PCF Scholarship

Scholarship Fund: Invest In Education. Change A Life.

A Scholarship Fund at PCF empowers you to open doors for local students, whether they’re pursuing college, vocational training, or advanced study in a specialized field. Your fund can help remove financial barriers, reward hard work, and give deserving students the chance to reach their full potential.

You decide the purpose and criteria that matter most to you, and PCF manages the process from start to finish, ensuring your generosity creates a lasting impact for generations to come.

With a Scholarship Fund, You Can:

  • Support students in your community or field

  • Define the award criteria and selection preferences

  • Honor a loved one’s legacy with a named fund

  • Promote equity in education for future generations

  • Trust PCF to manage applications, disbursements, and compliance

Interested In More Information? View our downloadable brochure.

Meg Lokey
Meg Lokey

Director of Philanthropy

How Can I Help?

PCF Makes Education-Based Giving Easy and Impactful

When you open a scholarship fund, PCF takes care of the details—promoting the scholarship, coordinating reviews, and distributing awards—so you can focus on changing lives through education.

HOW TO CREATE A SCHOLARSHIP FUND AT PCF

Step #1:

Define your vision

Choose your focus—such as financial need, academic merit, specific schools, fields of study, or student backgrounds.

Step #2:

Sign a simple agreement

We’ll help you create a simple document that outlines your goals and criteria.

Step #3:

Fund now or later

Give today or plan a future gift through your estate. We manage the process—so students get the support they need, and you see real impact.

Perpetual Impact Through Education

Your Scholarship Fund can provide support for generations. Endowed funds preserve your gift and award scholarships annually—creating lasting impact while PCF ensures your intent is honored.

How One Scholarship Fund is Changing Lives

Katerina Lecourezos, 2023 recipient of the Kathleen Monahan Foundation Fund Scholarship, endowed at PCF, has been passionate about the arts since childhood. From her first stage role at age seven to graduating from the Pinellas County Center for the Arts, she’s now pursuing a BFA in Film at Emerson College.

“Being awarded a scholarship from an organization that truly supports the arts is an incredible honor,” Katerina said.

The fund was created to support performing arts and arts education in Tarpon Springs—helping students like Katerina bring their creative dreams to life.

Advantages of a Scholarship Fund

A Scholarship Fund is one of the most personal and rewarding ways to give. You’re not just donating—you’re opening doors.

  • Directly impact the life of a student

  • Customize award criteria to reflect your values

  • Create a lasting tribute to a loved one or cause

  • Let PCF handle compliance, records, and payouts

  • Receive an immediate tax deduction—even if awards are distributed later

Is a Scholarship Fund Right For you?

This type of fund is ideal for individuals, families, businesses, or organizations that want to:

  • Promote access to education

  • Support students in a specific school, region, or field

  • Invest in workforce development

  • Honor a legacy through a named fund

YOUR GIFT, YOUR BUDGET

Do I have to be wealthy to start a scholarship fund?

Not at all. Many donors begin with a modest gift and grow the fund over time. Whether you’re giving $5,000 or $500,000, PCF can help you build a scholarship that fits your goals and your means.

Ready to Set Up Your Scholarship Fund?

For over 55 years, Pinellas Community Foundation has partnered with local donors to advance equity and opportunity. We bring professional management, deep community ties, and a commitment to transparency—so your gift creates lasting change.

Pinellas Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered with the state of Florida. A copy of the official registration and financial information for Pinellas Community Foundation (CH3646) may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or visiting www.FDACS.gov. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Your gift may be tax-deductible; please consult your tax professional to explore your benefits.