The Charity First Foundation Scholarship provides educational assistance to financially disadvantaged but academically deserving college students in the Philippines.
Through its education program, From the Streets to the Campus, Charity First Foundation helps qualified scholars pay for tuition, transportation, meals, books, uniforms, accommodation, and other education-related expenses. Scholars also participate in life-skills seminars, leadership training, mentoring, counseling, and community-service activities.
The program is not limited to giving financial assistance. It is designed to help students complete their education while developing the discipline, confidence, leadership ability, and personal values needed after graduation.
This guide explains the Charity First Foundation Scholarship 2026–2027 requirements, qualifications, benefits, partner schools, application process, and current deadline status.
Charity First Foundation Scholarship 2026–2027 Status
The official Charity First Foundation page currently states that applications for the Academic Year 2026–2027 are closed and that the organization has begun processing submitted applications.
Some unofficial scholarship websites and social-media posts continue to show different closing dates. Applicants should follow announcements published directly by Charity First Foundation instead of relying on recycled deadlines from third-party pages.
Students who already submitted an application should monitor:
- Their registered mobile number
- Their email inbox and spam folder
- The official Charity First Foundation Facebook page
- Announcements from their university scholarship office
The foundation normally contacts qualified applicants after evaluating their initial submissions. Students who missed the current application period can begin preparing for the next academic-year intake.
What Is the Charity First Foundation Scholarship?
The Charity First Foundation Scholarship is a private educational assistance program for deserving college students experiencing financial hardship.
It operates under the foundation’s From the Streets to the Campus education program, which began in June 2002. The initiative was created to help indigent high-school graduates enter college and develop the knowledge and skills needed to become self-reliant.
The program began with 40 scholars and later expanded through partnerships with universities and government social-welfare programs. Charity First Foundation has supported students in education, accountancy, engineering, nursing, social work, banking and finance, vocational programs, and technology-related courses.
Unlike scholarships that provide only tuition assistance, Charity First combines financial support with:
- Monthly personal-development seminars
- Leadership training
- Counseling and mentoring
- Community service
- Access to learning facilities
- Values-formation activities
This makes it a comprehensive scholarship and student-development program.
Is the Charity First Foundation Scholarship Legit?
Yes. Charity First Foundation, Inc. is an established Philippine nonprofit organization that was formally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2001. Its programs focus on improving the quality of life of marginalized communities.
The foundation has maintained partnerships with several public universities, including the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. PUP has described Charity First as one of its committed scholarship benefactors and confirmed that the partnership provides scholars with financial assistance, life-skills training, motivational seminars, and consultations.
Charity First Foundation also works with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to identify deserving applicants from financially vulnerable households.
Applicants should communicate only through the foundation’s official website, verified social-media page, application portal, office, or their university scholarship office.
Charity First Foundation Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship offers financial, academic, and personal-development assistance. The exact support provided to each scholar may depend on the student’s circumstances and the foundation’s current policies.
1. Tuition-Fee Assistance
The program may provide assistance with tuition and other eligible school fees.
Students enrolled at public universities may already receive free tuition under applicable government programs. In such cases, Charity First assistance may be directed toward other essential educational expenses.
2. Transportation Allowance
Qualified scholars may receive financial support for transportation between their home and university.
This is particularly useful for students who travel daily and cannot afford regular public-transportation costs.
3. Meal Allowance
The scholarship’s financial-support package may include meal assistance for scholars attending classes and required foundation activities.
4. Board and Lodging Assistance
Eligible students who need to live closer to their university may receive assistance with board, lodging, dormitory, or accommodation expenses.
Accommodation support should not be assumed to be automatic for every scholar. The amount and eligibility may depend on the student’s approved needs.
5. Books and School Supplies
Charity First Foundation may assist scholars with textbooks, manuals, workbooks, projects, and other required academic materials.
6. Uniform Assistance
Support may be provided for school uniforms, laboratory uniforms, practicum clothing, or approved on-the-job training uniforms.
7. Computer and Internet Access
The education program includes access to computer, internet, and library services. Previous program descriptions have also referred to computer- and connectivity-related assistance for qualified scholars.
Applicants should not assume that every scholar automatically receives a personal desktop computer. The form and amount of technology support are determined by the foundation.
8. Life-Skills and Motivational Seminars
Scholars participate in monthly Life Skills and Motivational Seminars.
