Scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are now open!
Please note the new application deadlines for this year, as listed below:
Scholarship renewal applications are due by January 15, 2026.
First-time applications are due by February 17, 2026.
Apply for College Scholarships
Over the years, our big-hearted donors have recognized the importance of a college education in helping residents of our region succeed in life. More than 160 donors have created funds that make it possible each year for Connecticut Community Foundation to award college scholarships to hundreds of students.
We are now one of the largest college scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region and we invite you to apply.
Below are the categories of college scholarships awarded by the Foundation and the application process for each.
NOTE: The Foundation uses an online platform (SmarterSelect) for scholarship application and reporting. Click HERE for a more information about account setup.
Apply for a General College Scholarship
Most of the Foundation’s scholarships fall into this “general” category and the same application form can be used for all of these scholarships. To be eligible for most of these scholarships, students must reside in our 21-town area, possess a B- or higher cumulative academic average, and plan to attend an accredited college or university in the United States for undergraduate studies (as a new, returning or current college student). Additionally, in order to apply for the Foundation’s general scholarships as a new applicant, students must have a FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI) below $40,000. However, some scholarships may have unique eligibility criteria or exceptions, so please carefully review our complete list of general scholarships.
- View the list of our general scholarships and criteria for applying to each. The form is downloadable and usable as a worksheet to determine your eligibility for each scholarship before applying.
- Renewing your scholarship: If you have received a general scholarship from the Foundation in the past, re-apply by January 15.
- First-time applicants: If you have never received a general scholarship from the Foundation before, apply by February 17.
Apply for a Special College Scholarship
The Foundation awards a smaller number of “special scholarships” that have unique application criteria and review processes.
The special scholarship form includes opportunities from the Connecticut Army National Guard (Del Greco Scholarship), Connecticut State Police Credit Union (Niedzial Scholarship), H. D. Segur Inc., Hubbard Hall Inc., and Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department. It also includes funds for students going into an agriculture-related field (Harris Family Scholarship), residents of Bridgewater with significant local community service (Persbacker Family Fund Scholarship), LGBTQ students/allies (Pride in the Hills Scholarship), and students entering/enrolled in a medical school (Dr. & Mrs. Arthur F. Sullivan Scholarship, available in even-numbered years only).
- View the complete list of special scholarships and their eligibility criteria. The downloadable form can be used as a worksheet to determine your eligibility before you apply.
- Renewing your scholarship: If you have received a special scholarship from the Foundation in the past, re-apply by January 15.
- First-time applicants: If you never received a special scholarship from the Foundation before, apply by February 17.
Apply for CT State Naugatuck Valley Scholarship
Apply for the CT State Naugatuck Scholarship
The Foundation provides college scholarship funds directly to CT State Naugatuck Valley which the school then distributes to eligible students. If you are planning to attend Naugatuck Valley this year, please apply directly to them for a scholarship using the CT State Naugatuck Valley Scholarship Application. The application deadline for the upcoming academic year is now closed.
For more information, please contact:
Tallitha Richardson, Scholarship and Collective Giving Program Officer
scholarships@conncf.org | 203.753.1315
