SCHOLARSHIPS
Helping You Take the Next Step
Each year, the Community Foundation of Elkhart County awards more than $2.5 million in scholarships to help local students pursue their educational goals. Whether you’re heading to college, trade school, or another postsecondary program, we want to help make that next step possible.
Who Can Apply?
Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- Current high school seniors, high school graduates, or GED holders
- Planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, or vocational program
- Residents of Elkhart County
- Planning to attend school in the upcoming academic year
We encourage a broad range of students to apply. Each scholarship has its own criteria, and many consider more than just GPA or test scores. We want to hear your story.
How It Works
Our online application opens in January 1 and remains open through March 1 each year. When you apply, you’ll be considered for more than 90 scholarship opportunities with a single application.
We use a universal application system. Once you complete your profile, you’ll be matched with scholarships you’re eligible for—no need to apply for each one individually.
| Scholarship | School Standing | Description | Application Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship | High School | Each year, three graduating seniors from Elkhart County are selected to receive the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship—a four-year, full-tuition award (excluding room and board) made possible through Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. Students who are nominated but not selected for the Lilly Scholarship will receive the Guy David Gundlach Memorial Scholarship, which provides $20,000 toward tuition—awarded as $5,000 per year for four years. | August 1 to September 15 |
| Universal Application for High School | High School | With just one application, high school students can be considered for more than 30 scholarships. The Community Foundation’s Universal Application is designed to save you time—it automatically matches you with scholarships you’re eligible for, so there’s no need to apply to each one separately. | January 1 to March 1 |
| Universal Application for Adults | After high school graduation | Adult students can be considered for six different scholarships with one simple application. The Community Foundation’s Universal Application streamlines the process by matching you with scholarships you’re eligible for—saving you time and effort. | January 1 to March 1 |
| John G. Blakesley Mathematical Excellence Scholarship for 8th Grade | Eighth grade | Each year, the Community Foundation awards a scholarship to an Elkhart County eighth-grade student to support four years of higher education after high school graduation. Students are nominated for this opportunity by their school counselors. | February 1 to March 1 |
Contact Us
Questions?
We can help you.
Jackie Rodriguez
Program Officer
jackie@inspiringgood.org
(574) 295-8761
