Funding Amount

$100,000 (total annual pool); Average $50,000+ annually; Individual awards vary

Deadline

March 31, 2027

357 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Bridge to the Future Scholarship

Overview: The Bridge to the Future Scholarship empowers students who have benefited from Tanager's services to pursue their educational dreams. Whether attending college, trade school, or a community college, this scholarship provides financial support for tuition, books, tools, and other educational expenses.

Background: Established in 2020 through a generous $1 million anonymous gift. Since its launch, the scholarship program has awarded an average of $50,000 or more annually to support youth.

Geographic Scope: Cedar Rapids, Iowa area (local youth focus)

Eligibility:

  • Past or Current Service Recipient: Young people who have received Tanager services for a minimum of 6 months in the last two years

  • Goals & Plans: Young people must be able to articulate their academic or career goals and how they plan to achieve them
  • What it Funds:

  • Tuition from any accredited institution including 2-year colleges, 4-year universities, online programs, trade schools, vocational programs, and certification programs

  • Books & Materials (course fees, tools, supplies, or equipment needed as part of educational program)

  • Room & Board Costs

  • Certification or Licensure Fees

  • All payments are made directly to the educational program
  • Program Track Record:

  • Total awards to date: 47 scholarships totaling $264,200

  • 2024: 13 scholarships totaling $70,250

  • 2023: 12 scholarships totaling $62,000

  • 2022: 9 scholarships totaling $52,000

  • 2021: 7 scholarships totaling $55,950

  • 2020: 6 scholarships totaling $24,000
  • Areas of Study Supported: Culinary Arts, Business & Business Law, Interior Design, Nursing, Public Health, Sports Management, Entrepreneurial Studies, Carpentry, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, German, Psychology, Management of Information Systems, Biochemistry, Political Science, Social Work, Child Welfare, Automotive Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography

    Contact Information:

  • Philanthropy inquiries: philanthropy@tanagerplace.org or 319-365-9164 x522

  • General Information: 319-365-9164

  • Mailing Address: Bridge to the Future Scholarship-Tanager, 2309 C St SW, Cedar Rapids IA, 52404

  • Program Check-in Desk: Tanager Estle Center, 1030 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids IA
  • How to Apply

    How to Apply

    Application Window (2026-2027 cycle): February 2, 2026 to March 31, 2026 — All applications due by midnight March 31, 2026

    Timeline:

  • Awards Announced: May 1st, 2026

  • Disbursement: Funds are disbursed in two payments directly to the educational institution or program

  • - First Payment: Mid-August/Early September
    - Second Payment: End of January
    - Note: Dates can be adjusted to meet payment dates required by institution

    Application Methods:

    1. Online Application:
    - Click the "Apply Now" button on the website
    - Complete and submit your full application online

    2. Email Submission:
    - Download the application form
    - Complete the form
    - Email completed form as an attachment to scholarship@tanagerplace.org

    3. Mail Submission:
    - Download the application form
    - Complete the form
    - Mail to: Bridge to the Future Scholarship-Tanager, 2309 C St SW, Cedar Rapids IA, 52404
    - Paper application forms are also available at Program Check-in Desks at Tanager Estle Center, 1030 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids IA

    Required Materials:

  • Complete application form

  • Articulation of academic or career goals and plans to achieve them
  • Newsletter: Applicants can join the newsletter list to stay informed on the latest scholarship updates.

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    youth-programseducationhardship

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Ready to apply for Bridge to the Future Scholarship?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.