Italian Catholic Federation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Italian Catholic Federation

Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship — 2026 (First-Year)

Description Program overview

The Italian Catholic Federation (ICF) awards annual college scholarships to high school students of the Catholic faith who plan to attend college. Scholarships are distributed each spring and applications are accepted from students attending public and Catholic high schools in California, Nevada, and Illinois where ICF Branches are established. The program has a long-running commitment to supporting Catholic youth through higher-education aid and community involvement.

Key takeaways:

• Annual scholarship program for Catholic high school seniors in CA, NV, and IL (where ICF branches exist).
• Open to students from both public and Catholic high schools.
• Applications are reviewed each spring.

Eligibility Who can apply

To be eligible, applicants must meet a minimum cumulative GPA requirement and one of two membership/heritage conditions. Applicants must have a total cumulative GPA (covering 3½ years: Grade 9 through first quarter/semester of Grade 12) of at least 3.2. In addition, applicants must either (1) be Roman Catholic of Italian descent and live in a diocese with an ICF Branch in CA, NV, or IL, or (2) be Roman Catholic (any ancestry) and have a parent, guardian, or grandparent who is an ICF member.

Key takeaways:

• Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.2 over 3½ years (Grade 9 through first quarter/semester of Grade 12).
• Eligible if Roman Catholic and of Italian descent living where ICF has branches, OR if a Roman Catholic with a parent/guardian/grandparent who is an ICF member.
• Baptism alone does not satisfy the parent/grandparent membership requirement for non-Italian applicants.

Membership and

Geographic

Restrictions Branches, national membership, and funding limits

ICF welcomes Individual Members and Families in states without local Branches, but funding for scholarships is only provided where Branches exist. Children of families who join the National Branch from states where the ICF is not yet established are not eligible for the Scholarship Program because there are no local scholarship funding sources there. The requirement for parent/guardian/grandparent membership applies only to non-Italian applicants who otherwise meet the Catholic requirement.

Key takeaways:

• National Branch membership does not confer scholarship eligibility where local Branches are not established.
• Scholarship funding is available only in dioceses where ICF Branches operate (CA, NV, IL).
• Parent/guardian/grandparent membership requirement is strictly enforced for non-Italian applicants.

Award

Value Amounts and multi-year renewals

Approximately 130 first-year scholarships of $500 each will be awarded for 2026. First-year recipients who continue to qualify are eligible for renewal in subsequent years: second-year awards of $600, third-year awards of $700, and fourth-year awards of $1,000. These amounts apply to the standard multi-year award progression for winners who remain eligible and meet renewal requirements.

Key takeaways:

• 2026 first-year award: $500 (about 130 recipients).
• Renewal awards: Year 2 = $600, Year 3 = $700, Year 4 = $1,000.
• Renewals depend on continued eligibility and ICF renewal rules.

Selection

Criteria How applications are judged

Applications are evaluated on multiple factors with scholastic achievement and demonstrated need among the primary considerations. Judges review total cumulative GPA (3½ years) and class rank, financial need, leadership roles, extracurricular and charitable activities, and—when applicable—family membership and activity in the ICF. The scoring balances academic performance with community involvement and financial circumstances.

Key takeaways:

• Primary evaluation factors: cumulative GPA (3½ years) and class rank.
• Other considerations: financial need, leadership, extracurricular/charitable involvement.
• Family ICF membership and activity may influence scoring if applicable.

Application

Process and

Required

Materials Steps and submission instructions

High school seniors should download and complete the 2026 I.C.F. Scholarship Application, prepare the required letter of personal assessment (instructions included in the application), and obtain an official transcript covering Grade 9 through the first quarter or semester of Grade 12. All three items (completed application, personal letter, and transcript) must be submitted together; incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Submit electronically to [email protected] or print and mail to the Scholarship Committee at the Oakland address below.

Key takeaways:

• Required materials: completed application, letter of personal assessment, and transcript (Grade 9 through first quarter/semester of Grade 12).
• All three documents must be submitted together; incomplete applications are not accepted.
• Submit by email to [email protected] or mail to the Oakland office.

Submission

Address and

Contact Where to send completed applications

Email submissions: [email protected].
Postal submissions: Attn: Scholarship Committee, Italian Catholic Federation, 8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110, Oakland, CA 94621.
Check the application materials for specific mailing instructions and any file-format requirements for emailed documents.

Key takeaways:

• Email: [email protected].
• Mail: ICF Scholarship Committee, 8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110, Oakland, CA 94621.
• Verify the 2026 application for any format or submission nuances.

Application

Timeline When to apply

The ICF receives nearly 200 applications each spring and conducts annual award cycles during that period. Applicants should download the current year’s application (2026) and follow the submission instructions included; specific deadline dates are posted on the application itself. Plan to assemble transcripts and personal letters well before the published deadline to ensure timely and complete submission.

Key takeaways:

• Scholarship cycle runs each spring with a posted deadline on the application.
• Expect a competitive pool (about 200 applicants).
• Submit all materials before the deadline shown on the 2026 application form.

History of the

Award Longstanding support since 1964

Since 1964 the ICF has awarded more than $2,000,000 in scholarships to over 6,000 high school students of the Catholic faith pursuing college. The program reflects decades of the ICF’s mission to support Catholic education and community leadership among youth. That historical scale underscores both the program’s legacy and its continued focus on academic and service-oriented applicants.

Key takeaways:

• ICF scholarship program established in 1964.
• Over $2,000,000 awarded to more than 6,000 students to date.
• Program emphasizes Catholic identity, academic achievement, and community service.

For additional questions or clarifications, consult the 2026 I.C.F. Scholarship Application or contact [email protected].