Scholarships

Creating opportunities for success

The Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarships to help individuals, families and businesses create a brighter future by encouraging education.

During 2011, we were able to award $445,750 in scholarships to 119 students who might not otherwise have been able to afford college tuition. Since the beginning of this Community Foundation program, donors have made possible almost $3 million total to help young men and women through scholarships.

Many other scholarship applicants did not receive assistance from us — not because they were not deserving, but because we did not have enough money available to distribute. You can help send enterprising students to college by making a gift to the Community Foundation College Scholarship Fund or by setting up a named scholarship fund.

For students, parents and guidance counselors

If you are a student seeking assistance with a Community Foundation scholarship, contact Koko McCall, Scholarship Manager.

  • Choosing scholarship winners: Volunteer review committees review information submitted by applicants and consider eligibility requirements, such as enrollment at a particular high school or specializing in a particular field of study.  Criteria include financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, volunteer/community service or other talents. All applicants typically are notified before the school year ends.
  • How you can apply: Follow the eligibility requirements and deadlines stated in the guidelines below. Guidelines also may be available from your guidance counselor if you are a student at school in the Birmingham City system. Please note that each scholarship has its own criteria, so read the guidelines carefully before applying or contact Scholarship Manager Koko McCall if you have questions.

APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR STUDENTS (click on links below)

  • Award for Excellence (open to Ramsay High School students only): AwardforExcellence2012
  • Community Foundation Scholarship (open to students at high schools in the Birmingham School System): CFGBscholarship2012
  • ELG Scholarships (open to students invited by a separate mailing): 2012ELG

For donors

If you are interested in setting up a Scholarship Fund with a minimum gift of $50,000, contact Erin Stephenson.

  • Establishing or adding to a Scholarship Fund: You can make a gift in any amount today to the Community Foundation Scholarship Fund benefiting students at Birmingham City Schools or the Award for Excellence benefiting students at Ramsay High School by writing a check, directing a stock transfer or on-line.
  • How we serve: Our Scholarship Manager makes sure that information is distributed to guidance counselors and potential applicants; applications are processed promptly and contain complete information; checks are written and gifts acknowledged promptly when the fund receives additional donations.