Scholarships
Scholarships
Helping Students Change the World
We believe that everyone, regardless of their background, should have access to educational opportunities. Education not only enhances individual economic prospects but also opens doors and transforms lives. By increasing the number of people with quality education and training beyond high school, we uplift the entire community.
$1 Million+ in Scholarships Annually
We award more than $1 million in scholarships annually thanks to the charitable support and passion of our fundholders. These funds, drawn from more than 90 distinct scholarship programs, support more than 400 students. Scholarships offered through Community Foundation Tampa Bay may be need- or merit-based and are available to students attending universities, colleges, or technical schools.
How Scholarships Work
We partner with you, your community group, your business, or your foundation to develop and award scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education at universities, colleges, technical/vocational schools, or professional certification programs. You can get started with an initial contribution of $100,000.
Scholarship Funds Are:
- Name your scholarship with Community Foundation Tampa Bay.
- Establish a scholarship in honor or memory of a loved one.
- Create a scholarship for your company’s employees and their family members.
- Define the basic eligibility criteria for your scholarship.
- Enjoy learning about the students your fund supports.
- We handle all the administration to manage your scholarship fund.
- We facilitate the committee review process to select recipients.
- We ensure adherence to best practices and comply with all legal guidelines and regulations.
- We ensure that your charitable intent is maintained for generations to come.
Other Ways to Support Scholarships
Established in 2017, the FUSE Scholarship program supports low-income students enrolled in the FUSE transfer program, which facilitates a smooth transition from eight Florida State colleges (including Hillsborough Community College and St. Petersburg College) to the University of South Florida.
- Your contribution is matched 1-to-1, doubling its impact.
- Each student receives up to $5,500 to aid in their degree completion.
- Recipients seamlessly transition from local Tampa Bay community colleges to a four-year university.
Volunteer on Our Scholarship Committee
Each year, Community Foundation Tampa Bay partners with community volunteers to evaluate scholarship applications. Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing post-secondary education at universities, colleges, technical/vocational schools, or professional certification programs. We welcome volunteers to assist in assessing scholarship applications.
- 18 years of age or older.
- Connection with Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, or Citrus counties.
- Access to a computer and basic computer skills.
- Not a current scholarship recipient of Community Foundation Tampa Bay.
- Neither you nor your immediate family members will be eligible to apply for a scholarship from Community Foundation Tampa Bay while you are actively serving as a Scholarship Committee member.
- Up to an hour for orientation and training on our online review system.
- Approximately 4 to 6 hours of application review at your own pace during a two-week period.
- About 1 to 2 hours for virtual committee meetings, discussing applications with fellow committee members, and making award recommendations.
FAQs
The Foundation carefully administers your fund, ensuring compliance with legal regulations and adherence to best practices. Your charitable intent is maintained for generations, ensuring your scholarship continues to support students in meaningful ways.
Yes, you can name your scholarship in honor or memory of a loved one, ensuring their legacy continues to make a difference in students' lives. The Community Foundation Tampa Bay works with you to customize the fund based on your wishes.
Scholarship recipients may attend universities, colleges, technical/vocational schools, or professional certification programs. The Foundation's scholarships support students pursuing a variety of post-secondary education paths.
The Foundation manages all administrative aspects, including fund oversight, the selection process, and compliance with legal and best practice guidelines. A committee review process, of which you may choose to be a part of, ensures that recipients are chosen fairly and align with the intent of the scholarship.
Yes! You can contribute to existing scholarships, such as the FUSE Scholarship, which helps low-income students transition from community colleges to the University of South Florida. Donations to this program are matched 1-to-1, doubling your impact.
You have the flexibility to define eligibility criteria for your scholarship, such as academic performance, financial need, or specific fields of study. You can also select whether to create a one-time award or an ongoing scholarship, and customize the amount of the award to meet your goals.
Yes, you can contribute additional funds to your scholarship fund at any time. Adding to your fund helps increase the scholarship’s impact and allows you to support more students in achieving their educational goals.
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