Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut manages more than 130 scholarships, but geography matters. Some are open across a 42-town service region while others are limited to a town, school, or group. The catalog includes four- and two-year colleges, certificates, technical and vocational programs, and a small number of graduate opportunities. Many awards prioritize lower-income and first-generation students, although each fund sets its own profile.

In most cases, students submit a general application through the portal. The system may then request additional answers for specific funds; completing the base form does not guarantee selection. Three opportunities identified by the foundation—Bulkeley Alumni-Harold J. Arkava, Cahill Black Point Education Fund, and Caryn Nesbitt, M.D. Memorial—use separate applications. The 2026–27 dates are now in the past; the organization must publish the next window, so applicants should not assume last year’s closing day repeats.

The directory shows that a student may meet several local criteria and that current college students or adults can qualify for certain funds. Review each listing and prepare academic records, financial information, town of residence, high school, and study plans. The foundation recommends using an email account that remains accessible after graduation and monitoring portal messages. If selected, complete the follow-up form with the school and the office that will receive payment.

To estimate the real cost, ask the school for a written calculation separating tuition, fees, housing, and expenses the award does not cover. Confirm whether aid can renew and what academic progress it requires. Keep the award letter and verify when funds will be applied to the student account.

Official program information and application