Scholarship Information
Scholarship Funds within The Community Foundation can be set up to benefit students from particular geographic areas or schools, attending certain post-secondary institutions, or entering certain fields of study.
The Foundation’s status as a public charity ensures donors – to these and other funds – the maximum tax deductions available under the law.
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Scholarship Program General Information & Instructions
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Scholarship Program is made up of more than 60 different scholarship funds established by individuals, firms or organizations wanting to assist individuals in furthering their educations. Students apply to the program and, if eligible, can be awarded grants from one or more of these different funds.
Scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed in the spring of each year.
Click here to view/download Scholarship Applications.
Click here to view the List of Scholarships.
The following are questions commonly asked about The Scholarship Program.
What is the application and grant cycle for the Scholarship Program?
| January: | Scholarship applications are available to the general public. |
| January – mid-March: | Complete and mail scholarship application along with all support materials to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. |
| March 15: | Last day applications are accepted. |
| Late April: | Scholarship Committee meets and selects recipients. |
| Mid May: | Applicants notified, by mail, about Committee’s decisions. |
| Late May - Mid July: | Final materials received from all recipients. |
| Late July: | Checks are sent to the institutions. |
Who is eligible to apply?
Each scholarship fund has specific eligibility criteria that
were defined by the donor when the fund was established. Please
read through the specific criteria to see if you are eligible
for any of the funds.
Are all scholarships for Tennessee
residents?
The majority of our scholarships have a residency requirement
of Tennessee. There are a few that do not, so please read
the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.
How much does it cost to apply for
a scholarship?
There is no charge to apply.
Are the scholarships awarded sufficient
to pay the cost of my college education?
No. These scholarships are intended to provide only partial
support. In addition to applying for scholarships through
The Foundation, you should look into other financial aid resources
such as federal grants, loans and work-study awards. A complete
financial package can be put together by your high school
counselor or your college financial aid office and may include
a portion of each of the above types of financial aid.
If I am awarded a scholarship, how
much will I get?
Most scholarships offer varying award amounts, which range
from $500 to $2,500, depending on the size of the particular
fund, the number of qualified applicants, and the wishes of
the donors.
Where can I go to school with these
scholarships?
Unless noted differently under the scholarship description,
the scholarships are for accredited schools anywhere in the
United States. Unfortunately, we cannot make awards outside
of the United States.
May I receive grants from more than
one scholarship?
Yes, you can apply to all the scholarships for which you are
eligible and can be selected as a recipient by any or all.
How do I apply?
You must submit the following materials:
- Completed application form
- High School and/or College Transcripts (sealed in a separate envelope)
- Two appraisal letters (sealed in a separate envelope)
Applicants for the Genesco Scholarship, Nash Scholarship, Eloise Pitts O’More Scholarship, Sensing Scholarship, DBI Scholarship, Col. Richard Dawson Scholarship, Jimmy Edwards Scholarship, William "Bill" Richards Scholarship, Juliann and Joe Maxwell Scholarship, or Turner Family Scholarship must submit the appropriate forms included within the application. Applicants to the Student Education Loan Fund (SELF) should contact The Foundation for the appropriate loan application.
When should I apply?
Your application, sealed appraisal letters, sealed transcripts
and other supporting material must be received by The Community
Foundation on or before March 15 at 4:30 p.m., central time.
Your transcripts can come directly from your school if it
is the policy of that institution not to give official documents
to students. Transcripts must arrive before the March 15 deadline.
To ensure that your application is on time, you should request
your transcript and appraisal letters before March 1.
When mailing your application, be sure to allow sufficient time for delivery. It is important that ALL materials, including transcripts, appraisal form and financial information be mailed together with your application and/or arrive before the March 15 deadline.
Materials received after the deadline are considered incomplete and cannot be reviewed. We are unable to accept faxed or e-mailed materials. Due to the number of applications that are received, we are unable to extend the deadline for any reason. Applications must be received (regardless of when they are postmarked) by the deadline.
Please mail or deliver you application
to:
Scholarship Committee
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
3833 Cleghorn Avenue #400
Nashville, Tennessee 37215
Deadline for Applications: March 15 at 4:30 p.m. central time
Do I need to pay scholarship money
back?
No. These are charitable grants that do not need to be paid
back. However, the Student Education Loan Fund (SELF) is a
loan program and must be repaid.
How are the scholarship decisions
made?
A selection committee appointed by the Board of The Community
Foundation and comprised of impartial Middle Tennesseans will
meet after the deadline to review each application and select
the recipients based on the criteria established by the donor.
How will my application be evaluated?
In evaluating the applicants, the committee will consider
the applicants’ academic records, test scores, extracurricular
activities, work experience, community involvement, and recommendations
about leadership and character. The selection process shall
balance merit and financial need with an emphasis on financial
need. No student athlete will be excluded from consideration,
but athletic ability alone will not be the deciding factor.
If I am awarded a scholarship, do
I get the check?
No. Award checks will be made payable to the institution and
mailed shortly after selection, prior to the beginning of
the Fall semester.
What can my scholarship be used for?
The scholarships are for any educational expenses: tuition
and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and miscellaneous
expenses.
If I am awarded a scholarship, what
are my responsibilities?
Scholarship recipients must attend college on a full-time
basis in the fall of the year in which the scholarships are
awarded and continue in college that entire academic year
without interruption, barring illness or emergency. Recipients
are responsible for having The Foundation notified of their
enrollment each quarter or semester by the school.
If I receive a scholarship one year,
will I automatically receive an award for the following year?
No. In almost all cases, students must complete the application
process again in order to be considered for a renewal scholarship
award.
When would I be notified?
Recipients will be notified by mid-May.
