Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees. This year, we have several new scholarships available.
Our 2026 College Scholarships open on January 5, 2026. All applications are due on March 13, 2026, unless otherwise noted.
In addition, performing art students may apply for the Bernie G. Yvon Memorial Fund Scholarship, which is due on May 8, 2026.
To apply for scholarships, please complete the preliminary matching form to view what scholarships you may qualify for below. Please review the qualifications for each scholarship before determining whether to apply.
Application Tips
Before you begin your application, we encourage students to complete the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) to determine their Student Aid Index (SAI). However, if you are not able to complete the FAFSA, you will still be able to apply. You can find answers to frequently asked questions about the FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov. Additionally, we are also encouraging students to review College Scorecard to evaluate the cost of attendance at their preferred institution, which can be found at http://collegescorecard.ed.gov.
The following opportunities are available:
For Graduating High School Seniors:
Byon M. Morris Scholarship
Craig Speziale Memorial Scholarship
Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship
James Thomas Pickren Memorial Scholarship
Leslie Baker Memorial Scholarship
Sam and Lydia Payne Scholarship
Talen Charles Birt Memorial Scholarship
For Current College Students:
Della M. Levy Scholarship for Graduate Studies
Dr. Linda McLucas Fisher Scholarship
Elizabeth Edgar Hall Founders Scholarship
Please find a summary of each opportunity below.
BYON M. MORRIS SCHOLARSHIP
The Byon M. Morris Scholarship will provide $4,800 ($1,200 per year for 4 years) to support tuition, books, fees, room & board, and degree-related expenses for one graduating senior who has attained Scouting’s highest ranks. One Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts) or one Gold Award winner (Girl Scouts), who demonstrates an aptitude and desire to succeed, will receive the scholarship. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider academic achievements, leadership experience, desire for personal growth and financial need. All applicants must have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (weighted) and plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution on a full-time basis. Scholarship application is due by March 13, 2026.
Application opens January 5, 2026.
CRAIG SPEZIALE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Craig Speziale “Spirit of Spez” Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior of Ponte Vedra High School who has been accepted into an accredited college or university. All applicants must have a cumulative 3.4 (unweighted) grade point average. The scholarship will provide $3,000 to be used for tuition, books, room & board, or other college-related expenses. The application is due by March 13, 2026.
Application opens January 5, 2026.
DOROTHEA B. SHAW SCHOLARSHIP
The Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship will provide $8,000 ($2,000 per year for 4 years) to support tuition, books, fees, room & board, and degree-related expenses for a student graduating from a Duval County public or private school and attending an accredited post-secondary institution in the Northeastern United States. Northeastern states are identified as: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider academic achievements, leadership experience, desire for personal growth and financial need. All applicants must have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (weighted) and plan to attend on a full-time basis. The application is due by March 13, 2026.
Application opens January 5, 2026.
JAMES THOMAS PICKREN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The James Thomas Pickren Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior from Stanton College Preparatory School who demonstrates excellence in leadership, academics and athletics and shows a special commitment to team and school. Those who apply for the scholarship must be active participants on a school-sanctioned athletic team, and be recognized for their good sportsmanship, academic achievement, positive leadership, moral integrity, and compassion, caring and concern for others. The scholarship will provide $3,070 to be used for tuition, books, room and board and other college related expenses. The application is due by March 27, 2026.
Application opens January 5, 2026.
LESLIE BAKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Leslie Baker Memorial Scholarship provides a scholarship to a graduating high school senior from Sandalwood High School who has lettered in the sport of cross country. All applicants must have a cumulative unweighted 3.0 grade point average and actively participated in cross country during the last two years. The one-time $2,250 scholarship is to be used for tuition, books and other college related expenses. The application is due by March 13, 2026.
Application opens January 5, 2026.
