Most NCCF scholarships will open for applications on Dec. 15, 2026, and close on March 2, 2027, at 5 p.m. eastern time.
Before you begin applying through the NCCF Universal Scholarships Application, you’ll want to pull together some key information. Review the full list of information required to complete the universal application but note key details below.
NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.
Timeline
NCCF scholarships using the NCCF Universal Scholarships Application will open for applications on Dec. 15, 2026, and close on March 2, 2027, at 5 p.m. eastern time. Several other scholarships have separate applications with different due dates. You must apply to each of those scholarships individually within our Scholarships Portal.
We encourage you to apply well before the deadline. Scholarship selection committees are not obligated to consider applications that are incomplete, do not meet the stated eligibility requirements, or are received after the posted due date.
Reviews will begin after the posted due date for the scholarship. Not all decisions are released at the same time.
Scholarship award offers will be sent via email to the email address the student used for the application. Students must complete a follow-up form to be awarded the scholarship. Award payments are made to students’ schools in July and August, assuming the required follow-up form was submitted.
Steps for Applying for Scholarships
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High school seniors who are current participants with the Capital Area Soccer League (CASL) at the Challenge Level and above, and who exemplify Lane Meyer’s legacy of excellence and achievement in academics, soccer skills, sportsmanship, friendships, and school and community involvement. In addition to these qualifications, applicants should be those who build spirit on the athletic field as Lane Meyer did as a CASL soccer player.
African American female students who attend public high school in Wake County, North Carolina, and who desires to attend a 2- or 4-year college or a specialized accredited trade school (such as culinary arts). Priority will be given to a student who needs financial assistance and who has demonstrated strength of character and a desire to further her education in a field of her choice.
Eligible students must exemplify Lane Meyer’s legacy of excellence and achievement in academics, athletics, friendships and community service. Special emphasis will be given to students who excel in academics, soccer skills and sportsmanship, school and community involvement. Students will be selected from Wake Forest High School and/or Rolesville High School and must be members of the Wake Forest-Rolesville High School Soccer Team. Eligible students will be those who build spirit in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the school community.
Students enrolled in a master’s program in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at NC State University demonstrating financial need.
Academic performance, school and community activities, service, special achievements, recommendations, and successful and active participation in the programs of the Raleigh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Eligible applicants are non-traditional students planning to attend a two or four-year college, university or technical certification program who did not finish or never attended college, with special consideration given to African American women ages over 30 years old.
The endowment shall be devoted to the support of two scholarships: The Juki Automation Scholarship (JAS) and the Community Scholarship. The JAS scholarship will be made available to individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 who have received or are expecting to receive a high school degree or its equivalent and whose parent, stepparent, legal guardian, aunt, uncle, spouse or grandparent is an employee of Juke Automation Systems. The individual must have applied to and be planning to attend an accredited institution of higher learning within one year of the application deadline. Such institution may be a four-year college or university, a community college or a technical institute, for undergraduate or graduate education. The scholarship is renewable. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, school and community activities, work experience and educational goals. The Community Scholarship will be made available to individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 who have received or are expecting to receive a high school degree or its equivalent and whose parent or legal guardian is a resident of Durham, Orange and Wake Counties of North Carolina. The scholarship is renewable but may not be used for graduate education. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, school and community activities, work experience and educational goals.
Graduating seniors of William G. Enloe High School who demonstrate the following: good character and integrity, academic achievement, financial need, service to school and community, and involvement in school activities. PLEASE NOTE: Application essay must describe the impact the George A. Kahdy Enloe High School Alumni Scholarship will have on your life and your goals after high school.
This scholarship is open to graduating seniors from Wake Forest High School (WFHS) who are current members of the WFHS Boys or Girls Soccer team, plan to attend a two– or four–year college or university after graduation, and who exemplify the strength and excellence of character that is the legacy of Ian Frazier Lewis, a former WFHS student and member of the WFHS Soccer team.
Eligible applicants must be a direct descendant of an alumnus or faculty or staff member of the former Dunn High School (direct descendants includes lawfully adopted children in the lineage), show evidence of acceptance by an accredited college, university or vocational/community college; plan to enroll in a full-time course of study in the field of Education; and have a minimum high school weighted academic GPA of 2.63.
Eligible applicants must be a direct descendant of an alumnus, faculty or staff member of the former Dunn High School (direct descendants includes lawfully adopted children in the lineage); and must have been accepted and plan to attend a college or university in North Carolina. Additional selection criteria includes high school academic achievement, evidence of high moral character and good citizenship and involvement and leadership in high school activities, church and the community.
