Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation serves the counties of Sangamon, Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, and Morgan in central Illinois, and administers a scholarship program for approximately 50 scholarship funds.

Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors as well as current and returning college students. The complete listing of scholarship opportunities and criteria is listed below.

Our scholarship application process is open annually from January 1 to March 1. Follow these four steps to get started:

1. Start Your ApplicationVisit the Scholarship Portal to begin.

2. Create Account or Login – First time? Create an account. Returning? Login to continue.

3. Click “Apply” – Fill out the application completely to maximize eligibility. Click “Submit” when done.

4. Review and Complete Additional Steps – After submission, view your eligibility results. Some scholarships require extra materials. Complete them as needed.

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2026 Scholarship Recipients

Student of the Year Scholarship Finalists

Name School Scholarship Awarded
Chelsea Dekock Springfield High School $10,000.00
Alexander Heyen Springfield High School $5,000.00
Evan House Glenwood High School $5,000.00
Owen Johnson Pleasant Plains High School $2,500.00
Grace Weakley Lanphier High School $2,500.00

Ada McCombs White Memorial Teacher Scholarship

Name School
Abby Taft A-C Central High School

American Legion Post 32 Scholarship

Name School
Alexander Heyen Springfield High School
Carter Matteson Lutheran High School
Lauren Michael Glenwood High School

Anthony Benson Memorial Scholarship

Name School
Josephine Oke Springfield High School

Auntie Barb/Held Family Service Scholarship

Name School
Madilyn Barnes Lincolnwood High School

Ben and Margaret Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Name School
Bailey Leach Pleasant Plains High School

Brody Wilson Memorial Scholarship

Name School
Isabelle Turley Williamsville High School

Camp Care-A-Lot Scholarship

Name School
Chelsea Currie Springfield Southeast High School

CFLL Service Scholarship

Name School
Caleb Laudeman Williamsville High School

Charlie Cottle Scholarship

Name School
Blake Lehnen Glenwood High School

COUNTRY Financial Community Scholarship

Name School
Grace Anselment Springfield High School
Alyssa Aubuschon Mount Olive High School
Claire Burke Pleasant Plains High School
Levi German Nokomis High School
Alexander Heyen Springfield High School
Jada Jackson Springfield Southeast High School
Veronica Miller Williamsville High School
Braelyn Smith Lanphier High School
Adelynn Wilcoxon Greenview Jr/Sr High School
Ashley Zeibert Rochester High School

Davey Scholarship

Name School
Eva Sampson Springfield Southeast High School

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship

Name School
Sharrif Bobbitt MacArthur High School
Dajah Dean Springfield Southeast High School
Jacqueline January MacArthur High School
Kamryn Johnson MacArthur High School
Brooklyn Joiner Lanphier High School
A'Tyla Jones-Shephard Lanphier High School
Zyeire Rye Springfield Southeast High School
Eva Sampson Springfield Southeast High School
Andreas Walker Maroa-Forsyth High School
Jack Young Glenwood High School

Don W. Estaque Jr. Scholarship

Name School
Arica Suits Lanphier High School

Dr. Ruth Richardson Memorial Scholarship

Name School
Rachel Becker Springfield High School

Fred E. Droste Memorial Scholarship

Name School
Isaiah Burdell Litchfield High School

Frontiers J.D. Washington Scholarship

Name School
Starrez Curry
Rammie Gender Lutheran High School
Charles Holloway IV

Frontiers James Forstall Scholarship

Name School
Jocelyn Anderson Springfield High School
Gloria Ayilisungu Springfield High School
Kendall Barnes Lanphier High School
Chelsea Dekock Springfield High School
Myracle Gayfield Springfield Southeast High School
Aidyn Kent Springfield High School
Harrison Ngo Springfield High School
Bentley Paul Lutheran High School
Evan Powell Pleasant Plains High School
Eva Sampson Springfield Southeast High School
Meara Seelbach Springfield High School
Isabella Wilkinson Riverton High School

Gerald F. and Luanna R. Kennedy Scholarship

Name School
Gwenyth Clavin Pana Senior High School

Girls on the Run Founders' Scholarship

Name School
Madigan Burger New Berlin High School
Natalie Nichols Rochester High School
Cassie Waterman Williamsville High School

Ila M. Skelton Scholarship

Name School
Erik Brandon, Jr. Auburn High School
Chelsea Dekock Springfield High School

Illinois Women in Leadership - Chrysalis Scholarship

Name School
Vera Riney University of Illinois Springfield

Illinois Women in Leadership - High School Scholarship

Name School
Chelsea Dekock Springfield High School
Nyah Gronewold Lutheran High School
Josephine Oke Springfield High School
Delaynie Raufer Rochester High School

