For applicants
Find out more about scholarships available to you and how to apply.
Learn moreThe North Carolina Community Foundation partners with donors to administer nearly 150 scholarship funds for the benefit of students across the state.
All of our scholarship opportunities are established through specific funds established at NCCF with criteria determined by the donor. In 2023, we awarded nearly $1.3 million in scholarships to over 300 students.
Most NCCF scholarships will open for 2024 applications on Jan. 16 and close on March 15.
Whether you are applying for a scholarship, serving as a scholarship administrator or are the recipient of a scholarship, we are committed to providing the tools and information you need to make the process a smooth one for you.
We are here to help with resources to support scholarship management and promotion.
Find out moreIf you’ve been awarded a scholarship, congratulations! There’s a few more steps before we can issue your scholarship check.
Learn moreThis scholarship is open to high school graduates in New Hanover County, NC, who have been accepted to an institution of higher learning. Applicants must demonstrate a strong work ethic, leadership skills, loyalty and dedication, in keeping with the character traits exemplified by Andy Hendrix. Students who have worked in the restaurant industry in New Hanover County may receive strong consideration.
Essay prompt: Applicants must address how they demonstrate Andrew's strong work ethic, leadership skills, loyalty, dedication and compassion in their essay.
Two letters of recommendation are required. One should be from a current or former employer and the other from a teacher, coach, pastor, supervisor or other qualified individual.
Graduating seniors of Ashe County High School who have been admitted as full-time students to any accredited college or university. Eligible applicants shall have maintained an overall 3.0 grade point average from grades 10 through 12; demonstrated good character, and provide evidence of family financial need. Preference will be given to, but is not limited to, graduates who have not received other scholarships or grants. Evaluations shall include an essay to assess applicants' communication skills.
Persons eligible to receive this scholarship shall possess the following qualifications: A graduating student from Starmount High School, Boonville, N.C., and Forbush High School, East Bend, N.C., with Yadkin Early College students being eligible for each school's award. Academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, and financial need are considered in selecting the recipients.
This scholarship is open to any graduating student of Franklin High School who has participated in any Franklin High School sport, demonstrated athletic excellence, and worked hard to improve his or her natural talents. The recipient may be an average student but is committed to continuing education and is an enthusiastic team member who encourages team mates to strive for excellence.
Open to graduating seniors of Harnett Central High School and Western Harnett High School who are pursuing a degree in education.
Students eligible to recieve this scholarship are North Carolina residents who are entering their freshman or sophomore year to study any engineering, science or math curriculum at NC State University, are at least 18 years of age, are involved in a community service organization (preferably two), are non-smokers and substance-free, and maintain a 2.8 GPA or its equivalent should the grading scale change.
Eligible applicants are Currituck County graduating seniors who plan to attend a qualified institution of higher learning, including a community college, college, university, or qualified trade school, with a preference given to African American students.
Eligible applicants must be a direct descendant of an alumnus or faculty or staff member of the former Dunn High School (direct descendants includes lawfully adopted children in the lineage), show evidence of acceptance by an accredited college, university or vocational/community college; plan to enroll in a full-time course of study in the field of Education; and have a minimum high school weighted academic GPA of 2.63. Additional selection criteria includes high school academic achievement, evidence of high moral character and good citizenship and involvement and leadership in high school activities, church and the community.
PLEASE NOTE: The essay for this scholarship should address the following prompt: The DHS Friends Hilda Crocker Wilson Scholarship is for students who are pursuing a career in Education. Please describe your future plans in the field of Education, what drew you to Education as a career choice, and how you will use your gifts and talents in the field of Education.
Eligible applicants must be a direct descendant of an alumnus, faculty or staff member of the former Dunn High School (direct descendants includes lawfully adopted children in the lineage); and must have been accepted and plan to attend a college or university in North Carolina. Additional selection criteria includes high school academic achievement, evidence of high moral character and good citizenship and involvement and leadership in high school activities, church and the community.
Awarded to a Watauga High School/Watauga Innovation Academy senior who exhibits academic excellence, leadership, personal effort and good citizenship. Preference will be given to individuals who want to pursue a major in environmental studies or a major in education. Demonstrated financial need may be considered as a criterion for the selection process. Essay: Carefully review the four questions outlined in the application and choose two (2) questions to write an essay of 1,000 words maximum each.
