Delaware Community Foundation Opens 2026-2027 Scholarship Applications

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF), a top-100 community foundation nationwide and one of the largest charitable organizations in the state, announces the opening of its scholarship application for the 2026-2027 school year. Scholarships are available for high school seniors and college students, including those who demonstrate financial need, maintain a record of academic excellence, students from certain racial or ethnic backgrounds, and students pursuing particular majors such as arts or pre-med. For the first time in DCF history, there are also scholarships available for students pursuing trade school. 

“The generous donors in our community recognize the rising cost of higher education and have established scholarships to help both incoming and current college students reduce their financial burden,” said DCF Grant & Scholarship Coordinator Kelly Sheridan. “In addition to graduate and undergraduate scholarships, the DCF now offers scholarships for trade education, equipping students with skills that lead to meaningful work and vibrant local industries.” 
 
Monica Mendez, who won the 4-year Donald and Nancy Edwards Scholarship, graduated from Boston College in May 2025 with a double major in Secondary Education and Hispanic Studies. She was admitted to the Master of Education in World Languages program at Boston University. “I am beyond excited to get started in this program. I cannot thank the DCF and Mr. and Mrs. Edwards enough for helping me to fund my education,” said Mendez. “It meant the world to me.” 
 
Last year, the DCF awarded $851,500 in scholarships to 245 new and renewal students from Delaware for the 2025-2026 school year, a 30% increase in funds from 2024-2025. The increase was made possible by contributions from philanthropists and donors, such as Michael J. & Hannah George Koziski, whose new scholarship fund awarded $100,000 to 10 students.  
 
This year, students can apply for 82 scholarships, available to review in the 2026-2027 Scholarship Compendium. 

To complete the online application, students can visit the DCF scholarship page at www.delcf.org/scholarships. The online general application must be completed and submitted no later than March 15, 2026. All sections must be complete, and all supporting documents must be provided. Partially completed applications will not be considered. This includes any application in which recommendations are not complete. Award notifications will be sent to students on May 15, 2026.  
 
Donors can open a scholarship fund with an initial gift to the DCF of $50,000 or more in cash or other assets, such as appreciated stock, mutual funds, or real estate. For information about how donors can create scholarship funds at the DCF, contact Kelly Sheridan at [email protected]. 
 
The Delaware Community Foundation – Make More Possible™ 

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) stands at the intersection of generosity and community transformation. We manage charitable funds, advise donors and grant to nonprofits to cultivate the future of philanthropy in Delaware. Our mission is to expand opportunity for all by helping individuals, families, businesses and organizations focus their generosity where it can create the greatest impact statewide. Through convening, connecting, providing leadership on important issues and investing in community needs, we empower Delawareans to build a stronger, more vibrant future. Learn more at delcf.org or call 302.571.8004.