NOTICE: PROMISE ZONE OPEN MEETING
- Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- 3:00 p.m.
- Community Room
- Battle Creek Community Foundation
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter, and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Get Started
Apply, Renew, or Continue Your Application
Explore Scholarships
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Scholarship Timeline
A clear path from getting ready to getting funded.
Dates below reflect BCCF’s cycle and best‑practice prep.
Tip: While applying early does not increase your chance of receiving a scholarship, starting early reduces stress and increases your chances of success.
Oct–Nov
Get Ready
FAFSA becomes available by December most years. Check the Federal Student Aid site for the exact date.
- Brainstorm & outline your essay; collect transcripts.
- Ask recommenders (teachers, mentors, employers).
Dec 1
Applications Open
- Create your student portal account.
- Complete the Universal Scholarship Application.
- Upload documents (FAFSA confirmation, if available).
Jan-Feb
Polish & Submit
- Finalize essays; proofread with a counselor or mentor.
- Confirm recommendation letters were submitted.
- Double‑check FAFSA submission and student portal profile.
Mar 1
Deadline
All BCCF scholarship applications due.
Decisions communicated April–June; funds sent to schools for fall.
July – August
Payments
Payments to institutions due if follow up form is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a high school senior to apply?
No. Scholarships are available for learners of all ages, including adult learners and graduate students.
What does “renewal” mean?
If awarded a renewable scholarship, you may re‑apply each year for continued support when eligibility is maintained.
What costs can scholarships cover?
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance: books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Can I use a scholarship for trade school or certification programs?
Yes. Many funds support career & technical education, apprenticeships, and certificate programs in addition to traditional colleges.
How do I know which scholarships I’m eligible for?
Complete the Universal Scholarship Application, the system matches you to opportunities that fit your profile.
Can undocumented or DACA students apply?
Some scholarships may be available. Please review criteria in the portal and contact our team for guidance.
Is the BCCF scholarship application available online?
Yes, you can complete and submit a scholarship application from our website.
When can I apply for BCCF Scholarships?
Scholarship applications are open from December 1 through March 1 each year.
Will my completed application qualify me to be considered for more than one scholarship?
Yes, The BCCF Scholarship Application is affiliated with approximately 350 different scholarships. The number of scholarships you are eligible for is based on several criteria, including: high school, GPA, area of study and/or the educational institution you plan to attend.
Do I have to re-apply if I received a Battle Creek Community Foundation scholarship last year?
Yes, the majority of Battle Creek Community Foundation scholarships are one-time awards. You are able to submit a new application each year if you continue to fit the scholarship’s criteria. If you received a renewable scholarship, you will find the renewal forms on our website for your completion.
Must I be a US Citizen, or certified US permanent resident to apply?
Yes. Additionally, eligible non-citizens are: A conditional permanent resident (I-551C) or the holder of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any of the following designations (Refugee or Asylum Granted). Supporting documentation is required with the application.
Why are most Battle Creek Community Foundation scholarships limited to the greater Battle Creek area?
Donors establishing a scholarship fund select criteria that are important to them. Supporting students in the local area remains a priority for many donors. The greater Battle Creek area includes the City of Battle Creek, the City of Springfield and the townships of Bedford, Emmett and Pennfield. There are some scholarships that are countywide and scholarships for schools outside our county. Please use the tool within the scholarship section of our website to assist you in identifying scholarships that apply to your geographic area.
Can Battle Creek Community Foundation scholarships be used for study at any school?
Yes, a large number of our scholarships can be used at any college, university or technical school in the U.S.
Who should write letters of recommendation that may be required by a scholarship?
Letters of recommendation are required by some scholarships. Please read each scholarship description for specific criteria. Students should request letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, advisors, employers, business associates, counselors, mentors, etc. Letters from family members, friends or other relatives are not recommended.
Are all Battle Creek Community Foundation scholarships need-based?
No. Each scholarship has unique criteria.
How is financial need determined?
It is a requirement of the application to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)form and upload a copy of the FAFSA Submission Summary with your application as well as a copy of your college award letter.
Why do I need to complete a FAFSA?
This is a requirement to be considered for any BCCF scholarship that is need-based.
Why is my parent’s income considered when I am going to be the one paying for my education?
Typically, most organizations support the Federal Methodology formula created by Congress. It is based on the premise that it is a parent’s and student’s joint responsibility to provide funds for higher education from their income and assets (to the extent possible). As a general rule, a student is considered independent at the age of 24, or if he/she is married, or is the primary provider for a dependent child or is a veteran.
Is there a way to estimate my Student Aid Index (SAI)?
Yes, a helpful tool for estimating financial aid and calculating your estimated SAI and financial need is found at Federal Student Aid Estimator.
When will I be notified that I have been awarded a scholarship?
The Battle Creek Community Foundation will notify all applicants of scholarship awards throughout the scholarship process via email.
Student scholarship awards will be listed by the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have questions, contact us at scholarships@bccfoundation.org or 269.962.2181.
If I am awarded a scholarship, how much will I receive and how is it paid?
A follow-up is required to receive payment, on this you will indicate where you would like your award sent. (The follow-up link will be in your award email) Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
I need more information about Legacy Scholars. Where can I find details about this scholarship?
You can go to the Legacy Scholars page on our website.
You’ve Got This
Whether you’re the first in your family to go to college, returning to finish a degree, or pursuing graduate‑level education, you are not alone. BCCF , and a community of donors who believe in you are here to walk alongside you every step of the way, opening doors to opportunity today and for the future.
Have Questions?
Let’s talk about your goals and the best way BCCF can help.