These sessions may cover:
- Personal discipline
- Communication skills
- Goal setting
- Time management
- Financial responsibility
- Professional behavior
- Emotional resilience
- Values formation
Participation may be a continuing obligation rather than an optional benefit.
9. Leadership and Personality Development
Scholars may attend leadership and personal-enhancement seminars designed to build confidence, teamwork, responsibility, and career readiness.
10. Counseling and Mentoring
The foundation provides counseling and mentoring to help scholars manage academic difficulties, family concerns, financial problems, and personal challenges.
11. Community-Service Opportunities
Charity First scholars may participate in:
- Medical missions
- Dental missions
- Outreach activities
- Foundation events
- Volunteer projects
- Programs with partner organizations
These activities encourage scholars to serve other disadvantaged communities.
Does Charity First Provide a Full Scholarship?
The program provides substantial educational support, but applicants should avoid assuming that every recipient automatically receives a fixed full-scholarship package.
Charity First Foundation’s official program description includes financial assistance for tuition, transportation, meals, board and lodging, uniforms, and other school-related needs. However, it does not publish one standard cash amount that applies to every scholar.
The actual assistance may depend on:
- The scholar’s financial circumstances
- University expenses
- Existing government tuition support
- Place of residence
- Transportation requirements
- Accommodation needs
- Approved school expenses
- Available foundation resources
Applicants should ask the foundation for the current benefit breakdown during screening or orientation.
Charity First Foundation Scholarship Qualifications
The foundation’s current announcement limits applications to students from participating partner schools and generally targets incoming first-year and second-year college students.
Recent application guidance for the 2026–2027 program listed the following qualifications:
- The applicant must be enrolled in a Charity First partner school.
- The applicant must be an incoming or currently enrolled first-year or second-year college student.
- The applicant must demonstrate genuine financial need.
- The applicant should have satisfactory academic performance.
- The applicant should not be receiving another scholarship grant.
- The applicant must be willing to participate in required seminars and foundation activities.
- The applicant must submit complete and truthful information.
- The applicant must comply with the foundation’s screening and verification procedures.
Some recent application guides have reported a minimum general weighted average of approximately 85% and Metro Manila residency as selection conditions. Applicants must confirm these criteria through the latest official announcement because requirements can change between application periods.
Who Should Apply?
The scholarship is intended for students who have the ability and determination to finish college but lack sufficient financial resources.
A strong applicant will generally demonstrate:
- Financial hardship
- Consistent academic effort
- Good conduct
- Commitment to completing college
- Willingness to attend seminars
- Interest in personal development
- Readiness to participate in community service
- Honest and complete documentation
The foundation may assess the applicant’s household situation rather than relying only on grades.
Who May Not Qualify?
An applicant may be considered ineligible when the student:
- Is not enrolled at a participating partner school
- Is outside the accepted year level
- Already receives another scholarship prohibited by the program
- Cannot demonstrate financial need
- Submits incomplete documents
- Provides false or inconsistent information
- Fails to attend an interview or screening activity
- Does not meet the required academic standing
- Is unwilling to attend foundation seminars
- Misses the application deadline
Meeting all minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Applications remain subject to screening, document verification, interviews, and the availability of scholarship slots.
Charity First Foundation Partner Schools
The foundation’s official education-program page identifies the following partner institutions:
- Polytechnic University of the Philippines
- Philippine Normal University
- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
- Universidad de Manila
- Technological University of the Philippines
- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina
- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa
- University of the Philippines Diliman College of Social Work and Community Development
Partnership arrangements can change. A university appearing on an older list may not necessarily have open slots during every application cycle.
Before preparing an application, students should confirm eligibility with:
- Charity First Foundation
- Their university scholarship office
- Their Office of Student Affairs
- Their school’s official scholarship announcement
Applicants from institutions outside the current partner-school network may not be accepted through the regular program.
Courses Accepted by Charity First Foundation
Charity First Foundation does not publish a permanent national list limiting the scholarship to only one academic field.
The foundation has previously supported scholars in programs such as:
- Accountancy
- Banking and finance
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Information technology
- Nursing
- Social sciences
- Social work
- Technical and vocational programs
Its renewed partnership with PUP particularly supports students in business, education, engineering, social science, and information technology.
Course acceptance may depend on the university partnership and available donor funding. Applicants should confirm that their degree program is covered before applying.
Charity First Foundation Scholarship Requirements
Document requirements can change, but applicants should prepare the following commonly requested materials.
