Apply for Scholarships

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $700k awarded to local students each year.

The 2024 application closed on March 1, 2024. If you have already applied, you may be eligible for over 100 scholarships – read the full list – including ones for:

  • LGBTQ+ students
  • Cape Verdean students
  • Engineering students
  • Medical and nursing students
  • Student-athletes
  • Trade school students
  • And so many more!


Scholarship Decisions
Decisions will be made regarding scholarships by late April. Watch your email inbox for decision information!

Save the Date!
Our annual scholarship awards reception will be held on May 8, 2024 in the evening at Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford. If you are a scholarship recipient or family member, please save this date.

Who Should Apply

  • High school seniors pursuing a 2- or 4-year degree or certificate program
  • College students pursuing a 2- or 4-year degree or certificate program
  • Adults returning to school to pursue a certificate or earn an undergraduate or advanced degree.

Apply Online

The 2024 application deadline is March 1, 2024. The application opens on December 19, 2023.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships. You will also find additional scholarship opportunities accessible from our online portal which require separate applications.

Click on the button below to create an account or to log in to apply.

Application Deadline

Most scholarships follow our spring cycle with an application deadline of March 1st. However, deadlines may vary. We do not accept incomplete or late applications. All letters of recommendation and transcripts must be completed by the deadline.

Online Scholarship Portal

There are multiple scholarship opportunities through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships from the SouthCoast Community Foundation are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships. You will also find additional scholarship opportunities accessible from our online scholarship portal which require separate applications.

Review the Application Materials

The specific materials needed for each scholarship are detailed in the online application. In general, you should be prepared to submit:

  • Personal essays
  • Letter of recommendation (strongly encouraged, but not required)
  • Most recent transcript clearly stating your name, school name, and GPA

Scholarship FAQs

When will the scholarship application be available?

Applications are available through our website on December 19, 2023 and close on March 1, 2024. However, there are a few scholarship deadlines that vary (those are noted on the scholarship opportunities page).

What scholarship programs do you offer?

The SouthCoast Community Foundation manages 60+ scholarships with varied eligibility requirements defined when the fund was established. Review our scholarship opportunities for descriptions of all the scholarships and to learn if you are eligible.

Are scholarships renewable (I would receive it more than once)?

Some scholarships are renewable, however, many are not renewable. If you receive a scholarship award that is renewable for one or more years, your notification letter will indicate it as such.

To renew your scholarship, you must complete the online Scholarship Redemption Form each semester you are eligible. Your transcript will verify that you maintained your enrollment and met all requirements relevant to your scholarship. Redemption Forms without all the requested materials will not be processed.

Are scholarships open to current college students, graduate students, or non-traditional students?

Most scholarships require that you be a graduating high school senior. However, there are some scholarships that are open to current college students, graduates, and non-traditional students. Read through the list of scholarship opportunities to determine if you may be eligible for one.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships from the SouthCoast Community Foundation are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships. You will also find additional scholarship opportunities accessible from our online scholarship portal which require separate applications.

What email address should I use to create my login?

Use an email that you will check quite often. This should not be a high school email address, since you may need to access it after you graduate.

What does the application process involve and what is required to apply?

For most applications, you should complete our Universal App, which will automatically match you with scholarships for which you are eligible. Most scholarships require an electronically submitted transcript, letter of recommendation (recommended, but not required), and essay.

Where can I find more resources for completing the application?

Application Tutorials

Do I need to submit a FAFSA form other financial form?

No, you do not. To simplify the application process for students, beginning in 2024, the SouthCoast Community Foundation has eliminated the need to submit a FAFSA or other financial documents.

If I am awarded a scholarship, how do I receive the funds, and what do they cover?

Scholarship recipients must first complete a redemption form, including class registration documentation. Then, scholarship checks are sent directly to the school’s student account or financial aid office. Scholarship payments are made from the SouthCoast Community Foundation on the student’s behalf for qualified educational expenses.

Read inspirational stories about our scholarship recipients.