Student Diversity

Our Scholarships

Since 1986, the Community Foundation has been the leading source for post-secondary scholarship funding in Frederick County, and in more recent years, has provided significant scholarship support for students in Carroll County.

Our program supports nearly every area of study imaginable, with scholarships funded by generous donors who believe in the value of education. Some donors want to support students aspiring to careers similar to theirs; other donors want to give back to the community that has generously given to them. Others wish to honor the legacies of their loved ones, both living and deceased.

How to Apply for Scholarships

Every scholarship applicant must first create an online account, and then submit an online application. If you previously applied for our scholarships, you already have an account. If you have an existing account, it is IMPERATIVE that you NOT create a new account. Use the username and/or password retrieval system if you have forgotten your username or password.
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Gather documents needed to complete the application

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Complete and submit your online application

Available Scholarships

Select a scholarship type below to learn more.

Mary Alice and R. David Stup Scholarship Fund

Application open May 1-31, 2025

This special fund was created through Mary Alice Stup’s estate which stated that the Community Foundation was to create “a ‘second chance’ scholarship fund to benefit abused or exploited children, as well as students who have misdemeanor criminal records, so they can have a second chance.”

The Community Foundation is partnering with the nonprofit, legal, educational, and government agency community to award this scholarship for the first time for the 2025-2026 academic year, with the scholarship monies to be used between July 1, 2025, and August 15, 2026.

Career Education Scholarships

Frederick County residents studying to enter career education fields may apply to receive scholarships that help pay for training at an accredited trade or technical school, certification exams, tools, and other necessary supplies for study and work in the trade.

Who Can Apply?

When is the Scholarship Application Open?

How Do I Apply?

What Can the Scholarship Award be Used For?

General Scholarships - Frederick County

Application open March 1-31, 2025

The Community Foundation of Frederick County administers scholarships primarily for the benefit of Frederick County, Maryland residents who are pursuing post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, or certifications.

Approximately 60% of our available scholarships consider an applicant’s and/or their family’s financial need. To be eligible for financial need-based scholarships through the Community Foundation, you must be eligible to complete the FAFSA or for tuition reduction under the Maryland Dream Act as an undocumented student.

After an application is submitted, it is screened to see if it fits the requirements for more than 200 different scholarships. If the application qualifies for any of these scholarships, the application will automatically be placed into consideration for those scholarships.

This application has closed.

Who Can Apply?

When is the Scholarship Application Open?

How Do I Apply?

What Can the Scholarship Award be Used For?

The Sperry L. Storm Memorial Scholarship Fund and The Guss Family Scholarship Fund for the Arts

Frederick County students ages Kindergarten through 12th grade who are currently pursuing instrumental or vocal music instruction may apply for a music scholarship supporting private or group instruction. These scholarships are funded by The Sperry L. Storm Memorial Scholarship Fund and The Guss Family Scholarship Fund for the Arts. Students must be enrolled in music instruction at the time of application.

This application is closed.

The Luke Clemens Bartlett Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund

Frederick County students ages Kindergarten through 12th grade may apply for financial aid scholarships to attend sports activities, programs, and athletic camps.  These scholarships are funded by The Luke Clemens Bartlett Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund. Scholarships support participation fees only, and payment will be made directly to the youth athletic organization and/or as a reimbursement to the parent/guardian with proof of payment.  Applicants must be a Frederick County resident.

This application is closed.

The Harold Glen and Audrey G. Benson Trumpower Foundation Scholarship Fund

Application open February 1-28, 2025

The Community Foundation of Frederick County administers scholarships for the benefit of Carroll County, Maryland, residents who are pursuing post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, or certifications.

Applicants must submit financial need information – either a FAFSA Student Aid Report or a MD Resident Income Tax Return Form 502 and complete a financial need essay.

This application is closed.

Who Can Apply?

When is the Scholarship Application Open?

How Do I Apply?

What Can the Scholarship Award be Used For?

Important Scholarship Program Dates

Scholarship Program Applications Accepted Applications Reviewed Applicants Notified
Career Education Scholarships November 15 Awarded on a rolling basis Typically within 45 days of application
General Scholarships March 1-31 April-May May-June
Trumpower Scholarship Fund (Carroll County) February 1-28 March-April May-June
Music Scholarships Nov. 15-Jan. 31 Early February Late February
Athletic Scholarships Nov. 15-Jan. 31 Early February Late February

Scholarship FAQs

To get started, select a question from the list below.


How do I apply for a scholarship with the Community Foundation?

Every scholarship applicant must first create an online account, and then submit an online application. If you previously applied for our scholarships, you already have an account. If you have an existing account, it is IMPERATIVE that you NOT create a new account. Use the username and/or password retrieval system if you have forgotten your username or password.

Click here to create an account or to log in to the system.

When is the Community Foundation’s online general scholarship application available?

The Community Foundation’s online general scholarship application will open March 1-31, 2025. The Trumpower Foundation Scholarship application for students in Carroll County, Maryland will open Feb. 1 – 28, 2025.

What is the deadline for submitting 2025-2026 scholarship applications?

The 2025-2026 scholarship application deadline is March 31,2025.  Applications will not be accepted after this deadline. No exceptions!  We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible and that you not wait until the last day. The application for the Trumpower Foundation Scholarship, for students in Carroll County, Maryland will close on Feb. 28, 2025.

Am I required to complete a new scholarship application every year?

YES. A new scholarship application must be completed each year.  This includes renewable scholarships.  We must have updated information in our system to renew scholarships from the previous academic year.