Scholarship Information

Currently, The Community Foundation administers 66 separate endowed scholarship funds totaling over $7 million. Established by individuals or organizations, these funds help area students achieve their academic and career-oriented goals.

Scholarship Funds within The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region can be set up to benefit students from particular geographic areas or schools, attending specific post-secondary institutions, or entering certain fields of study. A named endowed scholarship fund can be established with a gift of $25,000. The donor has three years to reach the $25,000 needed to endow the fund.

The 2025 scholarship application cycle will open January 1, 2025 and close March 1, 2025.

Please click here to access The Foundation’s 2024 scholarship listing.

If you have any questions, please contact The Foundation’s office at (434) 793-0884.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Scholarship Cycle:

How to Apply?

Students may apply by submitting an online application. Paper documents are not accepted. The application consists of two parts. The first part asks for student information, such as name, address, school, work/volunteer hours, etc. The second part details specific scholarships. Our online application system will automatically match students to scholarships they qualify for and will identify scholarships that require additional questions or an essay. Once the two parts of the application are complete, and any additional questions have been answered, the application may then be submitted. Students may update applications at any time until the day of the deadline. After the deadline, all submitted answers are permanent. No applications will be accepted after the deadline of March 1. There are no exceptions.

    Students are encouraged to begin the application process in January. Applications must include letters of recommendation and transcripts by the deadline, and they take time to process. Therefore, if a student begins their application process in late February, there may not be enough time for letters of recommendation or a transcript to be received.

What Is the Timeline?

Our applications are available to students on our website January 1st and due by March 1. After the deadline, The Foundation staff and the Distribution Committee review the scholarship applications. They meet to select recipients in April and notify students of their awards in May. The Community Foundation hosts a Scholarship Reception for recipients in early June. In mid-July, scholarship awards are mailed directly to the institutions designated by the student.


Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Students who are graduating seniors or former graduates from a high school in the City of Danville; Pittsylvania or Halifax Counties, Virginia or Caswell County, North Carolina may apply. Each scholarship also has specific eligibility criteria that were defined by the donor. The online application system will determine your eligibility for each scholarship.


When Should I Apply?

We have two types of scholarships at The Foundation—ones that students apply for directly and others that are based on recommendations by a guidance counselor. Student applications, including the essay, recommendation letters, transcripts and any other supporting documents should be received by our deadline in March. Incomplete applications, or those received after our deadline, will not be reviewed.


How Are the Scholarship Decisions Made?

Through the assistance of The Foundation staff, the Distribution Committee reviews and scores each application. The committee selects recipients based on a combination of academic merit, financial need, community involvement, personal essay, references, and any additional criteria established by the donor.


If I Am Awarded a Scholarship, How Much Will I Receive?

Our scholarships vary in award amounts. The amounts vary every year due to our return on investments. In 2022, the average scholarship award was $2,220.00.


Are Scholarships Renewable?

In most cases, students must reapply every year for a scholarship. Some of our scholarships are renewable, but students must still apply every year.


If I Am Awarded a Scholarship, Will I Receive a Check?

No. Award checks will be mailed directly to the institution. If for any reason your status as a full-time student should change, the unused portion of the scholarship is returned to The Foundation by the institution.


What Can My Scholarship Be Used For?

Scholarships may only be used for educational purposes.


When and how will I be notified of my scholarship status?

Recipients will be notified by the middle of May. Notifications are sent to the email that the student enters on their application. We encourage students to enter an email address that is checked often, because notifications are sent throughout the application process.