Austin Community Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Austin Community Foundation

Austin Community Foundation manages more than 60 different scholarships, each with its own eligibility rules. To make things easier, they use one general application that automatically matches you to the scholarships you qualify for. Think of it as a single doorway that opens to many possibilities — but you still need to do the work to make your application stand out.

Important 2026 dates
- Application opens: January 15, 2026
- Application(s) due: March 25, 2026 (by 11:59 p.m. CT)
- Review period: April 15–30, 2026
- Award notifications and regret letters sent: Week of May 15, 2026
- Deadline to accept or defer awards: June 30, 2026
- Scholarship payments sent: Week of July 15, 2026

How to apply (simple steps)
1. Complete the general application using the provided instructions.
2. You’ll be automatically matched with awards for which you qualify.
3. Finish any additional questions for the scholarships you’re matched to.

Application tips (from a teacher)
- Use the short-answer questions to show who you are beyond grades and activities. Tell a clear story: why you’re pursuing this path, what you’ve learned from challenges, and how you’ll use the scholarship. Real people read these — be genuine and specific, not vague or overgeneral.
- Proofread. Read your answers aloud or have someone else review them for clarity and grammar.
- Have your transcripts ready. Official transcripts are preferred, but recent unofficial transcripts are better than none.
- Recommendation letters: a few scholarships require a recommendation. The Foundation uses an online form your recommender completes (not a file upload). Ask your teacher, counselor, coach, or mentor early — send the request email as soon as possible so they have time to respond. Provide them a brief summary of your goals and activities to help them write a stronger recommendation.
- Start early. Some scholarships add supplemental questions after you submit the general application, so leave time to complete those follow-ups.

If you treat the application like a class assignment—start early, be thoughtful, and ask for help—you’ll give reviewers a clear picture of who you are and why you deserve the award.