The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) provides financial assistance and educational support to current and emancipated foster youth from Orange County, California up to their 25th birthday. CTF scholarships have helped youth attend colleges and universities such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, California State University Fullerton and others. Some students have gone on to attend graduate schools.

In fiscal year 2008/2009, more than 900 youth were provided with CTF grants totaling $1,126,000 to help meet various foster care and emancipation needs. Of these, 338students received scholarships for tuition, books or living expenses while attending colleges, universities, or trade schools.

Since its inception in 1986, almost $10 million has been distributed to local foster children through Orangewood's Children's Trust Fund. The success of this program over the years is a result of the support of many generous community members who have donated the funds. The Orangewood Children's Trust Fund support is subject to availability of these donated funds each year.

Funding Amounts & Categories:
»For current foster youth, ages 0-18
»For emancipated foster youth, ages 18-21st birthday
»Scholarship funding for emancipated foster youth, until 25th birthday

»Applications
»Gift Cards Hotline

• Educational camps, school sports and other extra-curricular activities
• Driver's education
• Yearbook and graduation expenses

• Living expenses such as rent, groceries and clothing
• Medical/dental expenses

• Community College: up to $3,500 per year (up to $1,750 per semester)
• Vocational/Trade School: up to $3,500 per year (based on full-time enrollment)
• University: up to $6,000 per year (up to $3,000 per semester or $2,000 per quarter)

Grant amount determined by total number of units enrolled/completed within the annual grant period (July 1st - June 30th). Grants may be used for tuition, books, supplies and living expenses. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. Please read the CTF Scholarship Guidelines & Instructions below for full requirements.

Applications

• Children's Trust Fund Grants for dependents and former foster youth NOT in college
  • CTF Grants Guidelines
  • CTF Grants application
• Children's Trust Fund Scholarships (for college, university or trade school)
  • CTF Scholarship Guidelines & Instructions
  • CTF Submission Requirements
  • CTF Scholarship application - First-time applicants
  • CTF Scholarship application - Returning Student applicants
  • CTF Scholarship Program - Authorization To Release Information Form

Or for more information call toll free (866) OCF4Kids (866-623-4543) ext. 240.

Gift Cards Hotline for Approved CTF Recipients

The Gift Cards Hotline is for current CTF recipients who have an approved application. If you are unsure about the status of your application, please speak with a CTF staff member before calling the gift card hotline. Call 714-619-0200 to be connected with CTF staff.

To make a request, please call (714) 619-8412 and leave a message with the following information:

• First and Last name
• The OCF staff you work with
• Your gift card of choice
• The purpose for the card
• The gift card amount (*maximum amount per gift card is $150*)

Indicate if you want your card mailed out (if so, please include the mailing address) or if you would like to come in to pick it up. Please include a current valid phone number.

CTF offers the following gift cards (Please note that all gift cards are subject to availability):

• Wal-Mart
• Target
• Ralph’s/Food4Less
• Albertsons
• Ross
• Best Buy
• IKEA
  

Or for more information call toll free (866) OCF4Kids (866-623-4543) ext. 240.