The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines administers distinct funds rather than one scholarship for every local student. Mary E. Wood Scholarship accepts applicants with a high-school diploma or GED and states a preference for Black students. In 2026, the foundation also launched the Teree Caldwell-Johnson Servant Leader Scholarship for Des Moines Public Schools graduates, focusing on underserved students and giving special consideration to those who lived in Oakridge Neighborhood or took part in its programs.
The 2026 application announced by the foundation opened April 2 and closed May 1; that deadline has passed. Mary E. Wood’s page describes an annual May deadline, but students should not assume the next form will use exactly the same schedule without confirmation. Check the fund page and foundation news in early spring, and ask whether the award requires full-time study or can be combined with other aid.
The inaugural Teree Caldwell-Johnson scholarship distributed a total of $13,500 among five DMPS graduates in June 2026. That figure describes the cohort, not a per-student promise for future years. Selection considers servant leadership and the Oakridge connection described in the program; students who live in Des Moines but do not graduate from DMPS should check other funds.
For a competitive application, prepare transcripts, diploma or GED proof, service activities, residency history, and a clear education plan. Ask whether the shared portal requires a separate application for each fund and when decisions are announced. Awards may be sent to the college and affect need calculations; confirm the treatment with financial aid before relying on the money.
Before applying, confirm the current cycle, priority date, participating institution, enrollment load, and any missing records. Keep a copy of the FAFSA or state form, transcripts, and submission confirmation. Ask about renewal, covered expenses, and coordination with other aid. Do not budget money until you receive an official award.
Compare net cost and distinguish scholarships, grants, waivers, and loans; they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Verify current-cycle dates and requirements directly with the administrator.
Read the program profile and federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Mary E. Wood Scholarship — Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.
2026 Scholarship Applications Now Open — Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.
Inaugural Teree Caldwell-Johnson Scholarships — Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Aid, funding, and deadlines can change by cycle. Confirm eligibility with the program administrator and your college financial-aid office before relying on an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on the aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Greater Des Moines Community Foundation Scholarships
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines administers distinct funds rather than one scholarship for every local student. Mary E. Wood Scholarship accepts applicants with a high-school diploma or GED and states a preference for Black students. In 2026, the foundation also launched the Teree Caldwell-Johnson Servant Leader Scholarship for Des Moines Public Schools graduates, focusing on underserved students and giving special consideration to those who lived in Oakridge N
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.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Greater Des Moines Community Foundation Scholarships ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Greater Des Moines Community Foundation Scholarships ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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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.
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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.