Rochester Area Community Foundation Scholarships Opening Soon
Offered by Rochester Area Community Foundation
About This Scholarship
Rochester Area Community Foundation runs one of upstate New York's largest unified scholarship programs, hosting its Consolidated Scholarship Application and several stand-alone applications in an online Scholarship Portal that is open from December 1 through February 28 annually. One consolidated submission puts students in the running for the many donor-established funds they match.
Award sizes span a wide range — some scholarships are single payments of $250, while others total $40,000 paid as $10,000 per year over four years. The foundation frames its awards as partial support to layer on top of other aid rather than full funding. Most scholarships weigh grades, though some emphasize other strengths, and nearly all require residency in the Rochester area.
Eligible schools include accredited colleges and universities as well as technical and trade schools; many post-secondary funds require attendance in Monroe County, but not all. There is never a charge to apply, submissions are accepted in the portal until 11:59 p.m. on deadline day, and award notifications go out by email in the spring.
Eligibility
- Nearly all scholarships require residency in the Rochester, New York area
- Open to high school seniors and current students headed to accredited colleges, universities, or technical/trade schools
- Many post-secondary scholarships require attendance at a school in Monroe County, though not all
- Most funds consider grades; some emphasize other areas of performance
How To Apply
- Open the RACF Scholarship Portal between December 1 and February 28 and complete the Consolidated Scholarship Application
- Complete any stand-alone applications for funds not covered by the consolidated form
- Submit by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline day; watch for email award notifications in the spring
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost anything to apply for RACF scholarships?
No. The foundation states there is never any charge to apply for its scholarships.
How large are RACF scholarship awards?
They vary widely — from single $250 payments up to $40,000 awards paid as $10,000 per year over four years. The foundation describes its awards as partial support to combine with other aid.