Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost anything to apply for a scholarship?
No.

For what expenses can I use scholarship award funds?
Each scholarship designates for what purpose funds may be used. Most scholarships may only be used for direct educational expenses such as tuition, books and supplies, and in some cases, room and board. Please refer to each fund description for more detail.

Are scholarship awards taxable?
For degree-seeking students, a scholarship used for tuition, fees, books, supplies and essential equipment is not taxable. Any portion of the scholarship that is used for room and board is taxable. Consult a tax expert for advice.

Are the scholarship awards sufficient to pay the cost of my college education?
Our scholarships are intended to provide partial support; therefore students are encouraged to look into other financial aid resources such as federal grants, loans and work-study awards. A complete financial package can be prepared by your school's financial aid office and may include a portion of each of the above types of financial aid.

How much of a scholarship might I receive?
Scholarship awards from the Orange County Community Foundation range from $500 to thousands of dollars. Your award will depend on the size of the particular fund, the number of qualified applicants, and the guidance given by scholarship committee members. When available, the average scholarship amount awarded by each fund in the previous year is listed under the fund's description to provide applicants a general idea of the potential award. However, students should note that award amounts vary from year to year.

Where can I go to school with these scholarships?
Most of the scholarships are for students attending schools in the United States, unless otherwise noted under the scholarship description.

May I receive awards from more than one scholarship fund?
You may apply for as many scholarships for which you are eligible and you may receive several awards depending on your financial need.

Do I need to pay scholarship money back?
No. Scholarships are charitable awards that do not need to be paid back.