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Scholarships

Since 2009, over $500,000 in scholarships has been awarded to students from Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth, supporting their pursuit of higher education.
$ 742,500
awarded since 2009
119
students supported
$ 86,000
awarded in 2025

Scholarship Season Opens January 2027

College Scholarships Badge 2026

College Scholarships

Six $12,000 scholarships are awarded each year to high school seniors: four to Martha's Vineyard residents and two to Falmouth residents. Selection is based on academic merit, extracurricular involvement, employment history, financial need, leadership, character, and community service.

Eligibility

  • Year-round residents of Martha's Vineyard or Falmouth
  • Current high school seniors on Martha's Vineyard or Falmouth (homeschooled students are eligible; boarding school students are not)
  • Planning to attend a 4-year college or university
Phillip J Norton Jr Scholarship Badge 2026

Phillip J. Norton, Jr. Scholarship

This scholarship supports post-secondary students who are committed to careers in public service. The amount from varies from year to year.

Eligibility

  • Year-round residents of Dukes County
  • Enrolled in a certificate, bachelor's, master's, or graduate program, or returning to school to begin one
  • Pursuing a public service career such as Criminal Justice, Counseling, Law, Public Health, Substance Use Disorder Services, Social Work, Emergency Services, Immigration Assistance, or Public Administration.
Ronald H Rappaport Scholar Fund Badge 2026

Ronald H. Rappaport Scholar Fund

Created in partnership with the Rappaport family, this scholarship honors Ron Rappaport’s exceptional leadership and service to Martha’s Vineyard as well as his commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders committed to community betterment.

Eligibility

  • Raised on Martha's Vineyard or with strong Island ties
  • Meaningful Island-based work or volunteer experience
  • Planning to return to the Island and contribute to the community after graduating

Scholarship FAQs

When is the application deadline?

All three applications are due by 11:59pm on Thursday, March 19, 2026. This applies to every scholarship and to all supporting materials, including transcripts and letters of recommendation.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, with no exceptions for technical difficulties. We recommend submitting early.

What are the application requirements?

Every application requires a current transcript in PDF format. Additional requirements vary by scholarship:

  • College Scholarship: High school transcript, which must include grades for the first semester of senior year, plus one letter of recommendation.
  • Philip J. Norton, Jr. Scholarship: Current transcript, one letter of recommendation, and an up-to-date resume.
  • Ronald H. Rappaport Scholar Fund: Current transcript, a minimum of two letters of recommendation, and an up-to-date resume.
Optional supporting materials are welcome for any scholarship but are never expected, and their absence will not count against you.

Can I save my application and finish later?

Yes. You can save your progress and return anytime before the deadline. If you want a copy for your records, print the application as a PDF before submitting. Once submitted, you will no longer have access to it.

What format do my documents need to be in?

Every document must be a PDF: transcripts, letters of recommendation, resumes, and any optional materials. A file submitted in any other format will not be considered, so convert everything to PDF before uploading.

How do letters of recommendation work?

The number of required letters depends on the scholarship:

  • College Scholarship: One letter required.
  • Philip J. Norton, Jr. Scholarship: One letter required.
  • Ronald H. Rappaport Scholar Fund: Two letters required, minimum.

For all three, you have two ways to submit a letter:

  • Upload it yourself with your application, or
  • Have upload instructions emailed directly to your recommender.

If you choose the email option, you are responsible for following up with your recommender so the letter is uploaded by the deadline. Submit your application with time to spare. All letters must be in PDF format.

What happens after I submit?

After the deadline, all applications are reviewed competitively. Selection considers academic performance, extracurricular activities, employment history, financial need, leadership, character, and community service.

What happens next depends on the scholarship:

  • College Scholarship and Philip J. Norton, Jr. Scholarship: Applications are reviewed after the deadline. If you are selected, we will contact you directly.
  • Ronald H. Rappaport Scholar Fund: Semifinalists are chosen after the deadline and contacted directly to interview with a selection committee.

There is no status to check. If you advance, we will reach out to you.

Giving in Action

Martha's Vineyard Charitable Foundation Grant Recipient Badge
$250,000 to YMCA of Cape Cod

This grant will support the capital campaign to build a space that fosters learning, connection, and community growth. Through this initiative, the YMCA strengthens its capacity to support children, families, and residents across the region while deepening its role as a cornerstone for community well-being.
Phillip J Norton Jr Scholarship Badge 2026
Amy Heil: Advancing Youth Mentorship

Amy is pursuing a M.Ed in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement at Merrimack College. She has supported Island families since 2017 with her work with MV Community Services. Her scholarship supports her continued focus on youth mentorship and community programs.
Art of Teaching Grant Badge
Ben Hughes: Turning Kids Into Creators

An Art of Teaching Grant helped Ben Hughes build a recording studio at the Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School.

"A lot of kids are consumers of technology, scrolling all the time. This lets them be producers and artists."

View Our 2025 Art of Giving Program

See the program

Previous Charitable Foundation Giving Programs

 

2024 Charitable Foundation Giving Program

2023 Charitable Foundation Giving Program

 

Contact Us

Have questions about the Charitable Foundation? Reach out to our team and we will be happy to help.
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