Contacts

cchapman@catalystsfoundation.org

Scholarships

Empowering student leaders of color to drive social change while pursuing higher education

CATALYSTS Scholarships

Investing in Tomorrow's Leaders

The world of social activism is driven by the innovation of relentless and passionate people who work toward a mission of creating social change.

Everyone has the power to be a champion of change in their community, no matter how big or small it is. The purpose of the CATALYSTS (Cultivating Achievers To Actively Lead and Yield Strategic and Transformative Success) Scholarship is to provide financial support to student leaders of color who are active within the nonprofit ecosystem and/or development of high potential philanthropy that drives social change and impact. The goal is to better propel emerging community leaders to be catalysts of change in their community while still being able to remain involved in college life.

Each year, the CATALYSTS Foundation provides two $1,000 scholarships. Black/African American undergraduate students are encouraged to apply if they have a GPA of 2.8 or higher and have internship or work experience tied to social impact.

Applications for the scholarship in the 2025-2026 cycle will open on March 1 and close on June 27, 2025. All 2025-2026 scholarship applicants will be notified of decisions by August 8, 2025.

2025-2026 Application Timeline

Applications Open

March 1, 2025

Application Deadline

June 27, 2025

Recipients Notified

August 8, 2025

Award Details

Award Amount ➝ $1,000 per recipient

Number of Awards ➝ 2 scholarships annually

Award Type ➝ One-time scholarship

Use of Funds ➝ Educational expenses

Eligibility Requirements

Black/African American undergraduate students

Minimum GPA of 2.8 or higher

Internship or work experience tied to social impact

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join our community of student leaders driving positive change in their communities. Your story of impact could be next.

Note: Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle open March 1, 2025

Questions About the Application?

Have questions about our scholarship application instructions or about the application process?

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CATALYSTS Scholars

Support Our Scholars

Help us expand our scholarship program and support more student leaders of color in their educational journey and community impact efforts.

Every $1,000 fully funds one scholarship

Your support directly impacts communities

100% of donations go to scholarships

Tax-deductible donation • EIN: 93-4323343

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The Answers to All Your Questions

Find answers to common questions about Scholarship Awards

Who is eligible for a CATALYSTS Foundation scholarship?

Scholarships are awarded to college students—primarily students of color—who demonstrate leadership, academic commitment, and a passion for creating a positive disruption in their communities.

What types of scholarships are offered?

We offer need-informed scholarships designed to support students pursuing higher education while making meaningful contributions beyond the classroom.

When do scholarship applications open?

Application timelines are announced annually on our website and social media channels.

How many scholarships does CATALYSTS award each year?

Each year, the Foundation awards two (2) scholarships, each valued at $1,000.

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Recipients are selected through a competitive application process that considers leadership, community impact, personal story, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission.

Are scholarship recipients recognized publicly?

Yes. With consent, recipients are recognized at our annual event and across CATALYSTS communications.