Scholarship FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome questions! Questions we hear a lot are listed below, and more information can be found in the Scholarship Guidebook.

How do I apply for a scholarship with the Community Foundation?

Every scholarship applicant must first create an online account, and then submit an online application. If you previously applied for our scholarships, you already have an account. If you have an existing account, it is IMPERATIVE that you NOT create a new account. Use the username and/or password retrieval system if you have forgotten your username or password.

Click HERE to create an account or to log in to the system.

When is the Community Foundation's online general scholarship application available?

The Community Foundation’s 2024-2025 online general scholarship application is available February 15, 2024 at 12:01 a.m. EST.

What is the deadline for submitting 2024-2025 scholarship applications?

The 2024-2025 scholarship application must be submitted by April 15, 2024, before 11:59 p.m. EST. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline. No exceptions! We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible and that you not wait until the last day.

Am I required to complete a new scholarship application every year?

YES. A new scholarship application must be completed each year. This includes renewable scholarships. We must have updated information in our system to renew scholarships from the previous academic year.

Why do I see multiple scholarship applications when I log on?

We offer multiple separate and distinct scholarship applications each year. Everyone is eligible to apply to our general application that opens on February 15, 2024. All other applications have distinct eligibility criteria and separate application processes.

Do I need to obtain letters of reference?

No. Letters of reference are not required.

Can I submit a paper application?

No. Only applications submitted online through the website will be considered.

How does a first-time user log into the online application system?

All applicants that have never used our online system must create a new account to log into the system. Click HERE to create an account in NextGen software.  Be sure to keep your password in a safe place as you will need this throughout the year if you receive scholarship(s). Also make note of the answer to your “Secret Question” as the answer is case-sensitive and you will need this answer to retrieve your password should you forget it.

Why is my email address so important to my application?

The email address that you use to create your account is essentially your “username.” If you change your email address, be sure to update your online scholarship account with your new email address. We communicate with applicants and awardees exclusively through email, including notifications of scholarships awarded, necessary documentation, and invitations to scholarship events. If any of our email notifications to your account email “bounces” back to us or is undeliverable, your scholarship will be awarded to the runner-up. We cannot stress how important it is that you notify us of any change to your email address. It is the “life-line” between the Community Foundation and the scholarship applicant.

What do I do if I forget my password or username?

If you have forgotten your password, please click on the “Forgot your password?” link on the Sign In page. The system will ask you to enter the email address registered to your account. Next, you will need to answer your secret question for which the answer is case-sensitive. A temporary password will be sent to your email account. This email will come from the email address notify@ngwebsolutions.com (User Recovery). If you forget your username, use this same procedure to retrieve it as well.

Can I create a new account instead of retrieving my username or password?

Absolutely not! Do NOT create a new account if you have forgotten your password or username. Use the online password/username retrieval system, which only takes a couple of extra seconds. You can only create one account using one email address; multiple accounts using different email addresses will invalidate your application. If you have a renewable scholarship from 2023-2024, you will forfeit the renewed scholarship for 2024-2025 if you create a new account. You need to log on to your existing account to meet your renewal scholarship requirements.

Will the Community Foundation have access to my password?

No. The Community Foundation will not have access to your secure password if you forget or lose the information.

Can I make changes to my application?

Prior to submitting the application, you may make edits/changes/updates as often as you like. However, once your application is submitted, modifications cannot be made.

Will I know if I have errors on my application before I submit it?

When you complete a page and hit the “save and continue” button, you will receive immediate notification if a field requires attention. You will have to correct the data before you are able to save and continue to the next application page. The errors will appear under each required question field with a note that reads “*Answer Required.”

How will I know my completed application was received?

Once you submit your completed application, you will see a “Congratulations!” message and a green check mark and message stating, “Your online application has been submitted!” You will also receive an email confirmation.  Please note: Volume is expected to be high on the last days of the application period, which may cause delays or perhaps the inability to submit your application. That is why we strongly suggest you submit it as soon as possible!

The Community Impact team is here to help – call 301.695.7660 to speak with someone directly.