More Opportunities Than Ever: HICF Opens 2026 Scholarship Portal

For students dreaming of college, trade school, or career training, opportunity often begins with a single application—and this year, there are more opportunities than ever before.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation has officially opened its online scholarship portal for Fall Semester 2026 awards, offering graduating high school seniors and adult learners access to more than $110,000 in scholarship funding, including 13 newly established scholarship awards that expand access and opportunity across the region.

The Foundation has also sought to remove obstacles and barriers for students in the process by upgrading to a universal application this year. Individuals who apply will be able to complete one core application which will match them to available opportunities in the process, allowing them to focus on putting their best application forward. It will also bring more efficiency to the submission and review piece of the process.

Thanks to the generosity of local donors, graduating high school seniors from any high school within the HICF service area who plan to pursue postsecondary education and have been accepted to an accredited college, university, or trade school are encouraged to apply. Individual scholarship awards range from $500 to $10,000, helping students take meaningful steps toward their educational and career goals.

The scholarship portal is open January 1 through March 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m.), and applications must be submitted online at at this link.

Each year, donor-established scholarship funds at the Foundation support more than 75 graduating seniors and current college students, reinforcing HICF’s long-standing commitment to education, workforce readiness, and upward mobility throughout the communities it serves.

In addition to scholarships for high school seniors, applications are also being accepted for the Adult Scholarship Program, which supports nontraditional students who are returning to education after interruptions in their academic journey. Adults 22 years of age or older residing in the HICF service area may apply for funding to pursue apprenticeships, associate or bachelor’s degrees, professional certifications, or graduate-level programs—locally or at accredited institutions nationwide, including online programs. Adult scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $2,500, with applications also due March 1, 2026.

“Scholarships change lives—not just by easing the financial burden of education, but by recognizing each student’s unique journey,” said Andrea Gerhard, Director of Scholarships and Grants at the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. “Every application tells a story. When students share their experiences, challenges, and goals, it helps us—and our donors—understand the real impact these scholarships can have on an individual’s future.”

For eligibility requirements, full program details, and to apply, visit https://www.heartofillinois.org/scholarship-programs. Adult Scholarship recipients will be announced in April 2026 and High School Scholarship recipients will be announced in May 2026 at area awards events.

Questions about HICF’s Scholarship Programs—or inquiries about establishing a new scholarship fund—may be directed to Andrea Gerhard, Director of Scholarships and Grants, at agerhard@heartofillinois.org or 217-429-3000.