In a small county, one application can open access to funds with very different criteria: high school, financial need, field of study, or returning to school. Indiana’s Montgomery County Community Foundation manages scholarships created by local donors; it reports more than $10 million awarded since 1991. Its listings include county high-school students and nontraditional opportunities for current college students and people returning to school.
The standard 2026–27 application opens October 15, 2026 and closes January 14, 2027. Most scholarships use that common form; the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship and nontraditional awards have separate applications. The key first step is to read each listing before entering the portal, because some funds request essays or financial information from the student and parents. For need-based awards, the Foundation requires the Student Aid Report generated after filing FAFSA.
The Foundation encourages students to apply for every scholarship whose criteria they meet and says receiving multiple awards is possible. A common deadline does not erase fund-by-fund differences or guarantee selection. Gather transcripts, FAFSA information, and personal responses before opening the form, then monitor email and administrator instructions. For eligibility or document questions, the Foundation lists scholarship director Ashley Warren and phone 765-362-1267. This guide covers Montgomery County, Indiana, not other counties with the same name.
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.
Scholarship Application Process — Montgomery County Community Foundation.
About Our Scholarships — Montgomery County Community Foundation.
Scholarship FAQ and Resources — Montgomery County Community Foundation.
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.
Montgomery County Community Foundation Scholarship Program
In a small county, one application can open access to funds with very different criteria: high school, financial need, field of study, or returning to school. Indiana’s Montgomery County Community Foundation manages scholarships created by local donors; it reports more than $10 million awarded since 1991. Its listings include county high-school students and nontraditional opportunities for current college students and people returning to school.
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
Montgomery County Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Montgomery County Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Montgomery County Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Montgomery County Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Montgomery County Community Foundation Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Montgomery County Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Montgomery County Community Foundation Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Montgomery County Community Foundation · 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.