Graduating high school seniors who are direct descendants (includes lawfully adopted children in the lineage) of alumni, faculty or staff of the former Dunn High School. Additional selection criteria include high school academic achievement, evidence of high moral character and good citizenship and involvement and leadership in high school activities, church and the community.
Student from North Carolina, with preference given to students from Watauga County, who are planning to study at the undergraduate or graduate level Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, VA. The scholarship will be awarded to students who exhibit the following: academic excellence, leadership, personal effort and good citizenship. Financial need will be considered as a criterion if there are equally matched applicants, with the students with greater need being awarded the scholarship in that case. Scholarships for undergraduate study are awarded annually to graduating high school seniors; Scholarships for graduate study shall be awarded to any entering or existing graduate student.
Students enrolled at North Carolina technical or occupational schools pursuing education and training in the field of electrical systems technologies, or apprentices enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program. Preference may be given to those who are pursuing a two year associate’s degree. Criteria considered by the scholarship committee include financial need, academic performance, references and essay questions as described in the scholarship application.
Young people exiting foster care or living in poverty in North Carolina with exceptional financial need who wish to continue their education at a college, university, community college, or other accredited institution. Primary consideration will be given to young people from Wayne County, or secondarily, from counties that are contiguous to Wayne County.
Students enrolled in a nursing curriculum in North Carolina (associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral). Preference shall be given to students who are residents of Macon County. Financial need may be considered.
Applicants must be a graduating senior from a high school in North Carolina pursuing a degree in the field of education at an institution of higher education. The applicant must have a GPA in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 and an SAT score in the range of 900 to 1050. The committee will also judge the applicant based on their service to school, community, and church, as well as their integrity and leadership potential.
An individual entering college or continuing their college education and who has participated in an equestrian activity.
Subway employees or children of Subway employees who have worked at least 500 hours over the last 12 months. Students must have a 2.0 GPA in high school or a 2.5 GPA in college.
Students attending University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who are or will be classified as sophomore, junior, or senior demonstrating financial need who intend to pursue a career in health care and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Special preference shall be given to minority students from North Carolina.
Eligible students will be high school graduates wishing to pursue their education at an institution of higher learning such as a college, university, or community college. Special consideration will be given to students with immediate family members who attended, taught at, or were employed at the former Red Oak High School of Nash County, NC.
Graduating high school senior who is a North Carolina resident and plans to attend a four-year college or university as a full-time student. Considered are leadership potential, community involvement, physical vigor, academic achievement and financial need. Special consideration is given to family of current and retired employees of Barnhill Contracting Company (family is defined as a spouse of an officer or employee, a biological or adopted lineal descendant of an officer or employee, and a spouse of a lineal descendant, and does not include stepfamily members). ESSAY PROMPT: Describe an experience that has had a significant impact on your life and then explain why you are applying for the Robert E. Barnhill, Sr. Scholarship. Scholarships may be renewed for up to three additional years based on the student demonstrating they are enrolled at a 4-year institution and have a 2.0 GPA or higher.
Employee of a learning resources center/library in North Carolina having at least a bachelor’s degree and taking advanced courses for professional development or in pursuit of a master’s or doctoral degree in the library and information studies field. The courses must be offered by and accredited educational institution or other charitable organization.
Searching for more scholarships?
College for North Carolina (CFNC) is a free service of the state of North Carolina that helps students plan, apply, and pay for college. Visit cfnc.org to find additional scholarship opportunities throughout the state and resources for students to reach their post-high school goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: Oct. 8, 2026
The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2026, we awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to over 450 students.
Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses.
If you have a specific question about a scholarship you have been awarded, please email scholarships@nccommunityfoundation.org.
Yes. If you don’t know which school you’re going to attend, you can still apply for North Carolina Community Foundation scholarships. You are encouraged to list your first choice and use that school throughout the application. If you are undecided, please be sure to address that in your essay so the reviewers are aware there may be a change.
The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.
No, NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.
If you have a question about a specific scholarship, please reach out to the scholarship’s local contact. To locate contact information and additional information about the scholarship:
Undergraduates, graduates, medical and professional school students and adult re-entry students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities, career/technical schools, teaching credential programs and graduate, medical or professional schools in the United States are eligible for scholarships offered at NCCF.
Yes. Graduate students are eligible for any scholarship that does not specify it only supports a graduating high school senior, four-year college/university student, or two-year vocational or technical college education. We also hold scholarships intended specifically for graduate students. By completing the NCCF Universal Scholarships Application, you will be presented with scholarship opportunities for which you are eligible.
No. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements defined by the donor when the scholarship was established. Be sure to read the requirements of each scholarship carefully as directed through the universal application and address those elements as needed in your application.
Yes. Some of the scholarships take grades into consideration, but other scholarships emphasize alternate areas of performance such as leadership, community service and other extracurricular activities. Good grades are not always the only requirement for scholarship support.
