Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a scholarship with the Community Foundation?
Scholarships can be accessed by searching through the categories under the “Scholarships” tab on our website: About our Local Scholarship Program — Community Foundation of Washington County.
Or, an applicant can utilize the Matching Program: SmarterSelect - Applications Made Easy. Answer the questions through the link to be matched with scholarships that best suit you. *Please note: the scholarships that are outputted to you are ones you may qualify for - make sure to read each individual scholarship’s criteria before you apply. If you are looking for a specific scholarship and are not given the link through the Matching Program, please visit our “Scholarships” tab to find direct links to each of our scholarships under the appropriate headings.
The applicant will be required to create an account with a personal email address and password.
When are the Community Foundation’s scholarship applications available?
The majority of the Community Foundation’s scholarship applications open at the beginning of January and close on April 1st at 11:59pm each year. There are a few scholarships that have differing open and close dates, so be mindful when applying.
How do I submit my Transcript?
If you are a high school student, please enter your school counselor’s information into the fields when prompted. Make sure to let your counselor know that they will be receiving an email from the SmarterSelect system and make sure they are aware of the deadline. If you are a college student, retrieve your transcript from your school, enter your own information, and upload a copy yourself. Please contact Hannah Coulter at hannahc@cfwcmd.org if you need assistance.
Do I need to obtain Letters of Recommendation (LOR)?
Some of our scholarships require letters of recommendation to be uploaded prior to submitting an application. To upload a letter of recommendation, enter the recommender’s information into the fields when prompted. Make sure to let the individual know that they will be receiving an email from the SmarterSelect system and make sure they are aware of the deadline. Please contact Hannah Coulter at hannahc@cfwcmd.org if you need assistance.
What do I do if I forget my password or username?
If you have forgotten your password, click on the “Forgot your password” link on the Sign In page. The system will ask you to enter the email address registered to your account. You will be sent a link to create a new password. If you have forgotten the email address for which you signed up your account with, please email Hannah Coulter at hannahc@cfwcmd.org.
Will the Community Foundation have access to my password?
No, the Community Foundation staff will not have access to your secure password if you forget or lose the information.
Can I make changes to my application?
Prior to submitting the application, you can make edits/changes/updates as often as you like. However, once your application is submitted, modifications cannot be made. Please contact Hannah Coulter at hannahc@cfwcmd.org if you need assistance.
Will I know if I have errors on my application before I submit?
When you complete a page and hit the “Save” button, you will receive immediate notification if a field requires attention. Please be mindful of your spelling and grammar, as there is no spell-check or grammar-check.
How will I know my completed application was received?
Once you submit your completed application, you will receive an email confirmation.
If my application is submitted with all the required documents, does this mean I will be awarded a scholarship?
No, meeting the eligibility and application requirements alone does not guarantee you will receive a scholarship. Each scholarship has an individual review committee that will review all submitted applications and choose a recipient.
How will I know if I am awarded a scholarship?
Most of our scholarships are announced at your high school award ceremony or the scholarship’s individual award ceremony. You will receive an invitation to your school’s award ceremony or a scholarship’s individual award ceremony if you are chosen. You will be notified by June 15th if you are a scholarship recipient.
How do I receive my scholarship if I am awarded one?
If you are awarded a scholarship through the Community Foundation, you will need to send (by email or mail) a copy of your award letter, proof of enrollment (tuition bill, acceptance letter, etc.), and your student ID number to:
Sarah Burge at sarahb@cfwcmd.org
OR
Community Foundation of Washington County, MD
Attn: Sarah Burge
19638 Leitersburg Pike
Suite 203
Hagerstown, MD 21742
A check will be sent directly to your school and added to your student account for use.
How can I thank the donor of my scholarship?
Recipients are encouraged to personally thank the generous donors who’ve made these awards possible. Please address this correspondence to:
Scholarship Name
19638 Leitersburg Pike
Suite 203
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Who can the Community Foundation staff talk to about my application?
The Community Foundation staff can only discuss a student’s application with the student themselves.