New This Year

Beginning this year, the Alabama Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (AAICU) will supplement the recipients of a Central Alabama Community Foundation scholarship who attend any one of their thirteen member colleges or universities with an additional award ranging from $500-$1,000.

For more information, see the AAICU website.

• Amridge University
• Birmingham-Southern College
• Concordia College
• Faulkner University
• Huntingdon College
• Judson College
• Miles College
• Samford University
• Spring Hill College
• Stillman College
• Talledega College
• United States Sports Academy
• University of Mobile

Through its scholarship funds, the Central Alabama Community Foundation assists area students attain their academic goals by offsetting their postsecondary educational expenses. Though the forms are available year-round, the annual application deadline is April 1 for funds awarded each September through all scholarship programs other than the Wayne Hawkins Memorial Scholarship.  The 2012 application for the Wayne Hawkins Memorial award is March 21.

Qualifying criteria vary broadly by program, with the bulk of scholarship funds targeting graduating seniors. In an effort to make the process as efficient as possible, one application form can be completed to apply for multiple programs.

After determining which programs match your qualifications, be sure to include the information requested for each scholarship, as indicated by the following codes:

• A - Application Form;
• T - High School Transcript;
• E - Essay outlining education and career goals;
• I - IRS Form 1040A or 1040EZ;
• R - References.

When your child starts school in the fall, please have the business office of the college or university contact us, providing written proof of his/her full-time enrollment (e.g., official schedule or letter verifying enrollment status). They can send this letter by whatever means is most convenient.

• Letters should be mailed to the attention of Caroline Clark at: 434 N. McDonough Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
• Emails can be sent to: cacfgrants@bellsouth.net
• Faxes can be sent to (334) 263-6225.

Once we receive official confirmation of enrollment status, we will issue a check to the institution to be applied toward his/her expenses.

Please keep in mind that the Foundation is unable to issue any funds without written proof of enrollment. 

HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT SUBMISSIONS:  High school and college counselors can click here to submit student transcripts.  You will need to establish an account using your email address.  Once you have an account, you will be taken to a listing of all of our scholarship programs and links to submit transcripts or references (near the bottom of the listing).  Click on the Transcript Submission Process for High School/College Counselors link, enter the student’s name, and upload the file of the student’s transcript.  Should you not have an electronic or scanned copy of the student’s transcript, click on the “Fax to File” option in the left-hand menu and follow the instructions.  This will give you the opportunity to fax the transcript to an 800 number, where an electronic version will be created for you. 

REFERENCE LETTERS:  You can click here to submit a reference for a student.  You will need to establish an account using your email address.  Once you have an account, you will be taken to a listing of all of our scholarship programs and links to submit transcripts or references (at the bottom of the listing).  Click on the Letters of Reference Process for Individuals Submitting References link, enter the student’s name, and upload your letter of reference.  Should you not have an electronic or scanned copy of your letter, click on the “Fax to File” option in the left-hand menu and follow the instructions.  This will give you the opportunity to fax the reference letter to an 800 number, where an electronic version will be created for you. 

Summary of the programs available:

Open to the children of Alfa's customer service representatives, district supervisors and agents.

The Wayne Hawkins Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006 in memory of Alfa's former executive vice president of Marketing. An employee of Alfa for 42 years, Hawkins began his career as an agent and worked his way up in the company. Hawkins passed away on March 5, 2006.  Open to the children of Alfa's customer service representatives, district supervisors and agents.  Criteria for awarding scholarships are academic accomplishment and/or financial necessity. All applicants must be able to be claimed on their parent's tax returns to be eligible.  The 2012 application deadline is March 21.  The scholarship is awarded for one year's time, so past recipients and those who were previously turned down should reapply each year. High school seniors and those currently enrolled in college are eligible.  The review committee will review all applications and determine the number and amount of awards annually.

Lowndes County

Available to seniors graduating from any Lowndes County High School:

• Jackson Family Phoenix Fund Scholarship –Established for the benefit of graduates of any Montgomery or Lowndes County high school. This scholarship was designed to encourage students to pursue degrees in math or the physical, biological or agricultural sciences. Student must attend an Historically Black college or university and major in a nonhealth care science (biology, chemistry, physics, agronomy, horticulture, animal sciences, etc.). Applicant must have a 3.0 GPA, a minimum ACT score of 20, or a minimum SAT score of 1200. Criteria include academic performance, community activities, and financial need. One page essay should address why applicant is interested in a specific area of science and what contribution applicant wishes to make to society. Interview may be required. Include: T, E.

