# Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund

> Amount varies from Community Foundation of Central Illinois. Deadline Dec 1, 2026.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/vernon-butch-gudat-scholarship-fund
- Provider: Community Foundation of Central Illinois (Foundation)
- Award: Amount varies
- Deadline: Deadline Dec 1, 2026
- State list: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/state/il
- Official page: https://communityfoundationci.org/scholarship/vernon-butch-gudat-scholarship-fund/
- Last verified by CollegesRef: Nov 6, 2026

## About this scholarship

The Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, supports the families of local first responders. To qualify, applicants must be the child or grandchild of a firefighter who is currently serving or retired. This includes both career and volunteer firefighters who serve or served in Peoria, Tazewell, or Woodford counties in Illinois. Recipients must plan to enroll as full-time students at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university within the United States. 

To apply for this scholarship, candidates must submit a completed application along with the required essays. The application process does not explicitly require the FAFSA or a state financial aid application, but students should prepare their academic and personal details to demonstrate their eligibility. The deadline to submit all application materials for this program is December 1, 2026.

## Who can apply

- Residents of: IL
- Education level: High school student, Undergraduate
- Year: 12th grade, College 1st year, College 2nd year, College 3rd year, College 4th year
- College types: 2-year college, 4-year college
- Applicants must be the child or grandchild of a current, retired, career, or volunteer firefighter serving in Peoria, Tazewell, or Woodford counties in Illinois.

## How to apply

Complete the online application form and submit the required essays through the foundation's scholarship portal.

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## 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.