KJ Foster Memorial Scholarship Fund Grant

KJ Foster Memorial Scholarship Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Amount: US $1,000 - US $1,500
Last Updated: November 24, 2025

Summary

The KJ Foster Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, honors Kerry "KJ" Foster, Jr., a promising student lost to gang violence. The scholarship supports high school graduates from the Greater Hartford region who demonstrate academic potential, financial need, and community involvement. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, helping local students pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.

Overview

About the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Founded in 1925, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Greater Hartford - the City of Hartford and 28 surrounding towns. Over the years, individuals and families have donated money to the Foundation, creating an endowment. From the endowment, the Foundation makes grants to a broad range of nonprofit organizations in the region. There are more than 160 funds at the Foundation devoted specifically to scholarships. About the Scholarship Program Since 1945, The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Scholarship Program has awarded nearly $30 million to students attending colleges in Connecticut and across the country. The Hartford Foundation Scholarship Program helps award hundreds of scholarships each year to local students seeking post-secondary higher education. KJ Foster Memorial Scholarship Fund Kerry "KJ" Foster, Jr., of Hartford, was killed at age 15 when he was the unintended victim of gang violence. KJ was a model student and star athlete with a "gift of gab, charisma and unselfish attitude." KJ's untimely death inspired an outpouring of donations from family members and the community, leading his parents to establish this scholarship in his memory. It provides scholarship support to high school graduates from the Greater Hartford region who show promise in continuing their high school academic achievement in college, have financial need, and been involved with volunteer, community service, and/or extracurricular activities who will be pursuing an undergraduate degree full time. Number of awards: 1

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Selection CriteriaHave graduated from a high school in the Greater Hartford region, with a preference for students attending high school in the City of Hartford. Graduating high school seniors entering college as a freshman and pursuing an undergraduate degree on a full-time basis. College undergraduate who meets the other award criteria if there are no qualifying high school seniors. Have achieved academic success in high school and show promise of continued academic achievement at a college level. Have demonstrated financial need. Have been involved with volunteer, community service, and/or extracurricular activities.