Bridge to the Future Scholarship

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

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.