The Community Foundation has a number of scholarship opportunities for traditional students. Traditional students are high school seniors, or those who are 25 years old, or younger, who are in college presently. Many of these scholarships can be applied for on one generic form. To request a hard copy of the generic scholarship application, you may call the Community Foundation at (941) 955-3000 or ask your high school guidance office. You may also email Rebekah Fleming, Program Assistant, at rebekah@cfsarasota.org.

The general scholarship application for the 2008-2009 school year has passed. The updated application for the 2009-2010 school year will be available around June.  Please note, you must have the Free Acrobat Reader to view and print the applications. Click here to download.

Visit our Other Scholarship Opportunities Page to learn about other traditional scholarships available to you that require a separate application! 

Helpful Hints

Helpful tips for completing the Community Foundation of Sarasota County Scholarship application

1.  Read the descriptions of all of the scholarship funds on pages 2 & 3 before completing this application. Some funds require you to write an additional special essay. You only need to complete one application to compete for all of the listed scholarships. There are several scholarships, for traditional students, that require you to fill out a seperate application.  Be sure to fill out any of those that you might be eligible for.

2.  You MUST include a copy of your parents’ completed IRS 1040 tax forms for 2007 even though the forms are not due to the IRS until April 15, 2008. Social security numbers may be omitted. You may not submit the 2006 tax forms.

3.  Section III must be filled out by your parent or guardian and must be complete. Do not leave any spaces blank.

4.  If you have not yet decided what college you plan to attend, complete and attach additional copies of Section IV showing each of your potential school choices.  Be sure to complete the Estimated Annual Expenses and Estimated Annual Resources sections. Completion of these estimates reflects your true understanding of the cost of your education and your anticipated funding sources.

5.  You will need two letters of reference from people who know you well.  Appropriate people to ask include recent teachers, your school advisor or counselor, coach, employer, minister, etc. A friend, neighbor or family member is not an appropriate reference.

6.  Many students are awarded scholarships without having a personal interview before the Scholarship Committee so be sure to include in your completed application all information about yourself that you want the Scholarship Committee to know.