Open to graduates of Andrews High School, with preference given to students from the Town of Andrews, pursuing any degree from an accredited higher education institution.
Students from North Carolina planning to study at the undergraduate or graduate level at Virginia Tech are eligible, with a preference given to a student from Watauga County.
The scholarship will be awarded to a student who exhibits academic excellence, leadership, personal effort and good citizenship. Financial need will be considered if there are equally matched applicants, with the student with greater need being awarded the scholarship.
Scholarships for undergraduate study are awarded annually to graduating high school seniors. Scholarships for graduate study shall be awarded to any entering or existing graduate student.
This scholarship is open to graduates of a Madison County high school with a 3.5 GPA pursuing a degree in nursing or a health-related field. This award is needs-based.
Eligible applicants are Linville Ridge employees, children whose parents or legal guardians are employed by Linville Ridge, grandchildren of Linville Ridge employees, and children of retired Linville Ridge employees that were employed a minimum of 3+ years. Applicants should have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be enrolled for a minimum of 12 semester hours at an accredited institution of higher education.
Graduating seniors from a Moore County high school are eligible, with a preference given to students living in or around Aberdeen, NC and/or with a zip code of 28315.
This endowment provides scholarship to graduates of Macon County high schools with a preference for those from the town of Highlands who will attend an accredited college or university at the undergraduate or graduate level. Special consideration will be given to those students pursuing a degree in English, Linguistics, or Education. Financial need is considered but is not required. Students will be selected based upon academics, extracurricular activities and essay
This scholarship is open to a graduating senior from Watauga High School who plans to pursue a degree in a health-related field at a two- or four-year college or university, and exhibits financial need, good character and strong academics, in that order.
This opportunity is for a graduating senior from a Durham County high school with demonstrated financial need, average academic achievement, community involvement, and participation in athletics who is pursuing a two- or four-year degree at a community college, college or university. Special consideration may be given to a student who has been involved with the Swingpals, Inc. program.
Students graduating from a public or private high school located in Yadkin County, N.C., who plan to attend a private, four-year college or university located in North Carolina to obtain an undergraduate degree are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to students planning to attend Duke University. Students shall be chosen based on their high academic standing, evidence of good moral character, and service to the community. Students are eligible without regard to financial need, but award amounts may be based on the financial need of the individual student.
Graduate of a high school in Watauga County, North Carolina or Watauga County residents graduating from North Carolina School of Science and Math or the North Carolina School of the Arts or any other school for the academically gifted students. These students shall exhibit excellence in three areas (1) academic excellence, (2) physical vigor and activity, and (3) leadership in school, church or community activities.
Applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent; be an employee of the Mast General Store or the son/daughter/stepson/stepdaughter of a Mast General store employee; maintain a "C" average in high school, community college or junior college of a four-year institution; and show proof of acceptance to a community college, junior college, or a four year institution.
Students currently involved in a nursing curriculum with a preference for students who are residents of or employees in Macon County. Applicants will be judged on scholastic and leadership ability and demonstrated financial need.
Outstanding seniors graduating from West Wilkes High School, pursuing a bachelor of science degree in any of the physical, natural or biological sciences, mathematics, engineering, accounting or computer sciences from an accredited college or university, possessing academic achievements, need, extracurricular activities, and character, with a weighted G.P.A. of at least 3.5 at the end of the first semester of the senior year of high school.
Swain County residents pursuing a degree at a university or college who have volunteer experience in Swain County.
NOTE: This scholarship uses the NCCF Standard Scholarship Application; however, applicants should be certain to address their recent volunteer experiences in their application essays and should also ask those providing recommendations to address their volunteer experience in their letters.
Current seniors at a Lenoir County public high school who intend to enroll in a four-year college or university. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of having demonstrated exceptional academic performance while taking a rigorous course load, as well as having significant involvement in extracurricular activities (e.g. athletics or the arts).
African American Wake or Durham County graduating high school seniors with financial need who have overcome adversity. The student selected must be attending NC State University; the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Asheville, Wilmington, Charlotte, or Pembroke; East Carolina University, Davidson, Elon, or Duke University.
Eligible applicants are graduates from the Blowing Rock area or from Watauga County high schools who satisfy the qualifications of need, academic achievement, and religious commitment.
This scholarship is open to graduating seniors from Randolph County high schools with special consideration given to students graduating from Trinity and Wheatmore High Schools who are pursuing an undergraduate teaching (K-12) degree.
