Frequently Asked Questions about Scholarships

The Community Foundation administers a wide variety of scholarship funds for Memphis-area residents and others attending post-secondary, technical and vocational institutions of higher learning.

All of the funds have specific criteria that applicants must meet. The donor or advisory committees defined the eligibility criteria when the fund was established. However, there are general criteria that apply to most funds:

Applicants must:

  • Plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year college or university or an accredited vocational or technical institution.
  • Enroll as a full-time student (12 credit hours undergraduate)
  • Demonstrate academic achievement
  • Demonstrate economic need
Yes. However, you must submit a separate application and attachments for each scholarship fund for which you apply. Students may make additional copies of the application form provided.
There is no charge to apply.
No. Scholarship awards are intended to provide only partial support. Scholarships offer varying award amounts depending on the size of the fund, the number of qualified applicants and the criteria of the fund. Students should investigate additional sources of financial aid such as those listed in financial aid offices of high schools, colleges and public libraries. High school and college counselors can also provide information for federal financial aid.
Most of the scholarships are for schools in the United States. Exceptions are noted in the scholarship descriptions.
Generally, scholarships used for educational costs such as tuition, fees, books and supplies are not taxable. However, any portion of the scholarship used for room and board or miscellaneous expenses is taxable.

All information received is confidential and will only be reviewed by the appropriate scholarship review committee members who agree to maintain confidentiality.

Each scholarship fund has its own advisory committee that reviews applications and makes recommendations for scholarship recipients to the Community Foundation's Board of Governors.
No. Scholarships are charitable grants.
You will be notified after the selection committees meet and before June 15 in most cases.
No. In most cases, students must complete the entire application process again in order to be considered for a renewal scholarship. However, most scholarship committees give some preference to renewing applicants, subject to student performance.
Address correspondence letter to "Scholarship Committee" and mail it to the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, 1900 Union Ave., Memphis. TN 38104.