Scholarships - Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham

SCHOLARSHIPS

Creating opportunities for success
The Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarships to help individuals, families and businesses create a brighter future by encouraging education.

During 2008, we were able to award more than $408,000 in scholarships to 100 students who might not otherwise have been able to afford college tuition. We expect to do the same in 2009, when we get the final numbers.

Many other scholarship applicants did not receive assistance from us — not because they were not deserving, but because we did not have enough money available to distribute. You can help send enterprising students to college by making a gift to the Community Foundation College Scholarship Fund or by setting up a named scholarship fund.

FOR DONORS
Establishing or adding to a Scholarship Fund
You can get the help you need to quickly set up and administer a Scholarship Fund. Our Scholarship Manager makes sure that information is distributed to guidance counselors and potential applicants; applications are processed promptly and contain complete information; checks are written and gifts acknowledged promptly when the fund receives additional donations.

Contact us to learn more about how you can establish a scholarship fund or contact Erin Stephenson directly at 327-3805.

You can make a gift in any amount today to The Community Foundation Scholarship Fund or the Award for Excellence benefiting Ramsay students by writing a check, directing a stock transfer or on-line. Click on the DONATE NOW button below for your secure on-line gift.

FOR STUDENTS
Scholarship selection process
Volunteer review committees select recipients based on information submitted by the applicant. Some scholarship funds have specific eligibility requirements established by the donor, such as enrollment at a particular high school or specializing in a particular field of study. Most scholarship funds base selection on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, volunteer/community service or other talents. Committees for different funds meet on different deadlines. All applicants typically are notified before the school year ends.

How to apply
The Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship funds, many with the name of the donor, school district or field of education served. See below for eligibility and deadlines. In many cases, you will need to talk with your school guidance counselor to get an application.

Click icon to download CFGB information

Community Foundation Scholarships: Several scholarships are available for students at public high schools in the Birmingham City School system.

The Community Foundation Scholarship provides $2,000 per year for one student at any high school in the Birmingham system. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years. Support comes from from the Community Foundation Scholarship Fund, I Have a Dream Foundation Fund, Herman E. & Eva E. Sellers Helping Hand Fund and the Bessie Estell Fund of the Community Foundation. The next application deadline is Feb. 1, 2010. Download and read instructions before filling out application.

Click icon to download AE information

Award for Excellence Scholarships provide $3,000 per year for one male and one female student, limited to Ramsay students only. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years. The Award for Excellence was established through the Community Foundation by two Ramsay High School alumni. The next application deadline is Feb. 1, 2010. Download and read instructions before filling out application.

Click icon to download ELG information

ELG Scholarships: Applications are limited to legal descendents (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.) of clients who have been notified of their qualifications through a separate mailing. Separate policies and instructions apply, and a separate ELG application is required. The next application deadline is in March 1, 2010. Download full document and read ELG Policies and Instructions before filling out ELG Scholarship Application.

Giving back

Ramsay grads give back

2008winners

Christopher Brown and Vinetra King have been named the first winners of the Award for Excellence Scholarships, awarded through a grantmaking fund of the Community Foundation established by Ramsay alums Tom and Julia Crawford.

Willie T. Grant
When Willie Grant decided to become an engineer, back in the 1950s, it wasn’t a common or easy choice for a black youth. Today, he looks back on a successful career with gratitude for the doors that were opened to him in order to make that career possible.

Yet Grant still sees a need to encourage young African-Americans interested in the sciences, in areas such as engineering and medicine. With the Seeds of Love Scholarship Fund, he is giving a boost to the next generation, especially in the South.