Individuals residing in North Carolina seeking higher education with plans to pursue a degree in nursing, whose parent or grandparent (by birth or adoption), stepparent or step-grandparent is or has been a migrant farmworker, are eligible to apply. Students enrolled in online programs are not eligible to receive the scholarship. The scholarship is not limited to high-school graduates.
Persons eligible to receive scholarships shall possess the following qualifications: Current and former employees of Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club, and dependents of current employees of Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club who plan to pursue a degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 hours enrolled) at one of the following: 1) 2-year community college; 2) a four-year college or university; or 3) a 2-year or 4-year specialty school related to the hospitality field of study such as a culinary school. Scholarship applicants will be evaluated based on criteria including, but not limited to, demonstrated financial need, academic performance, and other considerations such as extra-curricular activities.
Eligible applicants are girls who are graduates of a Haywood County high school seeking a degree in education from an accredited college or university. Applicants must maintain a grade point average of 3.1. or above during their senior year and should have an SAT score of at least 1400 out of 2200. The scholarship committee will also consider financial need and will strongly consider evidence of good character. This scholarship is awarded in alternating years to a student from Pisgah High School or Tuscola High School.
Persons eligible to receive this scholarship are North Carolina residents pursing educational and professional goals through enrollment at Wake or Durham Technical Community College in order to obtain an associate degree, diploma, or certificate that will further their education and/or advance their careers. Preference is given to students who identify as members of a racial or ethnic minority group, who demonstrate financial need, and who seek educational advancement as a means of overcoming advance circumstances. In honor of Raj's character, additional preference is given to students who exhibit perserverance, authenticity, leadership, and a desire to do good for others.
Eligible applicants are non-traditional students planning to attend a two or four-year college, university or technical certification program who did not finish or never attended college, with special consideration given to African American women ages over 30 years old.
Eligible students will be high school graduates wishing to pursue their education at an institution of higher learning such as a college, university, or community college. Special consideration will be given to students with immediate family members who attended, taught at, or were employed at the former Red Oak High School of Nash County, NC.
Recipients must be graduating seniors from Mount Airy High School in Mount Airy, N.C. They must display financial need and have at least a "B" grade point average upon high school graduation.
This scholarship will be awarded to students who are graduates of a high school in Ashe County, NC, or who are Ashe County residents graduating from the North Carolina School of Science and Math.
Eligible applicants are graduating seniors, or graduates, of a Yadkin County high school who have been accepted to, and plan to further their education at, an institution of higher learning, including two- or four-year colleges, community colleges, and technical schools. In addition to academic performance, recipients should possess the qualities and traits of good citizenship as demonstrated by being a person of integrity who is responsible, honest, respectful, kind, fair, compassionate, and involved in the community.
This scholarship is open to graduating seniors from Wake Forest High School (WFHS) who are current members of the WFHS Boys or Girls Soccer team, plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university after graduation, and who exemplify the strength and excellence of character that is the legacy of Ian Frazier Lewis, a former WFHS student and member of the WFHS Soccer team.
An eligible student will be a graduating senior from a Hoke County high school who has been accepted and plans to enroll in a two- or four-year accredited institution of higher learning following graduation. Preferential consideration will be given to applicants attending institutions of higher learning in this order:
Students graduating from Eastern Alamance High School who are pursuing a STEM field of study at a four-year university.
This fund provides scholarships for graduating seniors from Bunker Hill High School in Claremont, N.C.
Eligible applicants are graduating senior football or baseball players at Morehead High School who are members of the team at the end of the season. (An injured player who did not complete the entire season will still be eligible if he is considered a member of the team in good standing by the head coach.)
Applicants should be of exemplary moral character and exhibit the spirit and dedication for the person whose honor and memory the scholarship is given, Tommy Woods. The applicant must have been accepted and have plans to attend a community college, junior college, college, university, technical school or other institution of continuing education.
This fund supports graduating seniors from Fred T. Foard High School in Catawba County, NC, with plans to pursue a certificate or degree at a qualified school of higher learning (such as a trade school, community or technical college, two-or four-year college or university). Recipients must show financial need, have solid academic achievement, and demonstrate high standards of character and citizenship. Special consideration is given to a student attending a local school as a day student. The Scholarship Committee shall have the power to make recommendations to the Foundation as to deserving individual recipients and appropriate scholarship amounts in accordance with Foundation procedures in place.