Scholarship Impact
We invest in the future. The MVCF is one of Martha’s Vineyard’s largest providers of scholarships. We help Islanders of all ages—from high school seniors to current college students to working adults—realize their dreams and secure a bright future.
Since 1984, we have awarded thousands of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate college degrees, vocational training, and professional certifications, including Captain’s licenses for mariners.
The Community Foundation manages 30 scholarship funds. Many of the funds are endowed, meaning they will support Island students for generations to come. To apply, use the online application below. We will automatically match you with all scholarship opportunities for which you qualify.
2024 Stats
86
Students awarded in 2024
$365,000
Scholarships awarded in 2024
Lifetime Stats
2186
Students awarded to date
$5,165,000
Scholarships awarded to date
Photo: Maria Thibodeau
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Violet Cabot
- Syracuse University
- James S. and Violet M. Rego Scholarship Fund — 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020
- Hall/Anderson Family Fund – 2024
- Dr. Clement N. and Vera A. Amaral Scholarship Fund — 2022
- Our Island Club Scholarship Fund — 2020
“My dream since seventh grade has been to become a speech language pathologist. In high school I discovered the accelerated masters degree for SLP at Syracuse University. It became my dream program.
The Community Foundation has been an integral part of my educational journey. Their support during my four years of undergraduate studies and their continued support for my masters degree program has allowed me to work towards entering the field I’ve dreamed of since middle school.
Communication is a right that all people deserve and I look forward to helping future clients develop their communication and language skills.”
Eduardo Marques
- Bridgewater State University
- Donna Dolinsky and Vincent Reid Memorial Fund — 2024
- Inspiration Fund — 2024, 2023
“I sincerely thank the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation for its invaluable support throughout my academic journey at Bridgewater State University. As a first-generation college student, their unwavering assistance has been instrumental in my pursuit of a degree in Operations Management and Finance. Their belief in my potential has given me the fortitude to approach each day with determination and dedication to my studies.
With a focus on transportation, I am eager to leverage the knowledge and skills gained to contribute meaningfully to improving transportation systems on Martha’s Vineyard. The MVCF’s support has not only propelled my academic endeavors but has also ignited a passion within me to effect positive change within my community.”
Clara Hoyt
- Martha’s Vineyard Airport Commission Scholarship Fund – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
“I’m thankful to receive this ongoing support. The Community Foundation encourages me to succeed in a male-dominated career as a professional pilot. Whenever I’m feeling discouraged, I know that my fellow Islanders believe in me and my goals, and I’m extremely grateful for that.
Joe Serpa
- Harriet N. Goldberg Fund – 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
“I’m studying Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the University of Michigan to pursue a career in this field. Growing up on the water has been an important aspect of my life. It has nurtured my love of sailing, kite boarding, spending time on the water with family and friends, and it has given me the opportunity to see the maritime industry up close.”
Greta Gannon
- Wendy Weisman Jenkinson Culinary Arts Fund – 2022, 2021, 2020
- Harriet N. Goldberg Fund – 2021
- Walter and Irene Dumais Scholarship Fund – 2019
- Albridge C. and Margaret Righter Smith Scholarship Fund – 2018
“As I approach my graduation from the University of Vermont, I have spent some time reflecting on the last four years. I am so grateful for the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in a field of my choice — Food Systems and Ecological Agriculture — at such an incredible school. When the pandemic switched my college experience to an online learning model during my junior year, I decided to take a year off. For a number of reasons, I struggled in my decision to return to school, but it was ultimately the support from the Community Foundation which encouraged me to return and complete my degree. And I am so glad that I did. The continued support throughout my four years at college as well as during my year off (when I enrolled in a USCG Captain’s License course) has allowed me to grow and learn while also feeling fueled by a strong community.”