Residency can be the factor that turns a community scholarship into a real option. Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge lists a 2027 program expected to award more than $400,000 to students of different ages: high-school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school. The eligible area includes Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta, Highland, and Nelson counties. Most funds can be reached through one application, although exceptions exist.
The Foundation pools donor gifts for awards whose criteria belong to each fund. Its listings do not create one universal scholarship for every local student: an award may consider need, major, school, educational path, or personal qualities. For example, the page describes the Harlow Family Scholarship as weighing financial need, character, and perseverance—not grades alone. Before starting, review the full list to confirm that a fund accepts your age, college stage, and place of residence.
The 2027 cycle opened October 1, 2026; the general deadline is March 1, 2027, although the Foundation warns that some funds use exceptions. Recipients are typically notified in May or June, and payments go to schools in July. Keep a copy of the application and verify the payment destination with the campus financial-aid office. For eligibility questions, the page lists phone 540-213-2150 and an email contact for the scholarship team.
Before applying, confirm that the school and program fit your situation and that the application window is current. Gather transcripts, FAFSA information, essays, and references; keep a copy and submission receipt. Track the application deadline separately from supporting-document dates. After submitting, monitor the portal and email until the file is marked complete. Ask the financial-aid office how the award coordinates with FAFSA and other scholarships, and do not budget funds that have not been awarded.
When comparing options, confirm whether the benefit is a scholarship, grant, tuition waiver, or loan: they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Request a written estimate of the balance after FAFSA and other awards, check renewal terms, and do not sign a loan thinking it is a scholarship.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Scholarships — Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge.
Scholarship Funds — Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge.
Contact and Student Resources — Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Each program has its own funding, eligibility, and calendar; confirm the current terms before applying. An advertised award does not guarantee selection.
Confirm eligibility, current terms, and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge Scholarship Program
Residency can be the factor that turns a community scholarship into a real option. Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge lists a 2027 program expected to award more than $400,000 to students of different ages: high-school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school. The eligible area includes Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta, Highland, and Nelson counties. Most funds can be reached through one application, although exceptions exist.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.