Stark Community Foundation Scholarships Opening Soon
Offered by Stark Community Foundation
About This Scholarship
Stark Community Foundation manages more than 100 scholarship funds for students from Stark and Carroll counties in Ohio, and it awarded over $1 million to local students in 2025 — the foundation's largest annual total ever. Students complete one General Scholarship Application and the foundation's portal automatically matches them to the majority of funds they qualify for, then suggests others worth an extra essay or supplemental answer.
The 2027-28 cycle runs from December 15, 2026 through April 1, 2027, one of the longer application windows among major community foundations. That gives seniors time to finish the FAFSA first, since the application asks for an electronic FAFSA Student Aid Report along with a transcript and two references willing to complete a short questionnaire.
Nearly 100 scholarships are available in a typical cycle, spanning graduating seniors and current college students across a wide mix of majors, schools, and backgrounds. For students in Canton and the surrounding area, this single application is among the biggest local sources of college money.
Eligibility
- Students from Stark or Carroll County, Ohio (individual funds set specific school, major, and background criteria)
- Open to graduating high school seniors and current college students
- FAFSA Student Aid Report, school transcript, and two references are required as part of the application
- Some matched funds request supplemental essays or answers to specific questions
How To Apply
- File the FAFSA first so you have your electronic Student Aid Report ready
- Create an account in the foundation's online scholarship portal via starkcf.org between December 15, 2026 and April 1, 2027
- Complete the General Scholarship Application — it automatically matches you to most funds you qualify for
- Provide your transcript, the names and email addresses of two references, and any supplemental answers individual funds request
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the FAFSA to apply?
Yes. The application requires an electronic FAFSA Student Aid Report, along with a school transcript and two references who will complete a short questionnaire on your behalf.
How many scholarships can one application reach?
Nearly 100 scholarships are available in a typical cycle. The general application automatically matches you to the majority of them and suggests others that need supplemental information.
How much does the foundation award?
More than $1 million went to local students in 2025, the largest annual total in the foundation's history. Individual award amounts vary by fund and are set by each selection committee.