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frequently asked questions

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  1. When will I be able to apply for a scholarship?
    Look for scholarship application availability, application dealine, and award announcement dates in November. Application deadline and award announcement occur in March/April the following spring.

    Parents should file taxes early, if possible, to allow for earliest filing of Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) applications. FAFSA Student Aid Report results are a required attachment to many Community Foundation scholarship applications.

  2. Who is eligible to apply for a Community Foundation scholarship?
    Graduating area high school seniors may apply for The Community Foundation scholarships. The foundation currently has a variety of scholarships available for students from the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford. Several of these scholarships are also available to students at Orange High School. One fund, the Mary E. Berger Fund, is also open to students from Lynchburg and the Molly Gill Memorial Scholarship Fund is also available to students in Prince William County.

    Special Provisions Regarding Scholarships

    Due to the potential for undue pressure and subjectivity in the scholarship selection process, family members of current members of the board and administrative staff are not allowed to apply for a Community Foundation scholarship. In addition, family members of any person asked to serve on the scholarship review committee (non-board members) are not allowed to apply for a Community Foundation scholarship. All members of the Community Foundation Scholarship Committee will sign a statement of disclosure upon appointment to the committee. For the purpose of this policy, family members are defined as spouses, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, step grandchildren, siblings and their children.

    It is the responsibility of applicants to review The Community Foundation’s Board of Governors roster to ensure they are in compliance with this policy.

  3. What are the criteria for your scholarships?
    Each scholarship has different criteria. For example, some are evaluated only on the basis of merit and some consider financial need as a factor. Some focus on student athletes, others support a future field of study, like nursing or business. We encourage you to review our scholarship guidelines and to speak with your school guidance counselor about foundation scholarships that apply to your circumstances. In order to apply for a scholarship you MUST be a graduating senior (except in the specific case of renewable scholarships).

  4. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
    You may apply for more than one scholarship if you are eligible to do so – that is, if you fit into the category for that scholarship. The online application form will offer scholarship application opportunities that correlate to your high school or experience.

  5. Can I win more than one scholarship?
    Yes.

  6. How will I know if I win a scholarship?
    The Community Foundation will notify all applicants via email in late April. 

  7. If I change my college choice will it affect my scholarship application?
    No. If you are a winner, you may choose a different college and still receive the scholarship. However, if you are not accepted to college or dis-enroll entirely, the scholarship will be voided. If you are awarded a scholarship, let The Community Foundation know right away if your college choice changes so that we may update our records.

  8. Will I receive an acknowledgement of my scholarship application?
    Yes. The online application system will send you an automatic e-mail acknowledging the receipt of your scholarship application.