Yes. Several scholarships are for students planning to attend a technical school, trade school, or participate in an apprenticeship.
Some scholarships require residency in North Carolina, but not all. To determine whether you are eligible for a scholarship, you should carefully review the criteria.
Yes. Not all of our scholarships are based on financial need. We encourage you to apply for financial need-based scholarships and submit necessary financial information for the scholarship committee’s review.
Beginning on Dec. 15, 2026, all scholarships will be open to accept applications. You must create an account in the NCCF Scholarships Portal to apply. Read through this overview on how to apply. More information on using the portal is below.
Yes. Our NCCF Universal Scholarships Application matches you to scholarship opportunities you may be eligible for. You can apply for any scholarship you are eligible for. We encourage you to carefully read the eligibility requirements of each scholarship you’re applying for and tailor your application responses accordingly.
You may apply for scholarships as a high school senior and beyond. You can apply for any year you are in higher education, graduate school, trade school, vocational school, etc.
The deadline for applying using the NCCF Universal Scholarships Application and submitting all required documents for the 2027-2028 school year is March 2, 2027, at 5 p.m. eastern time.
Additional NCCF scholarships may have different deadlines set by individual Scholarship Administrators, and all applications close at 5 p.m. on the posted due date. You can find a list of those other scholarships on our website.
No. Our scholarships are based on various requirements, but they are not “first come, first serve” so please take your time completing the application. It is more important that you provide the correct information and submit it before the deadline than to be the first application submitted.
However, we recommend allowing enough time for your recommenders to complete their letters of recommendation before the March 2, 2027, deadline.
There is no cost to apply for an NCCF scholarship.
Please submit Pages 1-2 printed/copied directly from your FAFSA Submission Summary showing your Student Aid Index (SAI) number. You may also use the Electronic FAFSA Submission Summary or Confirmation Page (shows your SAI number).
Graduating high school seniors must submit an official transcript, but current college students do not have to.
Current high school students: Enter your counselor’s email address in your application so the counselor can upload your transcript. Transcripts should be uploaded in either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF. Before the application deadline, check the Scholarships Portal to confirm that your counselor has submitted your transcript. It is your responsibility to make sure it is uploaded, or your application will be incomplete without it.
If you request an official electronic copy of your transcript, please be sure to review the stipulations; some expire after a certain period or cannot be uploaded to a third-party site. Your transcript will need to be viewed after the deadline by the review committee. Be sure to review all limitations prior to ordering an electronic transcript.
Within the application, you will be asked to select your intended major or field of study. Learn more about the career paths related to different majors and fields of study before completing this section of the application.
If you haven’t yet decided on a major, do not leave this question blank. Select “undecided” from the list of options.
Signing in: To sign into the application, you will need an email address and you will have to create a password. Do not use an email address that you will lose access to when the school year is over. Email addresses provided by your high school have higher security settings and may reject messages from our system. Instead, use an email address you will check often and maintain after high school as all NCCF communications are made via email. You must use the same email and password every time. This email and password can be used every year when you come back to reapply or renew.
Failed attempts to log in: After 10 failed attempts to log in, you will be locked out. You will need to reset your password using the “forgot your password” option on the log-in screen. The system will email you a link to reset your password that is valid for up to 24 hours.
If you cannot access your application, your computer may be blocking “pop-ups.” This may be shown as a message along the top or bottom of your browser. Usually, your browser will give you a button or words to click to temporarily ‘enable’ or ‘allow’ the pop-up to proceed. You may need to go to your computer’s Control Panel and enter the Internet Options. In the Privacy section, uncheck the Pop-up Blocker box. The online scholarship application is located on a different website, which may trigger the message from your internet service provider. We recommend accessing the NCCF Scholarships Portal using either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers.
Yes! You may be eligible for several scholarship opportunities by completing one form. Some scholarships may require additional information, so make sure to read the criteria about each scholarship. After submitting the NCCF Universal Scholarships Application, the system will guide you through which scholarships you may be eligible for that require additional information. You can answer the questions to apply or click decline opportunity.
A small number of NCCF scholarships require you to apply to each of them individually. You can find a list of those additional scholarships on our website and apply for them through the Opportunities tab of the NCCF Scholarships Portal.
Some scholarship opportunities require more specific information than what is asked on the general application like short essays or letters of recommendation These supplemental questions are presented on the confirmation page immediately after submitting the general application. You can also access them from the Scholarships Portal dashboard at any time following submission of the universal application.
