Matching Gifts Double Colorado Scholarship Funding
Seniors entering healthcare, mental health, and trade school programs may gain scholarship support through the Columbus Education Foundation's 2026 campaign.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Scholarships
Live Poll
Would you donate to a local scholarship fund for students in healthcare or trades?
The Columbus Education Foundation has launched its 2026 Pathway to Possibilities Matching Gift Campaign, which runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026, and is backed by a $50,000 matching gift that will match eligible donations dollar for dollar. The campaign aims to fund scholarships for seniors heading into healthcare, mental health, and trade school programs.
Why it matters
The campaign is designed to remove financial barriers for seniors pursuing healthcare, mental health, and skilled trade careers. Following last year's campaign, which awarded $69,000 in scholarships to Class of 2026 graduates, the Foundation wants to help even more students enter these high-priority fields.
The campaign runs Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026, and eligible donations are matched dollar for dollar up to the available $50,000 matching limit. A $100 eligible donation becomes $200 in support when matching funds are available.
The players
Columbus Education Foundation
A local foundation in Columbus, Colorado that funds scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing healthcare, mental health, and trade school careers.
The details
Donors make eligible gifts to the Columbus Education Foundation during the campaign window. Each eligible gift is matched dollar for dollar until the $50,000 matching pool is used up. Matched funds are directed to scholarships supporting degrees in healthcare and mental health and enrollment in trade school.
Timeline
Nov. 1, 2026: Pathway to Possibilities matching gift campaign begins.
Dec. 31, 2026: Pathway to Possibilities matching gift campaign concludes.
Education Landscape
The campaign builds on the Foundation's prior-year effort, which directed $69,000 in scholarships to Class of 2026 graduates. Local matching-gift drives like this one are a way communities supplement aid for students entering fields where workforce needs are high.
Seniors heading into healthcare, mental health, or trade school programs may find new scholarship funding through the Foundation's scholarship process. Families interested in this funding should contact the Columbus Education Foundation directly for application and eligibility details.
The takeaway
Matching gifts can double the impact of a donation, and the campaign closes Dec. 31, 2026. Students and families interested in scholarship support for healthcare, mental health, or trade school should reach out to the Columbus Education Foundation to learn about eligibility.
What happens next
The matching gift campaign closes Dec. 31, 2026, the final date on which eligible donations can be matched.
Further reading
Explore more Colorado Scholarships options for students planning their next step.
More information
Learn about the Pathway to Possibilities campaign and how to participate.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado County Citizen.
Live Poll
Would you donate to a local scholarship fund for students in healthcare or trades?
