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Welcome to ACAF's New Scholarship Platform!
ACAF is introducing a new scholarship application designed to be more accessible and user friendly.
Whether you're applying for the first time or returning for another year, one application can connect you with multiple scholarship opportunities based on your education, experiences, and future plans.
Create an account to get started. Our scholarship platform will help identify the opportunities for which you may qualify based on the information you provide.
Each year, the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) supports local students as they pursue educational opportunities through scholarships. ACAF's scholarships are made possible by generous donors who believe in the future of our community.
Am I Eligible?
ACAF primarily serves students with connections to Allegany County, New York.
You may be eligible for one or more scholarships if:
- You are currently a high school senior at an Allegany County, NY high school and plan to pursue post-secondary education during the 2027-2028 academic year.
- You live in Allegany County, NY but attend a high school outside of the county.
You graduated from an Allegany County high school (or you are from Allegany County) and currently pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. ACAF also supports students from Allegany County pursuing technical, trade, or vocational programs during the 2027-2028 academic year. - You live and study in Allegany County, NY, even if you are originally from a different county.
- You have a direct family member who worked at Dresser-Rand in Wellsville, NY.
Eligibility varies by scholarship, so you do not need to determine which scholarships you qualify for before applying. Our Scholarship Committee will blind review your application without seeing identifying information, such as your name, and determine which scholarships you may be eligible for.
Not sure if you qualify? Contact director@acafny.org with any eligibility questions.
Before You Begin
You do not need to complete this scholarship application all at once, but a little preparation can make the process much easier.
Depending on your student status, here's what you will need to provide:
- High school seniors: Contact information (email) for your school counselor, who will be asked to provide your current high school transcript.
- Current college students: A copy of your current unofficial college transcript. You do not need to pay for an official transcript to apply.
- Please note: If you will be starting college this fall, please submit an unofficial transcript after Fall 2026 semester grades are uploaded.
- All applicants: Contact information (email) for a recommender who can speak to your character, accomplishments, or potential.
You may also want to have information about your activities, volunteer service, work experience, academic plans, and intended field of study ready before you begin.
You can save your progress and return to your application later.
How to Apply?
We designed the ACAF scholarship application to make it easier for students to be considered for the scholarships that fit their background, education, and goals.
1Create your account.
Register using an email address you check regularly. Please DO NOT use a school issued email address. Even if you have applied through ACAF's previous Dollars for Scholars platform, you will need to create a new account.
2Complete your application.
Tell us about your education, activities, work experience, accomplishments, and future plans.
3Complete your required materials.
Follow the prompts to submit your transcript information, recommendation request, and any other required documentation.
4Review and submit.
Make sure your information is accurate and complete before submitting your application by the deadline.
A few tips before you begin: Give yourself plenty of time, save your work as you go, and have your transcript and other supporting information ready. Do not wait until the deadline to submit!
Why Apply?
Because your goals are worth investing in.
ACAF scholarships support a variety of students with different career goals, and educational paths across Allegany County.
In 2026 alone, 206 local students received $387,240 through ACAF scholarships.
You do not need to be at the top of your class to receive a scholarship. ACAF considers students with different strengths, experiences, accomplishments, financial needs, and plans for the future.
ACAF's investment in your future can extend beyond just your first year. Students are encouraged to reapply for scholarships each year as they continue through college, graduate school, or technical/vocational programs.
Key Dates
Contact Us
Allegany County Area Foundation Scholarships6087 State Rt 19
Belmont, NY 14813
Phone: 585-296-5616
Email: director@acafny.org
