Over 130 Scholarships Worth $3M Open for North Carolina Students
The North Carolina Community Foundation launched applications for more than 130 scholarships. Students from all 100 counties can apply.
The North Carolina Community Foundation launched applications for more than 130 scholarships. Students from all 100 counties can apply. Most applications close March 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Community college attendees can apply. Non-traditional students may submit applications, too.
Requirements differ by scholarship. Students should complete the NCCF Universal Scholarships Application on the NCCF Scholarships Portal, where they'll be matched with opportunities based on county, GPA, and chosen major.
Applications cost nothing. The system uses applicants' residence location, grades, and field of study to match them with appropriate scholarships.
After answering initial questions, applicants receive a list of scholarships they might qualify for, then provide additional materials as requested.
NCCF works with donors who establish endowment funds at the foundation. Donors set the criteria.
In 2025, the organization distributed over $3 million to more than 500 students. This included $1.3 million to 110 students via the NCCF Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.
That scholarship assisted students in western North Carolina whose ability to afford college was impacted by Hurricane Helene. The foundation will offer it again this year to help incoming freshmen from the counties hit hardest by the storm.
"Our scholarships cover a wide variety of interests, fields, and goals," said Jennifer Tolle Whiteside, president and CEO of NCCF, per Sandhills Sentinel. "We encourage all students to explore these opportunities to help further their education."
Interested students and guardians may register for a virtual information session about the scholarships at 6 p.m. on Jan. 13, 2026. This session is optional and is hosted in partnership with the North Carolina State Educational Assistance Authority.
About a dozen other NCCF scholarships require separate applications with different deadlines. Students should review the criteria for those and follow the instructions for applying.
