Scholarships

Name: Charlotte Community Foundation
Address: 227 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda, FL, 33950, United States
Telephone: 941-637-0077

The 2026-2027 CCF Scholarship cycle is open for applicants from November 17—December 31, 2025 at 4:59 p.m. This is a hard deadline with no extensions allowed. You are eligible to apply if you are a graduating senior, current college student, or an adult entering school. Only one on-line application is all you need to do, as the scholarship system will find the scholarships that match your college/technical goals!

Apply here

The scholarship applications will be reviewed from January–March, and recipients will be notified in early April 2026, with a recognition event in May. Scholarship payment will be sent to the recipients’ college/technical school in two installments—August 2026 and January 2027. Please see Frequently Asked Questions below for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I apply for a specific scholarship or can I ask to be considered for a particular one?

Everyone fills out the same single application. Based on responses to the application questions, you will see which scholarships you might qualify for once your application is submitted. You do not apply for any particular award.

How are scholarship recipients determined?

Professional CCF staff will work with community members with backgrounds in education or health professions to determine recipients. If you’ve overcome obstacles or faced unusual circumstances, be sure to include those in your application. Maybe you’ve battled personal or health issues or are working significant hours on top of going to school—let us know!

What does the scholarship application involve?

You will be asked questions about yourself, your educational plans, and your financial situation. You will be asked to complete a brief essay, attach a resume or bio, and submit relevant academic transcripts. This information helps the selection committee to get to know you. Share your unique story: this is your chance to advocate for yourself, your education and your journey.

Is the process confidential?

Yes, your application will only be seen by reviewers bound by confidentiality and any information you disclose will be kept private.

If you are selected for a scholarship, we will want to celebrate you and share relevant information about your background—your goals and accomplishments—with our donors. We will also ask you to share what the scholarship means to you.

When will I know if I received a scholarship?

By early April, we will notify you via the email you entered in the application. Please do not call or email prior to the notification date as we will not have updates.

Do I have to live in Charlotte County?

Our scholarships focus on people who have lived in and/or worked in Charlotte County for at least one year. Some also require that you attend or graduated from the Charlotte County Public Schools.

Am I eligible if I have a GED or Certificate of Completion?

Yes, you are eligible with either a GED or a Certificate of Completion. Please note that the Certificate of Completion ended with the graduating class of 2025 but those earned in previous years will be honored.

Are scholarships available for current college students?

Yes, and even for graduate school students majoring in health professions or engineering . The one application will determine what scholarships you are eligible for based on your current status.

May I receive scholarships from more than one fund?

Because we have more applicants than available awards, a recipient will only be awarded one scholarship from CCF.

If I am awarded a scholarship, how is it paid and when?

The scholarship is paid in two installments. The first payment is issued in August for the Fall 2026 semester. Upon successful completion of the first semester and receipt of the student’s Mid-Year Report, the second half of the scholarship award will be issued in January 2027.