Apply for Scholarships with Confidence
How to Apply for a Scholarship
At the Hamilton Community Foundation, along with our affiliate foundations in Ross and Fairfield, we are proud to invest in education and empower students to pursue their goals. Our streamlined application process makes it easy: one application automatically matches you with every scholarship you\'re eligible for. For graduating high school seniors, that could mean consideration for more than 300 different scholarships!
All scholarship applications and renewals are managed through our Scholarships Portal.
Click here to go to the scholarships portal now
Helpful Tips When Applying:
- For the best user experience when accessing our OnlineScholarships Portal, we suggest using one of the following browsers: Google Chrome 14 or higher, Firefox 9 or higher, or Safari 4 or higher. Do not use Internet Explorer.
- We encourage you to read our FAQs and the steps below before beginning the application process.
Step 1: Create an Account
You will need:
- A personal email address (not your high school email). Use an address you'll have long-term access to and check regularly—this is how we’ll contact you.
- Your general contact information
Step 2: Apply
After creating your account, the system will display the scholarship processes currently open and available to you. Be sure to select the right opportunity:
- Graduating High School Seniors
- Current College Students
- Adult Students
- Recent Graduates
To complete your application, you may need:
- GPA and ACT/SAT scores
- List of extracurricular activities, sports, and community service
- FAFSA and Student Aid Index (SAI) Form
- 500+ word essay outlining your college choice, career goals, financial plans, and personal motivation
- Contact info for your school counselor (to request an official transcript)*
- Parent or guardian contact info*
*These items apply to graduating high school seniors only.
Additional questions will appear as you move through the application depending on the process you are applying for and your responses.
Important: All scholarship deadlines are firm—no late applications accepted. Be sure to click Submit when you’ve finished.
Step 3: Wait for an Answer
- You’ll receive an automatic confirmation when your application is submitted.
- Keep an eye on your email—Foundation staff may reach out for clarifications.
- Graduating high school seniors will receive scholarship decisions via email by the end of April. Response timelines vary for other scholarship types.
Step 4: Attend the Scholarship Reception (High School Seniors Only)
Graduating high school seniors who are awarded a scholarship will be invited to attend our Scholarship Reception and Program, held in May each year. This event is mandatory for awardees. If a student cannot attend for any reason, they must contact Kasey Rouse at the Foundation in advance. Failure to attend without prior notice and approval may result in forfeiture of the scholarship.
This does not apply to other scholarship types outside of those for High School Seniors including: Current College Students, Adult Students, and Recent College Graduates.
Step 5 (Optional): Renew Your Scholarship
If you received a renewable scholarship as a high school senior, you must renew it each year; this year, renewals must be completed by June 14, 2025. To do so, please:
- Submit a 500+ word essay describing your college year
- Have your university send your official transcript to the Foundation (mail or electronic)
- Complete the renewal process and submit all required information in the portal through your Foundation Scholarship Account.
Note: Students who received a renewable scholarship as a high school senior are not eligible to apply for additional Foundation scholarships.
Preview the Application
Use the link below to preview some of our typical questions in our scholarship application. Additional questions may appear based on your scholarship type and previous answers.
