Applications Now Open for Indiana’s Most Comprehensive Scholarship Offering 

Applications are now open for Indiana’s most comprehensive scholarship portfolio, offering access to 50+ awards across four-year, two-year, and technical programs. Students can apply for multiple scholarships through a single multilingual application—available in English, Spanish, and Burmese—at cicf.org/scholarships.  

These scholarships are made possible by generous donors who hold funds at entities within the CICF Collaborative, which includes Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana.  

With awards ranging from $500 to full tuition, this one-stop application connects students to a wide variety of post-secondary opportunities. Scholarships can be filtered by residency, academic interest, and degree type, including traditional four-year degrees, two-year associate programs, and technical or vocational credentials.  

Last year, the CICF Collaborative awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to 178 individual recipients, making it the most impactful year on record. But demand continues to grow. According to a statewide opinion survey conducted by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and Vox Global:  

• 84% of Hoosiers say college is “too expensive”  

• 82% value higher education, but are divided on whether a four-year degree is the only path  

• Nearly three-quarters of respondents say they feel overwhelmed when exploring their education and financial aid options  

Meanwhile, Indiana’s college-going rate has declined for multiple years—dropping from 67% in 2009 to just 53% for the 2020–2022 cohorts, compared to a national rate of 62%.  

“Too many Hoosier students are being priced out of education,” said Jennifer Bartenbach, CEO of Central Indiana Community Foundation. “We are proud to offer a platform that simplifies the process, expands access, and helps students take that next step no matter their path.”  

“In Hamilton County, we know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not,” said Danielle Stiles-Polk, President of Hamilton County Community Foundation. “These scholarships help level the playing field and empower students to pursue degrees, credentials, and careers that can shape our community’s future.”  

“In Indianapolis, we see post-secondary education as one of the most powerful tools for building a city where everyone can thrive,” said Ahmed Young, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Foundation. “These scholarships do more than ease financial pressure, they open doors to possibility. When we invest in students, we’re investing in the future of our neighborhoods, our workforce, and our city.” 

The application portal is now open for the 2025–2026 academic year. The general application deadline is February 1, 2026, with additional deadlines for select scholarships. Students and families are encouraged to explore available opportunities and begin their application at cicf.org/scholarships.  

Join Us  

These scholarships are powered by the generosity of donors who believe education should be accessible to all. Join us in fueling students’ ambition, breaking barriers, and investing in the next generation of Hoosier scholars.  

About the CICF Collaborative   

CICF Collaborative is a partnership of philanthropic organizations working together to strengthen communities across the region. Each entity within the CICF Collaborative (including the cornerstone entities, Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana) brings deep knowledge, strong relationships, and its own individual, focused mission. The CICF Collaborative unites the entities by providing shared services, allowing the entities to operate more efficiently and effectively. By leveraging what we each do best, we’re able to better serve our communities and create more lasting impact, together. Learn more »