SVCF administers a variety of scholarship programs, with varying deadlines and application requirements.
In general, the scholarships designated as "SVCF Managed Scholarships" accept applications online at Apply SVCF starting December 1, 2021.
For the scholarships designated as "Donor Involved Scholarships," the deadlines vary; please contact the person listed on each scholarship’s profile for exact details.
More general information is available below:
How to Apply for SVCF Managed Scholarships
Apply online starting Dec. 1st. 2021. The application deadline for most of these programs is January 8, 2021, but check each scholarship's webpage for details.
1. Determine the scholarships for which you are eligible, based on the program description and eligibility requirements listed on each scholarship’s webpage.
2. Log in to Apply SVCF, our online application system.
- New applicants will create a new Apply SVCF account with your current email address.
- Previous applicants will reset your password by clicking “Forgot Password” and entering in your current email address. If you are a previous applicant with a new/different email address, please create a new account.
3. Complete your Apply SVCF profile by going to “My Profile”. You can find your profile in the upper right corner by clicking on your name. Your profile consists of four primary sections:
- Applicant Information – General information about you;
- Education – Academic related information (current/future enrollment and goals);
- Extracurricular Activities – Information on activities (school, community or work related) that you have been involved in, and any awards or honors you have received;
- Financial Information – Information regarding finances for you and/or your family.
The information in your profile will be used to determine your eligibility for scholarships and match you to the corresponding applications. You may save and return to your profile before you submit your finished application.
4. After completing your profile, go to your Apply SVCF homepage to see the scholarships for which you may be eligible. You will fill out a separate application for each scholarship. (Note: If you don’t see a scholarship that you believe you are eligible for, review the eligibility criteria and your application to ensure you entered your information correctly.) Complete the remaining fields of the online application(s). Information from your profile will be copied to your application but it is important to complete all other blank fields.
5. Attach and upload all required supporting documents -- personal essay, financial need documents, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and program-specific documents in some cases. All required attachments must be uploaded as a Word doc or PDF. Refer to each program’s profile for complete information about these required documents.
6. Review your application and edit where necessary, then submit!
Caution! Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make changes to your application. Review your application for completeness. Use the check-list provided for you in the Application Instructions section to ensure your application is complete.
Have additional questions? Review our answers to Frequently Asked Questions to learn about using our online application system, scholarship award payments and more.
How to Apply for Donor Involved Scholarships
1. Review the descriptions and requirements for each Donor Involved Scholarship to determine your eligibility. You can use the search tool to find scholarships for which you may be eligible.
2. Contact the appropriate organization or individual listed for an application or additional information. Applications are not accepted via SVCF's online application portal.
Questions? Contact the individual or organization listed on each Donor Involved Scholarship's webpage.
General Timeline
The following timeline applies to most scholarships, but check each scholarship's webpage for details
Before you Apply |
Complete and submit the financial aid application that applies to you. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application. Most SVCF scholarships require the completion of one of these two applications in order for your application to be considered. |
December |
Scholarship season begins. Application requirements vary; thoroughly read the description pages for each SVCF Managed Scholarship or Donor Involved Scholarship to determine your eligibility and learn how to apply. |
January – August |
Begin the application process to be considered for the SVCF Managed Scholarship. Remember to:
Application periods vary for Donor Involved Scholarships. Most follow a traditional scholarship season, with an application period beginning in January through early spring and awards given in spring and summer. Review the scholarship descriptions and contact the appropriate organization or individual listed for an application or additional information. |
January – March |
Application deadline for most SVCF Managed Scholarships are January 8 through March 19, 2021. Deadlines for Donor Involved Scholarships vary. Submitted applications will be screened for completeness and eligibility. Selection committees review applications and identify scholarship finalists. |
March – Early May |
Finalists are identified and interviews conducted (for select programs only). |
May – June |
Student notifications are sent. Notifications are mailed and emailed, so please ensure the scholarship program you've applied to has your correct contact information. Should you be selected as a recipient, you will receive a letter detailing your award information and requirements for claiming your scholarship by September 30, 2021. Students submit Acceptance and Agreements Form and proof of enrollment. |
July – December |
Scholarship payments are disbursed to schools |