated need one of the considerations during the selection process. However, that is not the case with all scholarships at The Community Foundation.

How is financial need determined?

Students/families seeking financial assistance should begin the process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through detailed information provided on the application, a Student Aid Report (SAR) is issued. The SAR, in turn, is submitted with college applications. The Community Foundation uses the Notification of Financial Assistance from a student’s chosen college/university, to determine how much financial need remains, after scholarships, grants, and loans available to the student are communicated from the respective college/university financial aid office.

Is there a way to estimate my Student Aid Index (SAI)?

Yes, the Federal Student Aid Estimator is a helpful tool for estimating financial aid and calculating your Student Aid Index (SAI).

Do I have to re-apply if I received a Foundation Scholarship that is renewable?

Yes. If you received a renewable scholarship, you will required to submit an online follow-up form each year to make certain you still qualify to receive the scholarship. If you receive a renewable scholarship, you will receive an annual email notification of the deadline for your follow-up form for renewal.

Scholarship requirements are strictly enforced.

Is an unofficial transcript of my grades okay?

Yes. We prefer an official transcript but realize at some schools an unofficial one is more easily available.

How is the scholarship paid?

The scholarship award is sent directly to the college or university along with a student’s name and identification number. If a recipient completes the required follow-up form in a timely manner, scholarship checks are mailed out in July.

What is a Financial Aid Award Notification?

A Financial Aid Award Notification, is a document a student receives upon acceptance to a college/university. This letter is sent from the Financial Aid Office of the college/university. The document outlines the cost of attendance and financial assistance for the student, and utilizes data from a student’s FAFSA application. The financial assistance outlined may include Federal/State grant awards, scholarships awarded, student loan eligibility, and work study eligibility.

Financial Aid Award Notifications are required as part of the application process for all Community Foundation’s needs-based scholarships. Financial Aid Award Notifications are usually sent from a college/university Financial Aid Office to a prospective student in April.