# Elsie Jefko Carlson Scholarship

> Amount varies from Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Deadline Feb 1, 2027.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/elsie-jefko-carlson-scholarship
- Provider: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (Foundation)
- Award: Amount varies
- Deadline: Deadline Feb 1, 2027
- State list: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/state/il
- Official page: https://cfnil.org/students/scholarships
- Last verified by CollegesRef: Nov 6, 2026

## About this scholarship

The Elsie Jefko Carlson Scholarship is a financial aid program administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. This scholarship is specifically designed to support non-traditional students who demonstrate financial need. To qualify, applicants must reside in one of the following Illinois counties: Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago. The program assists recipients with their educational expenses, helping to reduce the overall cost of higher education. 

To apply, students must complete the foundation's online universal application, which automatically matches applicants to the scholarships for which they meet the criteria. While the foundation evaluates financial need through its application process, students are generally encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to document their financial situation. The application cycle for this program runs during the winter, with the submission window open from Dec. 1st to Feb. 1st.

## Who can apply

- Residents of: IL
- Education level: Undergraduate, Graduate student
- Open to non-traditional students with financial need from Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County.

## How to apply

Apply online via the foundation's application portal during the winter cycle.

## Related scholarships

- [Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/vernon-butch-gudat-scholarship-fund): Amount varies
- [Grayson Adelstein Scholarship](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/grayson-adelstein-scholarship): Up to $1,500
- [Kathleen Marian Garrigan Scholarship](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/kathleen-marian-garrigan-scholarship): Up to $2,000
- [Bernard (Duke) Gawne Scholarship](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/bernard-duke-gawne-scholarship): Up to $4,000

## Explore Illinois

- [Colleges in Illinois](https://www.collegesref.com/state/illinois)
- [Illinois scholarships and grants](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/state/il)

Always confirm amounts, rules and deadlines on the official page before applying.