Community Foundation taking scholarship applications

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is accepting scholarship applications for the 2017-18 school year, the organization announced Friday.

The Community Foundation, which supports charitable giving in the region through more than 290 distinct funds, grants scholarships to students of all grade levels. Deadlines depend on the scholarship, but the earliest deadlines are March 31.

The organization manages 50 scholarships funded by local individuals, organizations and businesses that support students at private K-12 schools, all the way through graduate school.

Some scholarships go to graduates of specific schools, those pursuing certain degrees or those whose parents work at various companies, including The Columbian.

Last year, the program awarded a total of $476,620 to more than 200 students enrolled in classes this academic year.

Of those, more than a quarter — 54 — are attending college at Clark College, Lower Columbia College or Washington State University Vancouver.

The Community Foundation for Southwest  Washington was established in 1984 and is governed by a board of volunteers, offering services to nonprofits and donors.

More information on the specific scholarships is available at www.cfsww.org/how-we-grant/scholarships.