Scholarships (Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo)

Scholarships (Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo) is sponsored by Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Scholarships - Education | Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Since 1924, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has been awarding scholarships to students from Western New York. In 2024, the Community Foundation remained as one of the region’s largest scholarship providers, awarding scholarships totaling $3 million to nearly 3,000 Western New York students. Click here to read about some of our past scholarship recipients.

To take advantage of our scholarships, you must: Permanent resident of Western New York Have at least a C (2.

0) average GPA Have been accepted to a nonprofit, United States Department of Education accredited school for full-time, undergraduate study Preference is given to Pell eligible students attending school in Western New York A very limited number are available for graduate students in the fields of architecture, arts, engineering, medicine, nursing, piano, environment and wildlife.

Click here to download our Frequently Asked Questions Flyer. Click here to download our Scholarship Announcement Poster. Are you a member of a Scholarship Selection Committee?

Please click here . Frequently Asked Questions Are grades a factor in determining awards? Yes.

To qualify you must have a minimum “C” or a 2. 0 (on a 4. 0 system) G.

P. A. average or greater.

Are official transcripts necessary? No. All grades should be uploaded with the application. High school students should upload a copy of the current report card showing at least two marking periods.

College students should upload a copy of their most current grade report, produced by their school or school’s website. What if I’m undecided between two schools? Please make sure financial packages for *both* schools are submitted and notify the Foundation of your final decision of college/university no later than May 1st in order to be considered for a scholarship award.

If I attend school out of the area but my permanent address is local, do I qualify? Yes. As long as your permanent mailing address is within the eight counties of Western New York, you qualify for the scholarship (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties).

What are the awards based on and what is the scholarship range? Awards are based primarily on financial need, although certain awards are also based on scholastic achievement, service or specific requirements. Awards range from approximately $1,000 to $6,000 – determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Strong preference is given to those applicants who are Pell eligible as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and attending school within the eight counties of Western New York. What determines unmet financial need? Your total college expenses minus your total resources.

College expenses include: tuition and fees, room and board. Books, supplies and miscellaneous expenses can be considered up to $2,500. Resources include: other grants (Pell, SEOG, TAP, etc.) scholarships from other sources, and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Are there scholarships for Graduate Students? A limited number of scholarships are available for graduate students in the fields of architecture, arts, engineering, medicine, nursing, piano, environment and wildlife. What Financial Information is Required?

You will need to upload your Student Aid Report (SAR) and the Award letter you received from all colleges you listed on your application. What if my financial package is not expected to be complete before the May 1st deadline? Tell your college/university financial aid office to submit information based on estimated amounts.

After May 15, the Foundation will not accept Unmet Need information. No exceptions. Will this scholarship cover Summer Terms?

No. The scholarship is awarded based on the following: Fall and Spring full-time attendance for Semester schools. Fall, Winter and Spring full-time attendance for Trimester schools. Can I transfer my scholarship to another school?

No. Changing schools after the scholarship has been awarded *cancels* the scholarship. What areas are considered part of Western New York? The eight counties of: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming.

Collaborative Initiatives