San Diego Foundation brings more than 150 scholarship funds into one common application. Opportunities serve county residents graduating high school, current college students, adults returning to education, and people in technical, professional, or graduate programs. Published awards generally range from $1,000 to more than $5,000, although each fund sets its amount, renewal rules, and eligible expenses. The 2026–27 application is closed, with award notifications expected in June; the next cycle’s dates have not yet been posted.
Residency is a frequent condition: the FAQ generally defines it as at least one year living in San Diego County, with specific rules for parents’ tax filings and an exception for some military households. Applicants must complete FAFSA or the California Dream Act application; if neither is possible, the Foundation allows a federal aid estimator with the specified calculation. The general minimum GPA shown is 2.0, but individual funds may add school, major, service, or other requirements.
The common application can take up to five hours because some funds require supplemental essays, recommendations, or uploads. The system may match one application to multiple awards, but leaving a supplemental section blank forfeits that opportunity; late materials are not accepted and awards are paid to the school. Students should read each fund’s criteria, set a reminder for the winter cycle, and avoid intermediaries charging to obtain scholarships: applying is free.
Before accepting aid, verify in writing who may apply, what costs it covers, whether it renews, and how it interacts with FAFSA and other scholarships. Confirm dates in the official portal and ask the college for your remaining net cost.
Read the program profile and FAFSA guide; ask for an individual review before committing.
Common Scholarship Application — San Diego Foundation.
Common Scholarship Application FAQs — San Diego Foundation.
Students: scholarship programs — San Diego Foundation.
Information checked against official pages on October 13, 2026. Dates and award availability refer to the stated cycle and may change; confirm requirements in the current application. Promise awards are last-dollar funds and may not cover housing, food, transport, or other costs; loans must be repaid.
Verify the current cycle, remaining net cost, and any renewal or repayment obligations before accepting.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
San Diego Foundation Common Scholarship Application
San Diego Foundation brings more than 150 scholarship funds into one common application. Opportunities serve county residents graduating high school, current college students, adults returning to education, and people in technical, professional, or graduate programs. Published awards generally range from $1,000 to more than $5,000, although each fund sets its amount, renewal rules, and eligible expenses. The 2026–27 application is closed, with award notifications expected in
Local scholarship and college-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
San Diego Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Diego Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Diego Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
San Diego Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Diego Foundation Common Scholarship Application ↗
Primary source
San Diego Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Diego Foundation Common Scholarship Application ↗
Primary source
San Diego 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.