Students throughout the Sacramento region are invited to apply for more than 40 open scholarships available through the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and our partner, Yolo Community Foundation. With awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, these scholarships are designed to help students pursue their educational goals and reduce financial barriers at critical moments.
The scholarships reflect the diverse interests and priorities of the local people who established them. Many are based on financial need, while others support specific academic paths, causes, or life experiences. Opportunities are available for former foster youth, English language learners, students living with chronic illness, and those pursuing fields such as veterinary medicine, sustainable agriculture, music, and more.
Most scholarship applications are due by March 13, 2026.
While each scholarship offers financial support, the impact often extends far beyond the award itself. One example is Abigail Canafe (pictured), who received the Benny Goodman Foundation Scholarship in 2021 while studying at UC Berkeley. The scholarship supports students studying jazz or classical music — and for Abigail, it also sparked a desire to give back. Today, she volunteers as a scholarship evaluator with the Foundation.
“As a past scholarship recipient, I want to give back to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and continue helping future students fund their education,” Abigail shared with us.
In 2024, we awarded more than $1 million in scholarships, supporting 400 students across the region. Since 1983, more than $275 million has been distributed through scholarships and community grants — demonstrating a longstanding commitment to expanding opportunity through education.
“Investing in young people — and lifelong learners — is one of the most powerful ways we can strengthen our region’s future,” said Kerry Wood, our chief executive. “Scholarships reduce financial barriers, but just as importantly, they tell students that their community believes in them.”
Students interested in learning more about available scholarships or applying can visit our scholarships page at www.sacregcf.org/students. Community members who wish to support future scholarship awards through a tax-friendly gift of any amount can learn more here.
Together, these scholarships represent a powerful investment in students — and a reminder that opportunity grows when a community comes together.