Gulf Coast Community Foundation Scholarships

A comprehensive scholarship program established to assist students with financial need who plan to continue their education in college or vocational-technical schools within the United States. The program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation's largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs.

Impact: Since 1997, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and its donors have invested more than $12.9 million in promising students through scholarships.

2025-2026 Program Results:

• Total Awarded: $762,000
• Scholarships Awarded: 585
• Students Supported: 256
• Granting Scholarship Funds: 65

Geographic Eligibility:

• Sarasota County, Florida
• Charlotte County, Florida
• DeSoto County, Florida
• Boca Grande, Florida
• Lakewood Ranch, Florida
• Longboat Key, Florida

Applicant Eligibility:

• Age: Students of all ages
• Education Level: Must be pursuing higher education at accredited postsecondary institutions (universities, two- and four-year colleges, and technical schools)
• Financial Need: Required

Available Scholarship Funds: 65+ individual scholarship funds reflecting donors' interests and values, including:

• AAUW Venice Endowed Scholarship Fund
• Amy Lee Haffner Scholarship Fund
• Ann Brown Spaulding Scholarship Fund
• Arthur E. Gulick M.D. Vocational Scholarship Fund
• Charles S. Herron, Jr. M.D. Student Healthcare Scholarship Fund
• David Dunbar Scholarship for the Arts
• Grace Herrmann Nursing Scholarship Fund
• Helen Wedding Vocational Scholarship Fund
• Lorraine M. Qualter Nursing Scholarship Fund
• Richard M. Morrison M.D. Student Healthcare Scholarship Fund
• Robert E. Schill Nursing Scholarship Fund
• Wellington Chen M.D. Student Healthcare Scholarship Fund
• And many others supporting specific fields of study, schools, and communities

Application Status (2026-2027): Applications are closed for the current cycle

Contact Information:

• Scholarship Department Email: gulfcoast@scholarshipamerica.org
• Phone: 941-486-4600
• Headquarters: 601 Tamiami Trail South, Venice, FL 34285
• Philanthropy Center: 1549 State Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

EIN: 59-1052433

Program Administrator: Scholarship America®

Application Process

Current Status: Applications for 2026-2027 scholarships are closed.

When to Apply: Application windows open annually for the following academic year. Check the Gulf Coast Community Foundation website for current application periods.

How to Apply:

1. Visit the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Scholarships page at gulfcoastcf.org/scholarships
2. Complete the online application through Scholarship America®
3. Submit required materials during the open application window

Questions and Support:

• Email: gulfcoast@scholarshipamerica.org
• Phone: 941-486-4600
• Online: Contact our Scholarship Department through the website

Program Administration: All applications are reviewed by Scholarship America's evaluation team. Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of each scholarship sponsor.