The Community Foundation of North Central Washington (CFNCW) is now accepting scholarship applications for students who plan to attend community college, university, or trade school in Fall 2026. Over 150 scholarships are available to high school seniors, current college students, and non-traditional students, each with unique criteria and award amounts. Many scholarships are designed to support students who have served their community, show growth and potential, and demonstrate financial need.

Students should plan ahead and start early. You’ll need to complete the FAFSA before applying, request letters of recommendation from teachers and/or mentors, and gather your school transcripts—each of those steps can take longer than expected. Last-minute applications often don’t go through, so allow plenty of time and do not wait until the deadline week to begin.

The application process is completed online. A universal application allows students to apply once and be considered for all scholarship opportunities. The application deadline for general scholarships is March 1, 2026. The deadline for nursing, allied health, and trade school scholarships is June 1, 2026. If students plan to apply for the latter, it is recommended they apply for general scholarships as well and meet the March 1 deadline.

Each year, CFNCW’s scholarship program is made possible through a strong community effort. Last year’s scholarship program included 441 scholarships totaling $1,236,140, supporting 251 students across North Central Washington. The process was powered by 385 volunteers, who reviewed 4,874 applications, and in 2025 CFNCW welcomed 7 new scholarships created by local donors.

“We get to see how a scholarship can change what feels possible for a student,” said Julie Mott, Scholarship Program Manager at CFNCW. “If you’re considering college or trade school this fall, I encourage you to apply—even if you’re not sure you qualify. With one universal application, you may match with multiple scholarships created by local donors who want to see local students succeed.”

To learn more and apply, visit www.cfncw.org/scholarships.