This page is designed to answer common questions about scholarships administered by the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland (CFOSR). If you don’t see your question answered below, please feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help.
General Questions
What types of scholarships does CFOSR offer?
CFOSR administers a wide range of scholarship opportunities established by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. Scholarships vary in eligibility, award amount, and focus, and may support students pursuing college, trade school, certification programs, or other postsecondary education and training.
Who can apply for CFOSR scholarships?
Eligibility varies by scholarship. Opportunities may be available to high school seniors, current college students, adult or nontraditional learners, and students who meet specific school, geographic, or program-based criteria. Applicants are encouraged to review individual scholarship requirements carefully.
Application Process
Do I need to create a profile to apply?
Yes. All applicants must create a profile in the CFOSR Scholarship Portal in order to access any scholarship opportunity, including those available through the Universal Scholarship Application and additional scholarships offered outside of the universal cycle.
What is the Universal Scholarship Application?
The Universal Scholarship Application allows applicants to be considered for multiple scholarship opportunities based on their eligibility. Some scholarships may also require additional materials, such as essays or letters of recommendation.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes. Applicants who complete the Universal Scholarship Application may be considered for multiple scholarships, depending on eligibility and fund criteria.
What materials are typically required?
Required materials vary by scholarship and may include essays, letters of recommendation, proof of enrollment, or transcripts. Applicants should review each scholarship listing carefully to ensure all required materials are submitted by the deadline.
High School Student Questions
Do high school seniors need to submit a transcript?
Yes. All high school senior applicants are required to submit their most recent transcript or report card. When available, students are encouraged to upload documentation that includes mid-year grades.
Many Hudson Valley school districts release mid-year grades in mid-February. Applicants should plan accordingly and upload the most recent academic information available to them at the time of submission.
Deadlines & Review
Are scholarship deadlines flexible?
Application deadlines are firm. Applicants are encouraged to submit all required materials well in advance of the stated deadline to allow time for gathering documents and resolving any technical issues.
How are applications reviewed?
Applications are reviewed based on the criteria established by each scholarship fund. Many scholarships place a strong emphasis on community service and giving back, while others may consider academic effort, leadership, financial need, merit, resilience, or a combination of factors.
Award Notifications
How will students be notified if they receive a scholarship?
For high school seniors, scholarship recipients are typically notified by their school, often during a graduation ceremony or awards presentation. CFOSR provides award letters directly to schools for presentation to students.
In some cases, scholarship fund representatives may also participate in award presentations.
Notification processes may vary for scholarships awarded outside of the high school cycle.
Awards & Payments
How are scholarship awards paid?
Scholarship awards are paid directly to the educational institution the student is enrolled to attend. Funds are applied toward eligible educational expenses such as tuition, fees, and, in some cases, books. Scholarships are not paid directly to students.
What if I haven’t decided where I’m attending school yet?
Applicants may still apply for scholarships. If selected, scholarship payments are issued once enrollment at an eligible educational institution is confirmed.
Can scholarships be used for expenses other than tuition?
Eligible expenses vary by scholarship and institution but may include tuition, mandatory fees, and in some cases books. Specific usage is determined by the scholarship’s guidelines.
Guidance Counselors & Families
Can guidance counselors or parents help with the application?
Yes. Guidance counselors and families may assist students with understanding the application process. However, applications should reflect the student’s own experiences and responses.
Is this information updated annually?
Yes. Scholarship information, timelines, and eligibility criteria are reviewed and updated each year to reflect current opportunities.
Still Have Questions?
If you have questions about the application process or are unsure where to begin, please feel free to reach out.
Lisa Mitchell
Programs & Donor Services Coordinator
Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland
lisa@cfosny.org
845.769.9393