1. Completed Scholarship Application Form
Applicants must complete the Charity First scholarship application form through the official application portal or using the method announced by the foundation.
Every section should be answered accurately. Names, addresses, dates, family information, and academic details should match the applicant’s official records.
2. Academic Grades
Applicants may be required to submit:
- Senior high-school grades
- Latest report card
- First-year college grades, when applicable
- Certified copy of grades
- Official transcript or university grade report
Incoming second-year applicants should prepare both senior high-school records and their available first-year college grades.
3. School Registration Form
Submit proof that you are officially enrolled or accepted at an eligible partner institution.
This may include:
- Certificate of registration
- Enrollment assessment form
- Admission confirmation
- Current registration form
4. PSA Birth Certificate
Prepare a clear photocopy or scanned copy of the applicant’s Philippine Statistics Authority birth certificate.
Make sure the applicant’s full name and date of birth are readable.
5. Proof of Household Income
Applicants may be asked to submit one or more of the following:
- Parent’s latest Income Tax Return
- Certificate of indigency
- Certificate of low income
- Certificate of unemployment
- Payslip
- Employer certification
- Proof of livelihood income
The foundation uses these documents to evaluate financial need.
6. Utility Bills
Recent application guidance has included household utility bills, such as:
- Electricity bill
- Water bill
- Internet bill, when available
Utility bills may help confirm the applicant’s address and household living conditions.
7. Home Sketch
Applicants may be asked to draw a clear route from their residence to their school or to the nearest recognizable landmark.
The sketch should include:
- Street names
- Landmarks
- Public-transportation routes
- Barangay
- City or municipality
- Travel directions
8. Photographs of the Family Home
Prepare recent photographs showing:
- Exterior of the residence
- Living area
- Kitchen
- Sleeping area
- Other requested parts of the home
Do not edit or misrepresent the photographs. They may be used as part of the financial-needs assessment.
9. Applicant Autobiography
The autobiography may ask the student to discuss:
- Family background
- Childhood and education
- Important life experiences
- Financial challenges
- Personal beliefs and values
- Talents and interests
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Career goals
- Reasons for applying
- Plans after graduation
Write honestly and clearly. Avoid copying a generic scholarship essay from the internet.
10. Medical or X-Ray Results
Applicants may be asked to submit current medical information or X-ray results.
Use a legitimate clinic, hospital, or diagnostic center and retain the original copy for possible verification.
11. DSWD Social Case Study Report
Applicants referred by DSWD or those whose circumstances require further financial assessment may need a Social Case Study Report prepared by an authorized social worker.
This document evaluates the household’s:
- Family composition
- Sources of income
- Living conditions
- Financial difficulties
- Social circumstances
- Need for assistance
12. 4Ps Identification
Applicants from households enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program should prepare a copy of the relevant 4Ps identification or certification.
Charity First Foundation has an established partnership with DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilya program, although 4Ps applicants still undergo the foundation’s regular screening process.
13. Valid Identification
Applicants and parents or guardians may be asked for photocopies of valid identification cards with specimen signatures.
14. Passport-Size Photographs
Prepare recent and professionally presented identification photographs in the size and quantity required by the application instructions.
How to Apply for the Charity First Foundation Scholarship
Step 1: Confirm That Your School Is Eligible
Check whether your university is included in the foundation’s current partner-school list.
Do this before collecting expensive or time-consuming documents.
Step 2: Review the Current Qualifications
Confirm the accepted:
- Year level
- Location
- Academic standing
- Degree programs
- Scholarship status
- Application period
Do not rely on requirements from a previous academic year.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
Prepare academic, financial, household, medical, and identification documents early.
Documents such as a PSA birth certificate, Social Case Study Report, income certification, or medical result may require additional processing time.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Enter accurate information and review each answer before submission.
Do not hide another scholarship, household income, employment, or family support. Inaccurate information can lead to disqualification.
Step 5: Upload or Submit the Requirements
Follow the method specified in the official announcement.
Depending on the application period, the foundation may use:
- An online application portal
- Onsite document submission
- University-based submission
- Referral through a partner organization
Incomplete applications may not proceed to screening.
Step 6: Attend the Initial Screening
The foundation may review:
- Academic standing
- Financial need
- Family circumstances
- Personal motivation
- Willingness to follow scholarship rules
Applicants should answer questions honestly and respectfully.
Step 7: Complete the Interview
Shortlisted students may be invited for an interview.