Jamie K. Patino Math and Science Scholarship

Name School
Lindsay Althea Auguis Springfield Southeast High School

Jean Lee Hiller Memorial Scholarship

Name School
Josie Heberling Taylorville High School

Jim Byron Scholarship

Name School
Chelsea Clack Williamsville High School

Jim Muller Build a Better Future Scholarship

Name School
Owen Alderman Athens Senior High School
Nathan Dudley Porta High School
Tristan Shaub Porta High School

John and Judy Woodruff Performing Arts Scholarship

Name School
Paige Zemsky Rochester High School

Joseph and Lois Morris Memorial Scholarship

Name School
Gloria Ayilisungu Springfield High School
Clarence Davis Springfield High School
Chelsea Dekock Springfield High School
Harrison Ngo Springfield High School

Linda S. Culver Memorial Scholarship

Name School
Payton Heise Springfield High School
Kayleigh Trimm Bunker Hill High School
Emma Wiker Athens Senior High School

Lori L. Kashmer Scholarship

Name School
Cassie Waterman Williamsville High School

Mary Lou and Dwight Pitman Scholarship

Name School
Dallas Alavazarez Auburn High School

Mid-Illinois Communications Association Scholarship

Name School
Braden Nuttall Clinton Community High School

MMBL Scholarship

Name School
Abriana Moss Lanphier High School

Nicholas Debrun Hands On Memorial Scholarship

Name School
Brodey VanHooser Morrisonville High School

Paul V. Gage Community Service Scholarship

Name School
Ethan Hook Vienna High School

Pearl Fairfield Scholarship

Name School
Isabella Wilkinson Riverton High School

Polly W. Roesch Vocal Music Scholarship

Name School
Maria Crowder Williamsville High School

Reverend Kenneth H. White and Evelyn N. White Scholarship

Name School
Adrianna Russell Lanphier High School
Braelyn Smith Lanphier High School

Roland Machinery Scholarship

Name School
Jett Karrick Porta High School

Sgt. John R. Dalhaus Memorial Vocational Scholarship

Name School
Carter Sies Gillespie High School

SAHBA/Robert E. Von Behren Memorial Scholarship

Name School
Paxton Moe Glenwood High School

Tom and Dee O'Brien Scholarship for the Study of Nursing

Name School
Ashley Bock Greenview Jr/Sr High School
Alyssa Caldwell Triopia Jr/Sr High School
Taylor Keihn Lincoln Land Community College
Cassie Waterman Williamsville High School

W.G. Bird Teachers' Scholarship

Name School
Miah McKain Auburn High School

Walter and Polly Roesch Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois Scholarship

Name School
Eric Mason Lanphier High School

World War II Illinois Descendants Scholarship

Name School
Bryce Gillock Nokomis High School
Josie Proctor Edwardsville High School

2026 Scholarships

Community Foundation scholarship opportunities for 2026. Apply by clicking the Visit the Scholarship Portal link above and follow the steps. The application is open January 1 to March 1.

