Founded in 1925, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Greater Hartford - the City of Hartford and 28 surrounding towns. Over the years, individuals and families have donated money to the Foundation, creating a permanent endowment. From the endowment, the Foundation makes grants to hundreds of nonprofit organizations in the region.

Nearly 75 funds at the Foundation are devoted specifically to scholarships. Last year, 350 students received nearly $1 million in scholarship awards from these funds and are attending colleges in Connecticut and across the country.

Recipients for scholarships from 38 of those funds are selected by a volunteer committee of the Foundation. A separate selection process for the remaining funds is conducted by the Foundation, committees, schools or other organizations.

The Foundation compiles this directory to make sure that local students know about these scholarships. Information is also included about other scholarships that are not based at the Hartford Foundation but are open to local students.