SAM AND LYDIA PAYNE SCHOLARSHIP
The Sam and Lydia Payne Scholarship will provide financial assistance for three students graduating from a North Florida public or private school who demonstrate an aptitude and desire to succeed. The scholarship will support tuition and books, up to $12,000 ($3,000 per year for 4 years) provided the recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements. All applicants must have a cumulative 2.2-3.5 (weighted) grade point average and plan to take a full-time course load in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider a desire for personal growth and financial need. The application is due by March 13, 2026.
Application opens January 5, 2026.
TALEN CHARLES BIRT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Talen Charles Birt Memorial Scholarship will provide financial assistance for students graduating from Andrew Jackson, First Coast, Jean Ribault, or William M. Raines High Schools in Duval County. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider the students’ demonstrated commitment to academics and leadership, plans to pursue a 2- or 4-year degree and can articulate why they have selected their area of study, and financial need. The one-time scholarship will support tuition and books, up to $2,000. The application is due by March 13, 2026.
Application opens January 5, 2026.
ELIZABETH EDGAR HALL CORPORATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Elizabeth Edgar Hall Corporation empowers women’s economic success by providing scholarships to women completing either an undergraduate or graduate degree from one of the following Jacksonville institutions: Edward Waters University (EWU), Jacksonville University (JU), or University of North Florida (UNF). There are two scholarships available:
- ELIZABETH EDGAR HALL FOUNDERS SCHOLARSHIP
The Elizabeth Edgar Hall Founders Scholarship will be awarded to one undergraduate female student who is completing/has recently completed her first year of undergraduate education and is on-track to receive her bachelor’s degree from Edward Waters University (EWU), Jacksonville University (JU), or University of North Florida (UNF). The award will provide up to $6,000 ($2,000/year for 3 years) provided the recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements. The Elizabeth Edgar Hall Founders Scholarship application is due by March 13, 2026. - DELLA M. LEVY SCHOLARSHIP FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
The Della M. Levy Scholarship for Graduate studies will award one female student who has completed her undergraduate studies and is pursuing a full-time graduate degree from either JU or UNF. The award of $4,500 can be used to support tuition, books, and other college related expenses in coordination with your Office of Financial Aid’s Cost of Attendance. The Della M. Levy Scholarship application is due by March 13, 2026.
Application opens January 5, 2026.
DR. LINDA McLUCAS FISHER SCHOLARSHIP
The Dr. Linda McLucas Fisher Scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate female students, 25 years old or older, who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ). The award will provide up to $500 per semester to support tuition, books, and other college-related expenses. All applicants must have a 2.0 (unweighted) grade point average and be enrolled in a part-time undergraduate program at Florida State College of Jacksonville. This scholarship is available for renewal each semester until graduation, given that the student continues to maintain eligibility requirements. The application is due by March 13, 2026.
Application opens January 5, 2026.
Questions regarding application support can be directed to Nikki MacPhee, Development and Donor Services Associate at nmacphee@jaxcf.org or 904.356.4483.
Questions on how to establish a scholarship fund can be directed to John Zell, Senior Vice President, Development at jzell@jaxcf.org.
BERNIE G. YVON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Bernie G. Yvon Memorial Scholarship is open to high school seniors and college students in the theatre/performing arts. In this ninth year, these need-based scholarships will be awarded in amounts up to $2000. All applicants must have at least a 2.8 grade point average (un-weighted) and must plan to attend or are attending an accredited US post-secondary institution. In selecting a successful candidate, the review committee will consider the student’s knowledge of Bernie G. Yvon, theatre/performing arts potential and past experience, financial need and academic record. The application is due by April 25, 2025.
COLE KELLY SCHOLARSHIP
The Cole Kelley Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate of Ponte Vedra High School. The scholarship will provide $4,000.00 to be used for tuition, books, room & board, or other college-related expenses. All applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average (weighted) and plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution on a full-time basis. In selecting a successful candidate, the review committee will consider a student’s demonstrated commitment to a Christian based life, academic performance, exhibited leadership in the school and community, and financial need. The application is due by March 13, 2026.
Application opens January 5, 2026.