Recommendation letters and transcripts: Within the application you will find instructions on how to send upload requests for recommendation letters or transcripts. In this section, you will type in the email of the individual(s) you are requesting a letter or transcript from. The individuals will receive an email that includes a link to complete the questions in that section and/or to upload the letter or transcript. You can send a maximum of three requests, though most scholarships only require two letters of recommendation.
FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI): Within the application you will find the section labeled Financial Need. When you answer ‘yes’ to this question, the ‘Additional Financial Information’ section will appear. In this section you will answer the questions and upload a copy of your FAFSA Student Aid Index. Documents required can be uploaded as a screenshot, Microsoft Word document or PDF.
If you fail to upload an attachment, your application will be marked incomplete and will not be sent to the selection committee. No documents will be accepted after the application deadline.
It is your responsibility to check your application in advance of the deadline to ensure you have answered all questions, your references have submitted their letters, your transcript has been uploaded, and all required documents are included. If you are a high school student, it is your responsibility to ensure that your transcript is uploaded by your counselor prior to the deadline. If either you or the counselor are having issues, contact scholarships@nccommunityfoundation.org for assistance prior to the deadline.
You will be able to see the status of third-party requests (for reference or transcript) under that portion of the application. Once the document has been received, the box will provide information about when the document was submitted.
The online system will generate an email based on the submitted email address. References may not receive the request if the email is entered incorrectly into the application. The system email may be filtered into a Spam or Junk inbox. We suggest you contact your references at the time you identify them in the application to alert them to be on the lookout for an email requesting a letter of recommendation/transcript. If you need to change the email address of the reference and you have already submitted your application, contact scholarships@nccommunityfoundation.org for assistance.
Foundant Technologies provides the software NCCF uses for our Scholarships Portal. They have instructions and tutorials to help guide you through the process and answer your questions. They also have a short video overview of the student experience when applying for scholarships.
Each scholarship has its own committee of volunteers who read and evaluate applications. Each scholarship committee makes decisions based on the fund’s purpose and in compliance with IRS guidelines.
Some scholarships are merit based, some scholarships are based on financial need, and some are a combination of both. Scholarship committees make their selections based on a compilation of various criteria, including but not limited to financial need, leadership potential, academic performance, work experience and commitment to school and community, as well as other requirements specific to the individual scholarship fund.
All applicants can log on to the Scholarships Portal at any time to check the status of an application. We encourage Scholarship Administrators to notify all applicants of the committee’s decision soon after materials are submitted to NCCF.
Scholarship recipients will receive an email from NCCF with an official award letter and instructions on how to claim the scholarship. This email will come from scholarships@nccommunityfoundation.org and will be sent to the email address provided by the applicant on the Student Profile. Award recipients should be on the lookout for these documents to arrive.
All students receiving an NCCF scholarship must complete and submit the Scholar Information Form through the Scholarships Portal prior to NCCF making the scholarship payment to the student’s school. The Scholar Information Form provides NCCF with information required to process the scholarship payment to the student’s school. The form also provides students the option to upload their acceptance letter and answer questions to share with the donors who established and support the scholarship opportunity. Students who do not submit the Scholar Information Form by July 30, 2027, may forfeit their scholarship.
Award recipients who move or change schools after the application is submitted should contact scholarships@nccommunityfoundation.org with the updated information and we will advise on how to proceed. Certain scholarships have restrictions related to the school that the recipient must attend. If you are eligible, we will transfer your award to your new school.
Scholarships are split between fall and spring semester. If you are graduating early or will not be attending one of those semesters, please notify our Scholarships Team at scholarships@nccommunityfoundation.org to ensure you are still eligible and to discuss how payment will be handled.
No. Once we have received your required Scholar Information Form and all necessary verification documents, scholarship checks are mailed directly to your school’s financial aid office designated for you. The school will deposit the check and post it to your student account. Scholarships are divided into two equal payments – one for the fall semester and the other for the spring semester. Please submit your Scholar Information Form by July 30, 2027, to avoid risking delay or forfeiture of your scholarship.
Some of our scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years but others are one-year awards or require that students submit renewal applications the following year. Your Scholarship Administrator can inform you if your scholarship is renewable.
If your scholarship is renewable, you will need to meet any required criteria and submit required renewal materials for additional payments. If your scholarship is NOT renewable but you remain eligible for it, you may re-apply through the NCCF Scholarships Portal next year.
COMING SOON! Join us in 2027 for a webinar for applicants hosted in partnership with the North Carolia State Education Assistance Authority.
Watch a recording of our 2026 applicant webinar hosted in partnership with the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority and download the training slides.
Searching for more scholarships?
College for North Carolina (CFNC) is a free service of the state of North Carolina that helps students plan, apply, and pay for college. Visit cfnc.org to find additional scholarship opportunities throughout the state and resources for students to reach their post-high school goals.