Organization’s scholarship funds provided nearly $750,000 in awards in 2019
VANCOUVER — The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington opened applications for its 2020 scholarship program recently. The Community Foundation manages 68 scholarship funds that have been established by donors, organizations and businesses. They support students at various levels of education and within specific fields of study, such as the arts or engineering.
Deadlines for applications vary by scholarship, with a majority closing on March 31, 2020. Students interested in learning more and applying can visit www.cfsww.org/how-we-grant/scholarships.
Community Foundation scholarships have become an increasingly important source of financial aid for students and families. In 2019, its scholarship program awarded a record $749,644 on behalf of its many fundholders. This upward trend reflects national data trends. In its annual “How America Pays for College” study, Sallie Mae reported that 66 percent of families used a scholarship in 2019. Tracking this data over time also shows that the average amount of tuition covered by scholarships has risen nearly 45 percent during the last ten years, from $5,692 to $8,177.
In 2019, the Community Foundation’s average scholarship award was $2,630, which is on par with other community-based scholarships across the nation. These awards were distributed to a diverse group of 247 students, which included high school seniors, undergraduates, graduates and other students, such as those attending technical and K-12 private schools. Nearly 70 of the students are attending college at southwest Washington institutions (Clark College, Lower Columbia College and WSU Vancouver).
About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington
Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps southwest Washingtonians build a more vibrant community by inspiring investments in local philanthropy. The Foundation holds more than 325 distinct funds, which are actively invested to generate growth and income for granting purposes. Governed by an esteemed volunteer Board of Directors, the Community Foundation offers benefits and services to donors, nonprofits and the community at large. Learn more at www.cfsww.org.
