Scholarship FAQs

Read about our 2024 and 2023 scholarship winners. We will begin accepting scholarship applications for the 2025 cycle in January or February of 2025. Please be sure to sign up for our Scholarship eNewsletter for future information about our program.

In 2025, we will begin accepting applications beginning in January or early February. The deadline to apply is generally about one month later. 

Please be sure to sign up for our Scholarship eNewsletter for future information about our program.

The Community Foundation of Howard County Scholarship application form will be available again in 2025 beginning January or early February.

 How do I apply for a scholarship?

1. Go to this page
2. Click on the “Create New Account” button
3. CFHoCo Scholarship Application Quick Reference Guide and Tutorial: https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4520645408151-SLM-Applicant-Tutorial-Universal-Application

The scholarships available each year vary. First, find out if the scholarship you’re interested in is offered by visiting the scholarships information page. Then, review the Scholarships Guidelines to determine if you meet the Eligibility Criteria. If you have determined that the scholarship is offered AND that you do meet the Eligibility Criteria, but the scholarship is not listed on your “Apply” page, please send us an email.

For the purposes of completing the application you only need to upload this form to the application system. However, if you need a copy of your transcript and/or report card you will need to submit the HCPSS Student Transcript Request form to your school.  As it relates to the scholarship application, you would only need one printed copy of the documents, which you’ll scan and upload to the system when asked to provide these materials.

You may also want to review the FAQ “What if I only have a paper copy of the materials requested?”

All materials need to be submitted via the application portal. Acceptable file types are .pdf, .tif, .png, .jpeg, .jpg, .bmp and .xps.

Please keep in mind:

SUBJECT: {insert your name} – Request for Letter of Recommendation – {name of scholarship}

BODY: I’m applying for {insert name of scholarship}. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors who {give some information about the scholarship}. The application requires that I include a one-page confidential letter of recommendation and I’m hopeful that you can provide one. Shortly after receiving this email, you will receive a second one that includes a unique link to this one. Please submit the letter of recommendation no later than May 19, 2023.

• Deadline Reminders: Deadline reminder emails are typically sent two (2) weeks and one (1) week prior to the application deadline.
• Recommendation Deadline Reminder: You may receive a notification after the application deadline but prior to the recommendation deadline if your recommendation is still incomplete.
• Selection Results: Selection results notifications are sent to all Complete applicants.
• Other Scholarships: Occasionally, if you meet the requirements for another scholarship administered by CFHoCo, you will be notified. These notifications are not guaranteed.

Your information is never sold to any third party for marketing purposes.

Within the application, just below the third-party’s email address, you will see status information, such as the date and time you sent an email and when the materials where uploaded to the system.