More than $1 million in scholarships opens doors for North Georgia students

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Behind every scholarship is a student preparing to take the next step, and a donor who believed education could help change a life.

This year, those individual acts of generosity added up to a historic milestone for the North Georgia Community Foundation. For the first time, one of the foundation’s programs awarded more than $1 million during a single cycle.

NGCF distributed $1,009,816 through 367 scholarships in 2026. Recipients are attending 67 colleges and universities across 17 states, though most are staying close to home. Eighty-three percent are enrolled at institutions in Georgia, according to NGCF President and CEO Michell Prater.

“Crossing the $1 million mark is something worth celebrating—not simply because of the number, but because of what that number represents,” said Prater. “It represents hundreds of students taking the next step toward their goals and generations of fundholders who believe education could change the trajectory of a life. This milestone belongs to our entire community.”

The scholarships came from 99 individual funds created by families, individuals, businesses and civic organizations. Each fund has its own history and purpose, but together they reflect a shared commitment to investing in students and the future of North Georgia.

Some of those funds were established years—or even decades—before the students they now support began planning for college.

“Our scholarship program is a powerful example of what happens when generosity is carried forward,” Prater said. “A fund established years – or even decades – ago can continue opening doors for students today and for generations to come. That lasting impact is at the heart of what a community foundation makes possible.”

NGCF recently brought recipients, fundholders, volunteer reviewers, trustees and team members together for its annual Scholarship Celebration. During the event, students shared stories about their educational journeys and how the financial support has affected their lives.

The milestone year also required a significant community effort. A group of 117 volunteers reviewed 2,366 applications, helping the foundation select recipients from a wide range of backgrounds, academic interests, and stages of life.

For the foundation, surpassing $1 million represents more than a record-setting year. It reflects generations of generosity continuing to open doors for area students.

Visit ngcf.org/scholarships for more information on NGCF scholarships and establishing scholarship funds.