Community Foundation of the NRV’s Scholarship application now open

10 30 CF NRV Scholarship

Above: at CFNRV’s annual scholarship luncheon in May 2026, award recipients gather for a group photo. In May, the CFNRV supported 106 students with $212,000+ in scholarships. Photo credit: Wilsie Photography.

 

 

Blacksburg – The Community Foundation of the New River Valley’s (CFNRV) online scholarship application is now open. In 2027, through the generosity of many donors, the CFNRV will give out more than $200,000 in scholarships to students from or studying in the New River Valley (NRV).

 

The scholarship application is open to graduating high school seniors and currently enrolled college students pursuing an education at a 2- or 4-year college or university, trade, or technical school. Older adults returning to school are also welcome to apply. Additionally, there is one scholarship available to students attending Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

 

Since issuing its first scholarship in 2002, the CFNRV has awarded $1.65 million to more than 1,200 students. Now, the CFNRV has nearly 60 different scholarship funds, each established by donors who wish to help others in our community further their education. Many funds were established in memory of loved ones with the goal of supporting NRV students for generations to come.

 

“Through the generosity of our donors, we are able to support more students every year, including high school seniors, students already pursuing higher education, and adults returning to school,” said Jessica Wirgau, the CFNRV’s chief executive officer. “We look forward to learning about the applicants and their plans for the future. We’re thankful for the opportunity to support them in their next steps.”

 

Interested applicants submit a single application and indicate the specific scholarships for which they would like to be considered. Most of the scholarship funds benefit students living in and/or going to school in Virginia’s New River Valley, which includes the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski as well as the city of Radford.

 

There are also some scholarships available for students elsewhere in southwest Virginia, including but not limited to those from Goochland, Grayson, and Tazewell counties as well as the city of Galax. Eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria for each scholarship can be found at cfnrv.org/scholarships. Those with financial need are especially encouraged to apply.

 

Applicants are required to submit a personal essay, their academic transcript, financial details, and two letters of recommendation. Some scholarship funds also require additional essays for students to be considered. If a student receives a scholarship, the awarded funds will be applied to the 2027-2028 academic year.

 

All applications must be submitted by Friday, January 23, 2027 at 5 p.m. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Students interested in applying can learn more at www.cfnrv.org/scholarships. If you are interested in setting up a scholarship fund, please reach out to Jessica Wirgau at jessicawirgau@cfnrv.org or 540-381-8999.