Together, we make college possible. Together, we change lives.
Foundation Scholarships Make College Possible
In 1973, a small group of dedicated community members joined together offering small loans to student-parents trying to earn their degree. Fifty years later, the Chemeketa Foundation has evolved to support hundreds of students each year through more than 140 unique scholarships and assistance funds.
With your help, the Chemeketa Foundation provides resources, opportunity and hope to students in need. Some of our current funding priorities include –
Childcare scholarships for student parents
First generation college student support
Students in specific programs like nursing, fire science and automotive
Funding for our College Inside program for incarcerated students
Emergency student reliefs funds including our on-campus food pantry
STARS 2024
The 2024 STARS reception was a very special event. Held in May at the Salem Convention Center, this is an opportunity for our donors and recipients to come together sharing stories and celebrating a successful school year. True to its form, it was an emotional afternoon where donors had the opportunity to meet their scholarship recipients and hear their stories. We captured the afternoon event on video for all to enjoy.
All new and returning students can apply for Chemeketa Foundation scholarships through one online application by visiting chemeketa.academicworks.com. You will be automatically matched with scholarships meeting your qualifications based on the responses in your application.
Our main application window is once a year from February 1 - April 15.Apply by April 15 to be considered for scholarships during the following academic year. There may be an additional application openings during the summer and fall terms for second round awards. Learn more about applying for Chemeketa Foundation scholarships here.
You can use our online giving site to make a one-time or recurring gift via debit or credit card
You can also give by sending a check made payable to 'Chemeketa Foundation' by mail to – Chemeketa Foundation 4000 Lancaster Dr. NE Salem, OR 97305
Additional giving options include making a Planned Gift as part of your estate plan, a transfer of stock, vehicle donations to our auto or emergency services programs, and/or non-cash contributions of materials and equipment toward our programs.
The donor and/or receiving college department will need to complete our Chemeketa Foundation In-kind Gift Form prior to accepting non-cash gifts. You should speak with a representative of the Foundation before submitting your completed form. Please contact us via email or by calling 503.365.4747.
When you give through the Chemeketa Foundation, 100% of all gifts received directly support our students and/or programs. The Foundation is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. Gifts to the Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, tax ID # 93-6097106.