This page answers common questions about scholarships administered by the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland (CFOSR). If you do not see your question answered here, please feel free to reach out—we are happy to help.
General Questions
What types of scholarships does CFOSR offer?
CFOSR administers a wide range of scholarship opportunities established by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. Scholarships vary in eligibility, award amount, and focus, and may support students pursuing college, trade school, certification programs, or other postsecondary education and training.
Who can apply for CFOSR scholarships?
Eligibility varies by scholarship. Opportunities may be available to:
- High school seniors
- Current college students
- Adult or nontraditional learners
- Students meeting specific school, geographic, or program-based criteria
Applicants are encouraged to review individual scholarship requirements carefully.
Are homeschooled students eligible to apply for CFOSR scholarships?
Yes. Homeschooled students are generally eligible to apply for scholarships offered through their school district of residence. Because eligibility varies by scholarship, students and families should review individual scholarship criteria carefully.
Application Process
Do I need to create a profile to apply?
Yes. All applicants must create an account in the CFOSR Scholarship Portal to access scholarship opportunities.
What is the Universal Scholarship Application?
The Universal Scholarship Eligibility Application helps determine which scholarships an applicant may be eligible to apply for.
Applicants complete one of the following:
- Universal Scholarship Eligibility Application – High School Students
- Universal Scholarship Eligibility Application – Adults / Continuing Education
As applicants complete the Universal application, the system will display scholarships they may be eligible for along with 10-digit access codes needed to open each scholarship application.
Does submitting the Universal Application apply me to scholarships?
No.
Submitting the Universal Application does not complete scholarship applications. Each scholarship requires its own application, which must be opened using the 10-digit access code provided in the Universal application.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes. Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for each opportunity.
Why can’t I see the scholarship I want to apply for?
In most cases, this means the Universal Scholarship Eligibility Application has not yet been completed.
Students must first complete the Universal application before they can access scholarship applications using the 10-digit access codes provided in the system.
Where do I find the access codes?
Access codes appear at the bottom of the Universal Scholarship Eligibility Application. The Universal application remains accessible in your portal account, allowing you to return at any time to copy and paste the code when opening scholarship applications.
Do all scholarships use the Universal Application?
Most CFOSR scholarships use the Universal Scholarship Eligibility Application to determine eligibility.
However, some Rockland-administered scholarships follow a separate application process and may not require completion of the Universal application. Please refer to the individual scholarship page for instructions.
Application Materials
What materials are typically required?
Required materials vary by scholarship and may include:
- Essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- Proof of enrollment
- Additional supporting documentation
Applicants should review each scholarship listing carefully to ensure all required materials are submitted.
Do high school seniors need to submit a transcript?
Yes. High school senior applicants must upload their most recent transcript.
When available, transcripts should include mid-year senior grades. Many Hudson Valley school districts release mid-year grades in mid-February, and applicants should upload the most recent academic information available at the time of submission.
Do documents uploaded to one scholarship apply to all scholarships?
No.
Each scholarship application is separate. Supporting documents—including transcripts—must be uploaded within each individual scholarship application.
Deadlines & Review
Are scholarship deadlines flexible?
No. Scholarship deadlines are firm.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials well before the deadline to allow time for gathering documentation and resolving any technical issues.
How are applications reviewed?
Applications are reviewed according to the criteria established by each scholarship fund.
Many scholarships consider factors such as:
- Community service
- Academic effort
- Leadership
- Financial need
- Merit
- Personal resilience
Evaluation criteria vary depending on the scholarship.
Award Notifications
For high school seniors, scholarship recipients are typically notified through their school guidance office, often during a graduation ceremony or awards presentation.
CFOSR provides award letters directly to schools for presentation to students.
Notification processes may vary for scholarships awarded outside of the high school cycle.
Awards & Payments
How are scholarship awards paid?
Scholarship awards are paid directly to the educational institution the student attends.
Funds are applied toward eligible educational expenses such as:
- Tuition
- Mandatory fees
- In some cases, books
Scholarships are not paid directly to students.
What if I haven’t decided where I’m attending school yet?
Applicants may still apply for scholarships. If selected, scholarship payments are issued once enrollment at an eligible educational institution is confirmed.
Can scholarships be used for expenses other than tuition?
Eligible expenses vary by scholarship and institution but may include tuition, mandatory fees, and in some cases books. Specific usage is determined by the scholarship’s guidelines.
Guidance Counselors & Families
Can guidance counselors or parents help with the application?
Yes. Guidance counselors and families may assist students with understanding the application process. However, applications should reflect the student’s own experiences and responses.
Is this information updated annually?
Yes. Scholarship information, timelines, and eligibility criteria are reviewed and updated each year to reflect current opportunities.
Still Have Questions?
If you have questions about the scholarship process or are unsure where to begin, please feel free to reach out.
Lisa Mitchell
Programs & Donor Services Coordinator
Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland
lisa@cfosny.org
845.769.9393
