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 2009/2010, more than 900 youth were provided with CTF grants totaling $1,051,000 to help meet various foster care and emancipation needs. Of these, 325 students received scholarships for tuition, books or living expenses while attending colleges, universities, or trade schools.

Since its inception in 1986, almost $11 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.

»Click here to view the CTF Flyer which shows the three categories of funding (dependent/emancipated/scholarships), along with the dollar amounts and eligibility requirements for each category.

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

To be considered eligible for a Children's Trust Fund (CTF) Scholarship, all eligible student applicants are required to submit a new CTF Scholarship application (once each school year) and all required updates (each term) within 30 days after the first day of class for any given term. Once the term begins, funding will be denied for the term if updates are received after 30 days have passed. If a student has missed this deadline, they can submit their updates for consideration for the following term. See Scholarship Guidelines for eligibility requirements and Frequently Asked Questions below for additional information.

Submissions must include:

1. New application for the CTF Scholarship (only required once every academic year beginning with the Fall term).
2. Complete, updated transcript, including your name, school, units completed, term GPA, Cumulative GPA. (required at the end of every term).
   Note: Copying / pasting a transcript into a Word Document or into the body of an email will not be accepted and will delay funding.
3. New class schedule, indicating units enrolled.
4. Financial Aid Summary (available through your campus’ Financial Aid Office).
5. CTF Scholarship Monthly Budget Sheet (available at the link below).
   

Submissions may be:

• Mailed: Orangewood Children's Foundation, Attn: CTF Scholarship, 1575 E. 17th St., Santa Ana CA 92705
• Faxed: 714-619-0251
• Emailed: CTF@orangewoodfoundation.org

»Click here for CTF Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

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

*Subject to availability of funds each fiscal year.

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

*Subject to availability of funds each fiscal year.

• Community College: up to $3,000* per year (up to $1,200 per semester + $600 end-of-academic-year progress incentive)
• Vocational/Trade School: up to $3,000* per year (based on full-time enrollment)
• University: up to $5,000* per year (up to $2,250 per semester or $1,500 per quarter, + $500 end-of-academic-year progress incentive)

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.

*Subject to availability of funds each fiscal year.

»Click here for CTF Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

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 Annual Scholarship Funding Amounts
  • CTF Submission Requirements
  • CTF Scholarship application - First-time applicants
  • CTF Scholarship application - Returning Student applicants
  • CTF Scholarship application - Budget Sheet ONLY
  • CTF Scholarship Program - Authorization To Release Information Form
  • CTF Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions
  • CTF Student Update Form - 2011-2012

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

Gift Card Hotline: 714-619-8412

Attention CTF Recipients: The CTF Gift Card Hotline is available to those youth with approved applications who want to access their emancipated funds only (no dependents or college students).

To request a gift card, call the above number, and leave a message with the following:

• Name (first and last)
• Valid contact number
• Current mailing address
• Store
• Amount
• Purpose (ex. food, hygiene, clothes, etc.)
• Indicate if you wish to pick up your card or have it mailed out

If you have questions on your application, please call 714-619-0240 BEFORE leaving a message.