June 2026
WHERE GIVING MEETS COMMUNITY
Insights on local generosity, nonprofit work, and the needs shaping our region.
By Katie Simpson, Community Giving Foundation
As another school year comes to a close, communities across our region are celebrating a season of milestones. Graduations, award ceremonies, and plans for what comes next remind us of something important: the future is being shaped by our youth.
At Community Giving Foundation, one of the most meaningful ways we witness that future taking shape is through the impact of our scholarship funds.
Scholarships are just one example of how the Foundation connects generosity, passions, and local opportunities through personalized giving services. The Foundation administers more than 125 scholarship funds across our region established by individuals, families, and businesses.
As you look through the names of these funds on our website, you’ll notice something: every one is unique. Behind each scholarship is a story, a passion, and a donor who chose to invest in future generations. Some funds were created to honor a family member, friend, or mentor. Others support students pursuing specific careers, attending certain schools, or demonstrating particular talents and interests. Each tells the story of someone who wanted to leave a lasting legacy while helping others pursue their dreams.
This spring, more than 200 high school and undergraduate students received over $580,000 in scholarship support through the Foundation. For many students, these awards help ease the financial burden of higher education and training. Yet the impact extends far beyond tuition bills and textbooks.
These awards send a powerful message to students: someone believes in you. Someone recognizes your hard work, your goals, and your potential. There is a community standing behind you, cheering you on.
That encouragement matters.
One of our favorite gatherings each year is the Foundation’s annual Scholarship Event, which brought together 250 students, families, donors, and community partners last month. The room was filled with excitement and gratitude as scholarship recipients connected with the people whose generosity made their awards possible. Honoring these students and their individual stories and dreams is always special.
We were inspired to hear students and families interested in learning about the history behind the scholarship they received. Some students connected directly with donors and family members in attendance—learning about the passions that inspired the award or the loved one’s memory being honored through the fund. Many discovered that complete strangers have invested in their success simply because they believe education and opportunity strengthen communities.
These moments reminded us that meaningful, long-term impact begins with connection.
The result is a cycle of generosity that continues year-to-year. Donors invest in students. Students gain opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve their goals. Communities benefit from future teachers, healthcare professionals, skilled tradespeople, business leaders, and engaged citizens who carry that support forward.
The impact reaches far beyond a single scholarship award.
We are incredibly grateful for the scholarship donors, advisors, selection committee members, and partners whose commitment to education and community helps open doors for students across our region.
To the students preparing for their senior year of high school, know this: your community is behind you. There are people who believe in your future and want to help you succeed. We encourage you to explore opportunities through the Foundation and broader community and take advantage of the support that has been created for you.
One act of generosity may seem small in the moment, but its impact can last a lifetime. When we invest in students, we invest in stronger communities, brighter futures, and the next generation of leaders who will shape the places we call home.