New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Overview
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is the state’s largest private scholarship provider, distributing roughly $8 million to nearly 2,000 students annually. Donor-established scholarship funds support certificates, apprenticeships, licensing programs, two- and four-year degrees, and graduate study. The Foundation uses a single online application that matches students automatically to scholarships for which they qualify. Citizenship is not considered in awarding decisions; financial documentation is required when need is a factor.
Description: A centralized scholarship program funded by private donors to expand access to postsecondary and credentialed training for New Hampshire students.
Financial documentation: When financial need is considered, applicants must submit the FAFSA Submission Summary; finalists may be asked to provide the institution’s financial aid offer.
- Largest private scholarship program in New Hampshire.
- Single online application with automatic matching.
- Supports a wide range of credential types and degree levels.
Explore scholarship opportunities
The Foundation’s single online application streamlines access to multiple scholarships and automatically matches applicants to eligible awards. Opportunities cover short-term vocational credentials, community college and four-year degree programs, and limited graduate funding. Applicants should complete the online form to be considered for all relevant scholarships at once. Additional application portals may be required for institution-specific awards.
Description: One application portal that evaluates eligibility across the Foundation’s scholarship funds and matches students to awards.
Application process: Complete the Foundation’s online application; the system will match you to scholarships for which you qualify.
- Apply once to be considered for multiple funds.
- Automatic matching reduces the need for multiple submissions.
- Check institution portals for additional, separate scholarship opportunities.
Certificate, license or other industry-recognized credential (Medallion Fund)
The Medallion Fund supports students of any age pursuing short-term vocational or technical training in fields such as automotive technology, plumbing, heating, construction, advanced manufacturing, computer repair, and licensed nursing assistant programs. The program emphasizes trades and industry-recognized credentials that lead directly to employment. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to their chosen program and how it will advance their career goals. Award decisions for this program are communicated within six weeks of submission.
Description: Funding for short-term vocational and technical training that leads to industry-recognized credentials.
Eligibility: Preference for traditional manufacturing and trade sectors, applicants with a clear employment plan, those with limited prior training opportunities, and those demonstrating commitment to their program.
Application timeline: Applicants are typically notified of award decisions within six weeks after submission.
- Open to students of any age pursuing short-term credentials.
- Focus on trades and technical occupations with clear employment pathways.
- Decisions communicated promptly (about six weeks).
Two-year or associate degree program
Scholarships support students pursuing associate degrees, including those attending New Hampshire’s Community Colleges; applicants are encouraged to also apply through the Community College System’s award portal. Academic excellence is not required, but reasonable achievement and commitment to the field are expected. Preference is given to applicants who have successfully completed prior educational work or who are entering high-demand professions such as STEM, clinical health care, or advanced manufacturing. When need is considered, applicants must submit the FAFSA Submission Summary and finalists may need to provide the institution’s financial aid package.
Description: Awards for students enrolled in two-year or associate degree programs, with encouragement to use college-specific portals as well.
Eligibility: Demonstrated commitment and reasonable achievement; preference for prior successful educational experience or entry into high-demand fields (e.g., STEM, clinical health care).
Award value: Awards vary with financial need and typically range from $100 to $3,500.
Application timeline: Applicants are notified of decisions within approximately six weeks of submission.
- Supports community college and associate degree students.
- Need-based awards with defined upper and lower limits.
- Priority for students in high-demand fields or with prior successful coursework.
Four-year or bachelor's degree program
These awards target students who are older or have independent circumstances (age 24+, or younger students who are married, have a child, have served in the military, or are emancipated). Selection balances financial need, academic merit, and non-academic factors such as community service and work experience, with highest priority given to those with the fewest resources. Financial documentation is required when need is assessed; applicants must submit the FAFSA Submission Summary and may be asked for the institution’s aid package. The program is competitive, with approximately $3 million disbursed annually.
Description: Scholarships for four-year degree students with priority to non-traditional or independent-status applicants.
Eligibility: Based on financial need, academic achievement, and non-academic contributions; priority to students with the fewest financial resources.
Award availability: Competitive program; awards typically range from $250 to $7,500 with an average award of about $4,600 and approximately one award per five applications.
- Focus on students with independent or non-traditional circumstances.
- Funding decisions weigh need, merit, and broader contributions.
- Substantial but competitive annual funding pool (~$3M).
Master’s, Ph.D., or other advanced degree program
The Foundation provides limited funding for graduate and advanced professional degrees, with undergraduate education as the higher priority. Graduate awards are awarded competitively and are available only in small numbers; there is targeted funding for students planning to attend medical school. Selection criteria mirror undergraduate awards, considering financial need, academic merit, and non-academic factors. When need is part of the review, applicants must submit the FAFSA Submission Summary and may be asked for institutional financial aid details.
Description: Very limited scholarship support for graduate and advanced-degree study, with specific funding streams for certain professional paths such as medical school.
Eligibility: Selected on the basis of financial need, academic merit, and non-academic factors; awards are highly competitive due to limited funding.
Award availability: Few awards are made for graduate study; priority remains on funding undergraduate education.
- Graduate funding is limited and highly competitive.
- Priority focus of the Foundation is undergraduate support.
- Targeted graduate funding exists for select professional programs (e.g., medical school).