The Gainesville-based North Georgia Community Foundation (NGCF) has reached a milestone, awarding more than one-million dollars in scholarships during its 2026 cycle. It is the first time the program has passed the million-dollar mark, and the total includes $120,000 for students in Hall County.
In all, there are 367 scholarships this year, supporting students at colleges and universities across the country. The scholarships were distributed through 99 individual funds established by donors including families, businesses, and civic organizations.
Michelle Prater, president and CEO of NGCF, said crossing the million-dollar threshold represents more than just a number. “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.”
Scholarship recipients are attending 67 colleges and universities in 17 states, with 83 percent enrolled at institutions in Georgia. In addition to the students themselves, a recent celebration also recognized the work of 117 volunteer reviewers, who examined 2,366 applications to help select recipients representing diverse backgrounds, academic interests, and stages of life.