Students from the Greater Itasca Area who are planning to pursue postsecondary education during the 2026–2027 academic year are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF).

Scholarships are available to both traditional and nontraditional students, with opportunities supporting a wide range of educational paths. The scholarship application period opens January 1, 2026, and closes at midnight on March 1, 2026.

“In 2025, we were proud to award more than $330,000 in scholarships through 207 individual awards to 127 students across the Greater Itasca Area. With just one universal application, students can be considered for all available scholarships, helping make the process simple and accessible. This generosity is made possible by the donors who believe in investing in education, and we are continually inspired by the growing number of community members who choose to establish scholarships to support local students,” said Mindy Nuhring, Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation.

Students complete one Universal Scholarship Application through GRACF’s website to be considered for all available scholarships. Application details and eligibility information can be found at gracf.org/scholarships/apply.

For more than 30 years, the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation has connected donors’ charitable intentions with community needs—supporting students, nonprofits, and meaningful projects that strengthen the Greater Itasca Area. For more information, visit gracf.org or contact the Foundation at (218) 999-9100.