Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I only have to fill out ONE application for all the scholarship funds I’m eligible for?
A: The application is a multi-step process. The first portion of your application is the initial application which allows you to apply to over 80 scholarship opportunities.

When you submit this portion of the application, you MAY NOT be finished with the unique scholarship opportunities you are eligible for.

For some opportunities, the initial application is all that’s needed, and you will be automatically considered (you will see “submitted” next to those opportunities). For other scholarship opportunities, you may be required to answer a few supplemental questions, upload an essay, or submit a third-party request for letters of recommendation (you will see “draft” next to those opportunities). Please click on each of those opportunities to see what supplemental information is needed. Once you satisfy those requirements, you will click “submit application” on each opportunity.

Q: How much does it cost to apply for a scholarship?
A: There is no charge to apply.

Q: Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
A: Yes, you can apply to all the funds for which you are eligible and may be selected as a recipient of more than one scholarship.

Q: Do I need to submit letters of recommendation?
A: If you are an applicant from a school in the Roanoke Valley (also Wythe and Smyth Counties), you MUST submit two letters of recommendation with your application. After you submit your initial application there is a section in the application where you will need to request letters from an outside third party. The two email addresses you insert for the first scholarship you apply to will be copied for all other opportunities that you are eligible for. You will only need those two letters for all opportunities.  If you submit your application without requesting the letters, your application will not be considered. 

Q: Do I need to pay the scholarship money back?
A: Unlike student loans, these are charitable grants that do not need to be repaid.

Q: If I am awarded a scholarship, do I receive the check?
A: Typically, checks are sent directly to your college or university in your name on or around June 30th.

Q: If I receive a scholarship one year, will I automatically receive an award for the following year?
A: Not all scholarships are renewable.  If the scholarship you received is renewable, it is your responsibility to contact the Foundation if you plan to re-enroll for the following year.  The Foundation typically requires an unofficial transcript before considering any renewals.  It is important to do this early so that others can receive a scholarship if you do not plan on continuing your studies. 

Q: When will I be notified if I am selected for a scholarship?
A: Scholarship awards are made between May and August depending on the scholarship.  If selected you will receive an email from the Foundation. 

Q: What do scholarship funds typically cover?
A: Typically, scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books, fees and other appropriate educational expenses.

Q: If I want to send a thank you note, where do I send it?
A: The Foundation strongly encourages all scholarship recipients to extend their gratitude to donors who generously provide higher education scholarship assistance.  Address a thank you note to “Scholarship Advisory Committee”, name of the scholarship you received, and mail it to:
Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
P.O. Box 1124
Martinsville, VA  24114

Back to top