Montgomery County

Available to seniors graduating from Jefferson Davis High School:

NEW FOR 2012! Jefferson Davis Class of 1971 Memorial Scholarship:  Established as a memorial to former teachers and classmates to assist current graduates of Jeff Davis High School.  One scholarship shall be awarded based on (in order of priority) need, academic accomplishments, and community involvement.  Applicants shall have a minimum ACT score of 20 and/or GPA of 3.0 or better.  Two letters of reference and an essay outlining their college and career goals are required.  Awards may be used to attend any Alabama two- or four-year institution of higher learning or any technical, trade, or vocational school in pursuit of a 2- or 4-year degree.  Funds may not be used to pursue degrees from online institutions  APPLY

Available to seniors graduating from any Montgomery County High School:

• Earl P. Andrews, Jr. Memorial Scholarship – Established for the benefit of graduates of any Montgomery high school. Funded in 1989 by Mrs. Olive Andrews in memory of her son, this scholarship is awarded annually to a minority student based on academic achievement and need. Applicant must have a minimum ACT score of 23 (or SAT equivalent) and a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Finalists may have a personal interview with the selection committee. Value of scholarship ranges from $500 - $1,000. Include: T, E.
• Dorothy D. Cameron Scholarship Fund – Established for the benefit of graduates of any Montgomery high school. Although there is no minimum ACT or SAT score, students must indicate by their academic performance the ability and motivation to graduate from college. Awards are based on academic achievement and need. Consideration is also given to students' leadership and participation in extracurricular activities. Two $5,000 scholarships will be awarded annually. Include: T, E, R.
• Jack L. Carr Scholarship – Established by the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery for the benefit of graduates of any Montgomery high school pursuing a degree in engineering. One $1500 scholarship is awarded annually, with determination based on academic performance and need. Recipients have the opportunity to renew the scholarship for three additional years depending upon their academic performance in college. Include: T, E, R.
• Jackson Family Phoenix Fund Scholarship – Established for the benefit of graduates of any Montgomery or Lowndes County high school. This scholarship was designed to encourage students to pursue degrees in math or the physical, biological or agricultural sciences. Student must attend an Historically Black college or university and major in a nonhealth care science (biology, chemistry, physics, agronomy, horticulture, animal sciences, etc.). Applicant must have a 3.0 GPA, a minimum ACT score of 20, or a minimum SAT score of 1200. Criteria include academic performance, community activities, and financial need. One page essay should address why applicant is interested in a specific area of science and what contribution applicant wishes to make to society. Interview may be required. Include: T, E.
• Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Scholarship – These renewable scholarships are available to graduates of any Montgomery high school who are attending an accredited college or university. Although there is no minimum ACT or SAT score, students must indicate by their academic performance the ability or motivation to graduate from college. Preference is given to students demonstrating financial need. Consideration is also given to students' leadership, character, ability, and participation in extracurricular activities. Applicants must submit three (3) reference letters from individuals including, but not limited to, their pastor and at least one teacher. Two renewable $4,000 scholarships will be awarded annually. Include: T, R.
• Jay Murphy Scholarship – Established for the benefit of graduates of any Montgomery high school. The Murphy scholarship program was designed to provide financial aid to deserving individuals who have the desire to become teachers, who relate well with young people, and who can benefit from the financial assistance it offers. Applicants may be entering or continuing college, individuals who are in education and want to upgrade their skills, or working individuals who wish to return to college to become teachers. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA. Finalists may interview with the selection committee. Include: T, E.
• Santee Family Fund Scholarship – Assists with post-secondary education expenses for current or former residents of the Alabama Sheriffs' Boys & Girls Youth Ranches (or others similarly situated). Applicants must be sponsored by a staff person and must be under the age of 25. An official copy of the applicant's high school transcript is required, as well as any applicable college transcript. Include: T, E.

