Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for scholarships through the Community Foundation of Louisville?

Students attending a postsecondary institution (two-year and four-year colleges, universities, and trade/vocational schools) for the upcoming academic year.

When and how do I apply?

• The Vogt Educational & Leadership Scholarship features a one-time award of $12,000, and the application period is open from October 21 – November 26, 2024. The application will close at 5 p.m. ET on the day of the deadline.
• The Louisville Artisans Guild Art Scholarship features a one-time award of $2,000, and the application period is open from November 12, 2024 – February 14, 2025. The application will close at 4 p.m. ET on the day of the deadline.
• The General Scholarship features over 90 scholarships. You will need to complete only one application to ensure you are matched to all the scholarships you are eligible to receive. The application period is open from December 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025. The application will close at 4 p.m. ET on the day of the deadline.

Click here to complete a scholarship application.

How do I know if I am eligible for a scholarship?

View our current scholarship opportunities and eligibility requirements for each scholarship here.

Are scholarships renewable?

Yes, many of our scholarships are renewable. In order for the scholarship to be renewed, the recipient must continue to meet the eligibility requirements (i.e., maintaining a certain GPA) from one year to the next. To check on the renewability status of a scholarship, please view the 2024-2025 list of scholarship opportunities here.

I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply for a scholarship through the Community Foundation?

Yes. Many of our scholarships are open to international students. This includes undocumented students who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA. Please have a document ready that explains why you are unable to complete the FAFSA to upload with your application. International students may also not be able to obtain a transcript, especially in the case of refugees/asylum seekers. In this case, please upload a document explaining why you cannot obtain your transcript and provide your most recent GPA to the best of your knowledge.

I do not live in Kentucky. Am I eligible to apply for a scholarship through the Community Foundation?

Yes. Though most of our scholarships support students from Kentucky, some are open to students from other states and countries.

Can I use a scholarship to pay for various expenses?

Each scholarship has its own specifications, but the majority limit funds to tuition, books, and academic fees. Some scholarships allow funds to be used for other items such as materials purchased through the university or housing provided by the university.

All funds are mailed directly to the institution.

Can I receive multiple scholarships?

Yes. Our scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $20,000.

If I am a scholarship recipient, when may I use my scholarship award?

You may use your award when funds are distributed in the Fall to your institution for the upcoming academic year.

Am I eligible to receive a scholarship if I plan to attend an out-of-state college/university?

Yes. The only institutions not eligible to receive scholarship funds are for-profit schools.

If I apply early, will it help my chances of receiving a scholarship?

No. Applying early will not boost your chances of receiving a scholarship. However, we strongly suggest not waiting until the last minute to complete your application and give yourself enough time to complete the following:

1. Answer general questions and essays
2. Outline work, volunteer, and extracurricular experiences
3. Submit academic transcripts and FAFSA Student Aid Report; For refugee students or asylum seekers who are not able to complete a FAFSA or obtain a transcript, they can submit a document explaining why and provide their most recent GPA.
4. Provide contact information for references

Do I need to provide an official transcript?

An official print transcript is not needed, but a PDF version of your transcript is required. We do not accept screenshots or emails of transcripts at this time. Refugee students or asylum seekers who are not able to complete a FAFSA or obtain a transcript can submit a document explaining why and provide their most recent GPA.

I’m a previous recipient of a scholarship from the Community Foundation of Louisville. Do I still need to apply?

Yes, you will need to complete a new application if you would like to be considered for new scholarships that you have not previously received.

If you want to renew a current scholarship, you will be contacted in the early Spring with steps on how to renew your scholarship.