Previous recipients of the CREW in the Community Scholarship. Photo courtesy of Communities Foundation of Texas.

The Communities Foundation of Texas’ scholarship cycle for the 2026 season is officially open. 

The organization focuses on improving the lives of all people in our community by investing in their health, wealth, living and learning both locally and across the state of Texas. Since its founding in 1953, CFT has awarded more than $3 billion in grants, according to a press release. 

From July 2024 through June 2025, CFT awarded $2 million with 415 scholarships to students attending 146 different colleges, universities, and trade schools.

“We help deserving students pursue their dreams while supporting the charitable visions of people in our community,” said Katie Kuehl, CFT senior officer of scholarships and nonprofit funds. “I’m grateful CFT can help serve as a connection point between our scholarship fundholders and our scholarship recipients.” 

Over 50 different scholarship opportunities are available now through CFT’s 2026 Universal Application, with deadlines on March 1, April 1, and May 1, 2026, depending on the scholarship. 

Here are some of the available scholarships with criteria that focus on our neighborhood and city below:

  • Om & Shanti Scholarship Fund – four-year awards of up to $6,000 to graduating high school seniors of a public high school in Dallas or Collin Counties in the State of Texas. The application deadline is March 1. 
  • Bear Bison Scholarship – up to the full amount of tuition for high school seniors of South Oak Cliff High School (Dallas, TX) or Sunset High School (Dallas, TX) pursuing a degree at any accredited college. The application deadline is April 1.
  • Dr. Frederick Jones Sr. Family Scholarship – scholarships of up to $5,000 to graduating high school seniors of Southwest Dallas from Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, and Lancaster, Texas who are pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or medicine. The application deadline is April 1.
  • Gigi and Louise Gartner Scholarship – scholarships of up to $10,000 to high school seniors, current college students or post-graduates of a high school in Dallas County who are pursuing a degree in holistic medicine. The application deadline is May 1. 
  • Joan H. Hensley Scholarship – scholarships of up to $5,000 to graduating high school seniors or past graduates of a high school in Dallas County. The application deadline is May 1. 

Visit here to learn more about other available scholarships through CFT.