Donors & Fundholders, Events, In the News, Scholarships, Staff News
Palm Beach Society Magazine: Community Foundation Celebrates 40 Years of Powerful Scholarship Program
This story first appeared in the December 13, 2024 edition of Palm Beach Society Magazine
Since 1985, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has offered both need- and merit-based scholarships to aspiring college students in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The aim is to increase access to higher education and decrease the burden of debt. To date, the organization has distributed nearly $18 million to deserving students through over 3,200 scholarships.
The official celebration of the Scholarship Program’s 40th Anniversary will take place at the Community Foundation’s 12th Annual Founders Luncheon on February 26, 2025, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. Tom and Sherry Barrat of Singer Island will be honored with the organization’s prestigious McIntosh Award for their outstanding philanthropic impact.
“Community Foundation scholarship recipients have the intelligence, fortitude and ambition to be successful in college,” said Joanne Julien, MD, Chair of the Community Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. “Often all they lack are the financial resources to support their dream. That’s why it is imperative for the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties to step up with the essential support and funding.”
In the scholarship program’s 40-year history, students have enrolled in 270 unique institutions across 42 states.
• 89% of scholars come from Palm Beach County and 11% come from Martin County. The top hometowns include West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Jupiter and Boynton Beach.
• 74% of students who received Community Foundation scholarships attended a college in the state of Florida, 19% of whom received their degree from University of Florida.
• Out-of-state universities attended by scholarship recipients include Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, MIT, Duke University, and other prestigious institutions.
“Scholarships are a vital tool for creating economic mobility and developing a highly skilled workforce rooted in Florida,” said Danita R. DeHaney, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “We are proud of our track record over four decades, and we also see the needs continue to rise. Our goal is to close the gaps with the help of our generous donors.”
DeHaney is building momentum for the effort through a $5 million fundraising effort. Donors with a passion for higher education are encouraged to contribute to the Community Foundation Scholarship Fund, or set up their own fund tailored to their interests or goals.
