Southwest Community Foundation and its affiliate DJCF offer college scholarships to students in Dallas and other parts of Texas and neighboring states. The page says they have awarded nearly $3 million since 1991, helping more than 1,000 students earn degrees. For the 2027–28 school year, it anticipates just under one hundred awards averaging about $2,500, subject to selection and available funds. Students need not attend the same college or pursue the same field.
The foundation says the 2027–28 application opens in January 2027 and the 2026–27 cycle is closed. One application can put a student forward for general and some specialized awards, but the student must complete the form personally. Applicants are asked to submit a fall transcript and current FAFSA Student Aid Report; a few specific awards do not require FAFSA or TASFA, as described on the official page.
Most funds consider financial need, merit, extracurricular activities, or community service; awards also exist for fields such as veterinary medicine, health, law, education, fashion, and nutrition. Most geographic eligibility centers on Dallas, Denton, and Collin Counties, although the page lists statewide and national exceptions. Citizenship or immigration status, full-time enrollment, and faith-related conditions should be verified in the application itself.
Before relying on an award, check whether it renews, which costs it covers, and what happens if you change major or institution. The foundation says most awards can be used at the college of the recipient’s choice, and committees may request additional information; submitting the form does not guarantee selection. Compare the remaining cost after Pell and state aid, and ask whether the college requires reporting outside scholarships.
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.
College Scholarships — Southwest Community Foundation.
Scholarship Catalog — Southwest Community Foundation.
Contact — Southwest Community Foundation.
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.
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Southwest Community Foundation College Scholarships
Southwest Community Foundation and its affiliate DJCF offer college scholarships to students in Dallas and other parts of Texas and neighboring states. The page says they have awarded nearly $3 million since 1991, helping more than 1,000 students earn degrees. For the 2027–28 school year, it anticipates just under one hundred awards averaging about $2,500, subject to selection and available funds. Students need not attend the same college or pursue the same field.
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
Southwest Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest 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
Southwest 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
Southwest Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Southwest Community Foundation College Scholarships ↗
Primary source
Southwest 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.