Community Foundation for Monterey County administers more than one hundred named funds and, according to its overview, awards more than $2 million to over 500 students annually. For the 2026 general cycle, it announced up to 85 scholarships and $1.5 million; most use an online account and shared application, though some funds require a separate form. Not every opportunity is limited to high-school seniors; some serve current college and vocational students.
The 2026 application opened January 5 and was due March 16 at midnight; that cycle is now closed. Students holding a renewable award must observe the October 31, 2026, renewal date. The 2027 calendar is not posted yet, although the foundation says new applications open in January; check again before relying on a specific date.
Each fund has its own purpose, from a particular school or locality to a profession or financial need. College Futures Monterey County combines need-based scholarships with personalized guidance to help low-income students move toward a degree. Before applying, check whether your residence, school, major, and academic level match; prepare transcripts and references, and answer every required question before submitting.
The foundation also points students toward FAFSA, Cal Grant, the California Dream Act, the Middle Class Scholarship, and campus aid. Keep those routes distinct from the private funds it administers: a local scholarship may coordinate with other aid, but the college determines how it affects cost of attendance. If an application is incomplete or family circumstances change, contact the scholarship team and keep the confirmation email.
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.
Apply for a Scholarship — Community Foundation for Monterey County.
Scholarships overview — Community Foundation for Monterey County.
Scholarship Resources — Community Foundation for Monterey County.
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.
Community Foundation for Monterey County Scholarships
Community Foundation for Monterey County administers more than one hundred named funds and, according to its overview, awards more than $2 million to over 500 students annually. For the 2026 general cycle, it announced up to 85 scholarships and $1.5 million; most use an online account and shared application, though some funds require a separate form. Not every opportunity is limited to high-school seniors; some serve current college and vocational students.
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 for Monterey County · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation for Monterey County · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation for Monterey County · 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 for Monterey County · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Community Foundation for Monterey County Scholarships ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation for Monterey County · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Community Foundation for Monterey County Scholarships ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation for Monterey County · 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.