Connecticut Community Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are now open!

Please note the new application deadlines for this year, as listed below:

Deadline Extended: Scholarship renewal applications are due by January 30, 2026.

First-time applications are due by February 17, 2026.

Over the years, our big-hearted donors have recognized the importance of a college education in helping residents of our region succeed in life. More than 160 donors have created funds that make it possible each year for Connecticut Community Foundation to award college scholarships to hundreds of students.

We are now one of the largest college scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region and we invite you to apply.

Below are the categories of college scholarships awarded by the Foundation and the application process for each.

NOTE: The Foundation uses an online platform (SmarterSelect) for scholarship application and reporting.  

Apply for a General College Scholarship

Most of the Foundation’s scholarships fall into this general category and the same application form can be used for all of these scholarships. To be eligible for most of these scholarships, students must reside in our 21-town area, possess a B- or higher cumulative academic average, and plan to attend an accredited college or university in the United States for undergraduate studies (as a new, returning, or current college student). Additionally, in order to apply for the Foundation’s general scholarships as a new applicant, students must have a FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI) below $40,000. However, some scholarships may have unique eligibility criteria or exceptions, so please carefully review our complete list of general scholarships.

• View the list of our general scholarships and criteria for applying to each. The form is downloadable and usable as a worksheet to determine your eligibility for each scholarship before applying.
• Renewing your scholarship: If you have received a general scholarship from the Foundation in the past, re-apply by January 30, 2026. (Note – this is the new, extended deadline for renewals only!)
• First-time applicants: If you have never received a general scholarship from the Foundation before, apply by February 17, 2026.