Available to seniors graduating from Jefferson Davis High School:

NEW FOR 2012! Jefferson Davis Class of 1971 Memorial Scholarship:  Established as a memorial to former teachers and classmates to assist current graduates of Jeff Davis High School.  One scholarship shall be awarded based on (in order of priority) need, academic accomplishments, and community involvement.  Applicants shall have a minimum ACT score of 20 and/or GPA of 3.0 or better.  Two letters of reference and an essay outlining their college and career goals are required.  Awards may be used to attend any Alabama two- or four-year institution of higher learning or any technical, trade, or vocational school in pursuit of a 2- or 4-year degree.  Funds may not be used to pursue degrees from online institutions  APPLY

Pike County

Available to seniors graduating from any Pike County High School:

• Dr. James H. French Memorial Scholarship – Funded in 2007 by the estate of Dr. James French, this scholarship is awarded annually to graduates of any Pike County high school. The award is based on academic achievement, school and community involvement, and financial need. In light of Dr. French’s commitment to increasing student interest in science and math, preference will be given to students showing proficiency in accelerated math and science coursework. Applicants must have a minimum ACT score of 23 (or SAT equivalent) and a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. High school transcript, two letters of reference, and an essay outlining career goals are required. Finalists may have a personal interview with the selection committee. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $2,500.

Scholarship Renewals

The scholarships below may be annually renewed for up to three years:

• Jack L. Carr Scholarship – Available to students who were previously awarded a Jack L. Carr Scholarship upon graduation from high school and who are pursuing a degree in engineering. Recipients have the opportunity to renew the $1500 annual scholarship for three additional years, depending upon their academic performance in
  college. Include: T, E.
• Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Scholarship – Available to students who were awarded an Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Scholarship upon graduation from high school. Students who receive a scholarship their freshmen year of college may annually reapply for funding for up to 3 additional years. Renewal awards are contingent on student’s satisfactory academic performance. Application and college transcript are required for renewal applicants. Include: T, E.

Scholarship Applications Are Now Online!

Again this year, applications for CACF scholarships are being processed online. The applications are available now, and the deadline for submitting an application other than the Wayne Hawkins Memorial Scholarship is April 1, 2012.  The 2012 application for the Wayne Hawkins Memorial award is March 21.

GUIDELINES: For a printable list of the scholarship application guidelines, questions and required supporting materials for Montgomery and Lowndes county applicants, please click here for new applicants, and click here for renewal applicants. Completing and submitting this paper form will not be considered submission of an application.

GUIDELINES: For a printable list of the scholarship application guidelines, questions and required supporting materials for Pike county applicants, please click here. Completing and submitting this paper form will not be considered submission of an application.

To begin the application process, click here!

LEFT: Chrispus Saxon, Michael Knotts, Big Moe, Haley Boyd & Morgan Lee
RIGHT: Lauren Russell, Sarah Segars, Big Moe, Jacob Levins, Cody Arant and April Yates

Congrats to our 2011 Scholarship Recipients!

Earl P. Andrews Memorial Scholarship
Meesung Kim, Loveless Academic Magnet Program H.S.

Dorothy D. Cameron Scholarship
Whitney Lott, Trinity Presbyterian School
Bria Williams, Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School

Jack Carr Memorial Scholarship Fund
Michael Knotts, Eastwood Christian School
Courtney Jenkins, Auburn University at Montgomery

Wayne Hawkins Memorial Scholarship
Zachary Ivey, Sparkman High School, Toney
Ashley Madison, Escambia High School, Atmore
Halli Williamson, Oneonta High School, Oneonta

Dexter Hobbs Memorial Scholarship
Deva Wright

Sally Humphries/Class of ’80 Applied Sciences Scholarship
Morgan Lee, St. James School

Jackson Family Phoenix Fund
Chrispus Saxon, Wetumpka High School

Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Scholarship
Haley Boyd, Loveless Academic Magnet Program H.S.
Mark Hertenstein, Boston College
Virginia Lucky, Auburn University
Paige McCauley, University of Mobile
Alyssa Thomas, University of Alabama
Kantidara Tjiang, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Imah Usen, Troy University

James H. French Memorial Scholarship
Abby Laura Hudson, Charles Henderson High School