The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) provides financial, educational, and emergency assistance to current and former foster youth from Orange County, California, with an emphasis on those who are pursuing higher education after emancipation (release from the dependency system at age 18).

Since its inception in 1986, millions of dollars have been distributed to thousands of local foster youth 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.

• Click here to be added to the CTF E-Newsletter mailing list (link coming soon)
• CTF Flyer - Includes general information about the three categories of CTF funding (higher education scholarships, emancipated foster youth grants, and dependent foster youth grants), along with funding amounts and eligibility requirements for each category

• CTF Higher Education Scholarships, ages 18 to 25
• CTF Emancipated Foster Youth Grants, ages 18 to 21
• CTF Dependent Foster Youth Grants, ages 0 to 18
• Contact Information for Children's Trust Fund

Up to $3,000 per academic year (July 1st - June 30th) is offered to Orange County, CA foster youth for community college and vocational/trade school and up to $5,000 per year is offered for university. CTF Higher Education Scholarships may be used for tuition, books, school supplies, and living expenses. See the CTF Scholarship Guidelines & Instructions and CTF Scholarship Application for detailed information. Funding is not guaranteed and conditions may apply.

• CTF Scholarship Guidelines & Instructions - Includes eligibility guidelines, application process, funding information, and CTF contact information
• CTF Scholarship Application - The application contains submission requirements based on student category
• CTF Scholarship Personal Essay Form - This form is offered as an alternative to writing the personal essay in narrative format and may make it easier to address the requested subjects,
• CTF Scholarship Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required as part of the application process for first-time community college and university students and transfer students from community college to university
• CTF Mid-Year Student Update Form - Due in January after the Fall term along with updated unofficial transcripts and the Winter quarter or Spring semester schedule.  Must be submitted no later than 30 days after the first day of class for the Winter quarter/Spring semester

Message Alert to CTF Scholarship Students:
Attention 2012/2013 Continuing CTF Scholarship Recipients –
Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts, Mid-Year Student Update, and Class Schedule:
CTF scholarship recipients completing their Fall term must submit Unofficial Transcripts including grades, units completed, and term and cumulative GPAs. Also, please submit a Mid-Year Student Update (located above) and a Class Schedule showing units enrolled (if applicable) for the following term. The 3 mentioned documents are due any time after the Fall Term and by the 30-Day Deadline (within 30 days after the first day of class) in order to receive continued CTF scholarship funds.

Attention New 2012/2013 CTF Scholarship Applicants – Submit Your Applications:
Students enrolling in the Winter/Spring term and have not yet submitted an application during the 2012/2013 academic year, please submit your new CTF Scholarship Application (located above) and all required documents listed under the appropriate student category on page 3 of the application. A new application is due only once each academic year (July 1st - June 30th). Application and supporting documents are due by the 30-Day Deadline (within 30 days after the 1st day of class). For more details see the CTF Scholarship Guidelines & Instructions (located above).

Up to $500 per fiscal year (July 1st - June 30th) to assist with groceries, personal hygiene items, work/training expenses, bicycle for school/work transportation, rent, utilities, bus pass, some medical/dental/vision expenses, and other miscellaneous living expenses. For those who are prepared to get their CA Driver License, up to an additional $300 may be available for driving school. See the CTF Emancipated Foster Youth Guidelines & Instructions for detailed information. Funding is not guaranteed and conditions may apply.

• CTF Emancipated Foster Youth Grant Guidelines - Includes eligibility guidelines, application process, funding information, and CTF contact information
• CTF Emancipated Grant Application - The application contains additional submission requirements
• CTF Emancipated Personal Essay Form - This form is offered as an alternative to writing the personal essay in narrative format and may make it easier to address the requested subjects

CTF Gift Card Hotline: (714) 619-8412
The Gift Card Hotline is available for foster youth approved for the Emancipated Foster Youth Grant who want to request a gift card. To make a request, call the Gift Card Hotline and leave a message with the following information:

• First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name
• Date of Birth
• Phone Number
• Mailing Address
• Email Address
• Store for Gift Card Request (Target, Wal-Mart, Ralphs, Albertsons, Ross)
  • Amount of Gift Card ($50 per month for gift cards, determined by need)
• Purpose of Request (For example: food, hygiene items, work clothes, etc.)
• Indicate if you wish to pick up your cards at OCF or have it mailed to you

Up to $250 per fiscal year (July 1st - June 30th) to support school expenses, work/training expenses, extracurricular activities (school/sports), camperships, bicycle for school/work transportation, some medical/dental/vision expenses, etc. For those who are prepared to get their CA Driver License, up to an additional $300 may be available for driving school. See the CTF Dependent Foster Youth Guidelines & Instructions for detailed information. Funding is not guaranteed and conditions may apply.

• CTF Dependent Foster Youth Grant Guidelines - Includes eligibility guidelines, application process, funding information, and CTF contact information
• CTF Dependent Grant Application

Contact Information for Children's Trust Fund

CTF applications and supporting documents may be sent to Orangewood Children's Foundation/Children's Trust Fund. For questions, please contact the Program Assistant.

• OCF Mailing Address: 1575 E. 17th St., Santa Ana, CA 92705
• CTF Fax: (714) 439-1122
• CTF Email: CTF@orangewoodfoundation.org
• CTF Gift Card Hotline: (714) 619-8412
• Program Assistant - Annie Song (714) 619-0240 or asong@orangewoodfoundation.org
• CTF Advisor - Steve Liapis (714) 619-0223 or sliapis@orangewoodfoundation.org
• CTF Advisor - Jennifer Bates (714) 619-0254 or jbates@orangewoodfoundation.org