Ralph M. Barford Foundation · National
Ralph M. Barford Foundation
About this award
Get a renewable scholarship for up to four years if you are an Indigenous student in a full-time four-year program — apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1.
The provider does not post a fixed dollar amount — contact Ralph M. Barford Foundation to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student who has a strong connection to your community and needs financial support to finish your degree. You have three deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — email, portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Ralph M. Barford Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. They primarily look at financial need, but they also consider your academic performance and how you contribute to your community. Ask Ralph M. Barford Foundation during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. To keep this award, you must maintain a full-time course load. Since renewal conditions aren't fully listed, confirm with Ralph M. Barford Foundation exactly what GPA or progress reports you need to keep the funding for up to four years.
Can you get it?
- Indigenous — citizenship requirement
- Undergraduate — study level
How to apply
Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour
Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.
Submit by No deadline~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is providing a vague statement about needing money.
Winners instead provide a clear budget showing exactly how the scholarship closes the gap between their savings and the cost of tuition.
Many students simply list their volunteer hours.
Winners instead describe the specific impact they had on their community, such as a project they led or a person they mentored.
Focus your application on the "primary consideration," which is your financial need, but don't ignore your academic merits.
Balance your need for funds with proof that you are succeeding in your classes.