Application & Renewal Portal

Honoring a Civic Legacy

Grace Tinsley Scholarship Program

Each year, we award college scholarships to outstanding Charlottesville High School seniors who exhibit the positive traits of character Grace Tinsley modeled, including courage, humor, and perseverance.

First-year awards are typically $2,500 and are renewable a second year for the amount of $1,500.

The application window opens January 1 and closes March 31 annually. The online application portal is linked below and is facilitated by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.

Who We Support

Eligibility Requirements

Charlottesville High School Graduates

Grace Tinsley Scholarships provide undergraduate scholarship support to low- and moderate-income Charlottesville High School students who wish to pursue post-secondary education, but who lack the financial resources to do so. To qualify for these need-based scholarships, the applicant’s household income must be lower than the maximum income for the applicant’s family size, as shown on the guidelines below.

PLEASE REDACT SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS FROM ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

Family Size Maximum Household Income

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

$105,700
$120,800
$135,900
$151,000
$163,100
$175,150

$187,200
$199,300
$211,350
$223,430

8
9
10

Your Path to Funding

Application Timeline

January 1

March 1

March - April

May

Application Opens

Deadline to Apply

Review Process

Award Notifications

Scholarship applications become available online and through school counselors each fall.

All new applicant and renewal materials must be submitted by March 31 to be considered for the current cycle.

Our committee carefully evaluates all submissions based on merit and community involvement.

Recipients are notified in May, with awards presented at a special community event.

Prepare Your Submission

Required Application Materials

Personal Essay & Short Statements

Your Complete Application

A thoughtful reflection on your goals and future aspirations, along with two brief written statements about personal circumstances and challenges.

Academic Records & Letters

Official high school transcript and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor.

The online application form consists of less than 20 multiple-choice questions, one brief personal essay, two short answer questions, two list questions, and two requested documents. Please prepare the information/documentation listed to the right and below:

  • FAFSA, VASA, or Federal Income Information

  • Letter of Recommendation

  • Work Experience/Community Engagement

  • List of school activities participated in

Application & Renewal Portal

Ready to Apply?

Access the full application packet and submit your materials through our secure portal.