Scholarship Description
Ada McCombs White Memorial Scholarship Current or former graduates of A-C Central High School in Ashland, IL, pursuing a teaching career.
American Legion Post 32 Scholarship To assist graduating high school seniors or first-time college students who have been in the workforce with obtaining a post-secondary education. Applicants must be a direct descendant of a U.S. Service Member and live in Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan or Sangamon counties in Illinois.
Anthony Benson Memorial Scholarship African American senior graduating from Springfield High School demonstrating extra-curricular involvement.
Ben and Margaret Johnson Memorial Scholarship Graduating senior from a high school in Menard or Sangamon counties, pursuing a degree in an agriculture-related field.
Brody Wilson Memorial Scholarship Graduating senior of Williamsville High School involved in the arts and/or soccer.
Camp Care-A-Lot Scholarship Former Camp Care-A-Lot campers who demonstrate financial need.
Charlie Cottle Scholarship Chatham Glenwood High School varsity athlete
COUNTRY Financial Community Scholarship Graduates of high schools throughout Sangamon, Macoupin, Menard, and Montgomery counties who have demonstrated exemplary community service.
Davey Scholarship Graduating senior of a high school in Christian, Morgan or Sangamon counties in Illinois enrolling as a full-time student this fall.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship African American students who are graduating seniors of a high school in the Springfield-Decatur, IL service area of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and demonstrate Delta's core values of sisterhood, scholarship and service.
Don W. Estaque Jr. Scholarship Graduates of Lanphier High School in Springfield, IL, who have attended LHS for four years, and lettered 3 out of their 4 years as a male member of the LHS men's cross country or track teams. Endorsement of the principal and athletic director required.
Fred E. Droste Memorial Scholarship Graduating senior from a high school in Macoupin or Montgomery Counties who is pursuing a degree in a STEAM-related field.
Frontiers James Forstall Scholarship Preference is given to African American students (either male or female) and to applicants with substantial financial need who reside in Sangamon County.
Gerald F. and Luanna R. Kennedy Scholarship Graduating senior from Pana High School with a demonstrated history of contribution to the community.
Girls on the Run Founder's Scholarship Alumna of the Girls on the Run of Central Illinois program and attending an accredited community college, four-year college/university or trade/vocational school this fall.
Ila M. Skelton Scholarship Graduating high school senior or currently enrolled college student residing in Sangamon County attending an accredited community college, four-year college/university or trade/vocational school this fall.
Illinois Women in Leadership — Chrysalis Award Female from Sangamon County who has earned a high school diploma or GED at least 5 years ago who exhibits leadership qualities, strong potential, and desire for professional growth.
Illinois Women in Leadership — High School Scholarship Female from Sangamon County who exhibits leadership qualities, strong potential and desire for professional growth.
Jamie K. Patino Math and Science Scholarship Springfield Southeast High School student seeking a degree in the field of engineering, math or science.
Jean Lee Hiller Memorial Scholarship Current or former, female graduate of Taylorville High School, pursuing a four-year degree in pre-med, veterinary science or business and demonstrates financial need.
Jim Byron Scholarship Williamsville High School student invovled in service and school activities.
Jim Muller Build a Better Future Scholarship Fund  Current or recent graduate (within the past 4 years) from Athens, PORTA or Greenview high schools, planning to attend an accredited post-secondary institution, including a college, university, trade, or vocational institution in the coming fall as a full-time student or part-time student, pursuing a degree or certificate in a program in the building trades, including but not limited to Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Architecture & Engineering.
John and Judy Woodruff Performing Arts Scholarship Graduating high school senior or college freshman from Sangamon County or adjacent county planning to major or minor in the performing arts. 
Joseph and Lois Morris Memorial Scholarship Must be nominated by Springfield High Guidance Counselor; contact your guidance counselor for more information. Unsolicited applications will not be accepted.
Linda S. Culver Memorial Scholarship Be a graduating senior, returning undergraduate or graduate student attending an accredited college and is currently registered as a Girl Scout with the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois.
Lori L. Kashmer Scholarship Pursuing a degree in nursing, health or medical career or in veterinary medicine as a part-time or full-time student that exhibits a passion for learning and demonstrates financial need.
Mary Lou and Dwight Pitman Scholarship Area public high school student in Sangamon County other than Springfield School District or Chatham School District with siblings planning to or attending college.
Mid-Illinois Communications Association Scholarship Open to rising juniors, seniors and graduate students majoring in communications, journalism, public relations, or related fields such as marketing, design, videography, photography, etc., who are from Central Illinois or attend a college or university in Central Illinois.
MMBL Scholarship Graduating senior of Lanphier High School planning to attend an accredited college, university, vocation, or technical school in the coming fall.
Nicholas DeBrun Hands On Memorial Scholarship Graduating senior from Morrisonville High School pursuing post-secondary education in a vocational field.
Paul V. Gage Community Service Scholarship Vienna High School student demonstrating financial need as well as a record of community service through volunteerism.
Pearl Fairfield Scholarship Graduating senior from a high school in Sangamon County that demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to students from a single-parent household.
Polly W. Roesch Vocal Music Scholarship Graduating senior from a high school in Sangamon County pursuing a degree in the field of vocal music, performing arts and educational majors with a concentration in vocal music.
Reverend Kenneth H. White and Evelyn N. White Scholarship Lanphier High School graduating student planning to obtain a State Teaching Certificate to teach in the public school system.
Roland Machinery Scholarship Open to students pursuing a degree or certificate in a profession related to construction, mechanical engineering, or other related trades. Must be a graduating senior from a high school in one of the following counties: Sangamon, Christian, Montgomery, Macoupin, Scott, Morgan, Cass, Menard, Mason and Logan.
SAHBA Construction/Robert E. von Behren Memorial Scholarship Open to students pursuing a career in the building industry in the following counties: Sangamon, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, and Scott.
Sgt. John R. Dalhaus Memorial Vocational Scholarship Graduating student from Litchfield High School or a high school in Montgomery or Macoupin Counties participating in programs through the South-Central Illinois Regional Training and Innovation Center, and pursuing a post-secondary degree in a vocational field.
Tom & Dee O'Brien Scholarship for the Study of Nursing Student enrolled full-time or planning to enroll full-time at an accredited Nursing program in Sangamon County to pursue an Associate (ADN) or Baccalaureate (BSN) degree in Nursing and demonstrating financial need.
W.G. Bird Teachers' Scholarship Graduating senior of Auburn High School planning to pursue a degree in education and enroll full-time at an accredited college or university this fall.
Walter and Polly Roesch Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois Scholarship Open to current and former members of the Boys and Girls Club (BGCCIL) attending college or vocational school as a full-time student and have graduated from a high school in the BGCCIL service area within the last 2 years. 
World War II Illinois Descendants Statewide Scholarship Must be a direct descendant of a WWII Illinois Veteran and have a 4.0 GPA on a non-weighted scale (or be the projected valedictorian or salutatorian.
 
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