Scholarship FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships

What is a scholarship fund?

Scholarship funds are charitable accounts established at the Community Foundation of Collier County by generous individuals, corporations or organizations for the purpose of assisting students in continuing their education. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.

What type of scholarships do you offer?

The Community Foundation of Collier County can set up and offer a variety of scholarships for a variety of interests. Scholarships for college and universities are the most popular.

Who is eligible to apply?

Permanent, legal residents of Collier County. Eligibility Criteria are listed with each scholarship in the Scholarship Description. Thoroughly read each scholarship’s Eligibility Criteria to determine which ones you should apply to.

Are only graduating high school seniors eligible?

No. While most of our scholarships are for graduating high school seniors, a few are open to students already enrolled in college or adults who want to go back to school such as the Daphne Scholarship, the Diano-Tougas Scholarship The Marc Scialdo Scholarship and the Working Republican Women’s Scholarship.

Do you have scholarships for vocational schools?

Yes. The Dorothy Edwards Vocational Scholarship of The Naples Woman’s Club, the Raymond D. & Sara Thomas Scholarship and the Working Republican Women’s Scholarship provide support to students who attend vocational schools.

How do I apply?

Apply online! Complete an online application for each scholarship you wish to apply to. Please review the Eligibility Criteria for each scholarship to insure you qualify. Make sure you have all of the necessary documents ready (transcripts, recommendations, FAFSA, etc.) that you will need before you start the application. These documents must be scanned and uploaded with your submission. Online applications become available December 1st and must be submitted by midnight on March 1st.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Yes. To determine which applications you should complete, refer to the specific Eligibility Criteria of each scholarship and complete an online application for each one.

If I am applying for multiple scholarships do I have to submit separate required attachments for each program?

Yes.  You will need to re-attach required documents to each scholarship you are applying to. You should pay close attention to each scholarship’s specific instructions because in some cases the required attachments and the nature of the essay may be different.

What financial documentation is required for those scholarships for which financial need is a consideration?

You must include a copy of your SAR (Student Aid Report) from FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is an application students and their families must complete in order to be considered for federal financial aid. The SAR received by the student is a report that summarizes the student’s financial need and provides the official “Expected Family Contribution” number. Please provide the complete report. You must also include a copy of pages 1 and 2 of your family’s most current tax return.

When will I be notified?

Scholarship awards will be announced May 1st.

If I am awarded a scholarship, do I receive the check?

Should you be awarded, scholarship payments will be sent to your college financial aid office after you submit verification of enrollment.

If I receive a scholarship one year, will I automatically receive an award for the following year?

Not all scholarships are renewable. If the scholarship you received is renewable, it is your responsibility to contact the Community Foundation if you plan to re-enroll for the following year. The Community Foundation requires students submit a college transcript and verification of re-enrollment before considering any renewals.

If I want to send a thank you note, where do I send it?

The Community Foundation strongly encourages all scholarship recipients to extend their gratitude to donors who generously provide higher-education scholarship assistance.

Address a thank you note to the name of the scholarship you received, and mail it to:

Community Foundation of Collier County
2400 Tamiami Trail N., #300
Naples, FL 34103