Possible questions include:
- Why do you need the scholarship?
- Why did you choose your course?
- What financial challenges does your family face?
- Who currently pays for your education?
- What are your plans after graduation?
- Are you receiving another scholarship?
- Can you attend monthly seminars?
- How will you contribute to the foundation?
- What challenges have you overcome?
- Why should you be selected?
Use specific examples rather than memorized answers.
Step 8: Cooperate With Verification
Because the scholarship is based partly on financial need, the foundation may verify information through documents, interviews, university records, social workers, or a home assessment.
Step 9: Wait for the Official Result
Successful applicants may be notified through text message, email, telephone, the application portal, their university, or an official social-media announcement.
Do not pay anyone to guarantee selection.
How to Write a Strong Autobiography
A strong scholarship autobiography should tell the applicant’s real story without exaggeration.
Use this structure:
Personal and Family Background
Briefly introduce yourself, your family, where you live, and the circumstances that shaped your education.
Educational Journey
Discuss your school experience, academic achievements, responsibilities, and challenges.
Financial Situation
Explain the financial problem clearly and respectfully.
Include relevant facts such as:
- Parents’ occupations
- Number of dependents
- Unstable income
- Medical expenses
- Housing difficulties
- Transportation costs
- School expenses
Challenges and Personal Growth
Describe one or two genuine challenges and explain what you learned from them.
Goals and Chosen Course
Explain why you selected your degree and how it connects to your future plans.
Reason for Applying
State how the scholarship would help you remain in school and complete your education.
Future Contribution
Explain how you plan to help your family, community, profession, or other students after graduation.
Keep the autobiography focused. Avoid repeating the same financial difficulty in every paragraph.
How to Increase Your Chances of Selection
Submit Complete Requirements
A missing document can prevent an otherwise qualified applicant from reaching the interview stage.
Demonstrate Financial Need With Evidence
Use official documents rather than unsupported statements.
Maintain Good Grades
Strong grades demonstrate that the foundation’s assistance is likely to produce meaningful educational results.
Be Honest
Inconsistencies between the application, interview, school records, and household documents can damage credibility.
Research the Foundation
Understand that Charity First expects participation in seminars, mentoring, and community activities, not only acceptance of financial support.
Prepare for the Interview
Practice explaining your circumstances naturally. Do not memorize a dramatic script.
Show Commitment
Explain how you plan to complete your degree even when facing difficulties.
Follow Instructions
Use the required format, file type, naming convention, submission method, and deadline.
How Scholars Maintain the Scholarship
Selected applicants must follow the foundation’s scholarship rules.
Continuing requirements may include:
- Maintaining satisfactory academic performance
- Submitting grades on time
- Attending monthly seminars
- Participating in required activities
- Following conduct standards
- Informing the foundation about academic problems
- Reporting changes in enrollment
- Avoiding unauthorized scholarship duplication
- Completing community-service responsibilities
- Communicating regularly with assigned mentors
The foundation states that scholars must comply with its rules and regulations to maintain their grants.
Failure to meet continuing requirements may lead to probation, suspension, or termination of assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Charity First Foundation Scholarship open for 2026–2027?
The official Charity First Foundation page currently states that submissions for Academic Year 2026–2027 are closed. Applicants should monitor the official page for screening results or future application announcements.
Who can apply for the Charity First Scholarship?
The program generally accepts financially disadvantaged but deserving incoming first-year and second-year students enrolled at participating partner schools.
Is the scholarship available nationwide?
The regular program primarily operates through specific partner schools, most of which are located in Metro Manila. Students outside the partner network should verify whether a special partnership or referral route is available.
What grades are required?
Recent 2026 application guidance reported a minimum general weighted average of around 85%. However, applicants should confirm the exact academic requirement from the official announcement for their intake.
Can second-year college students apply?
Yes. The recent application announcement included incoming or currently enrolled second-year students, provided they attend an eligible partner school and meet the other requirements.
Can third-year students apply?
The standard recent intake targeted first-year and second-year students. Third-year applicants should contact the foundation or their university scholarship office rather than assuming eligibility.
Can students with another scholarship apply?
Recent application guidance states that applicants should not be receiving another scholarship grant. Students receiving government tuition support or another educational subsidy should disclose it and request an official eligibility determination.
Does the scholarship cover tuition?
The foundation’s financial-support package includes tuition assistance along with transportation, meals, lodging, uniforms, and other school-related expenses. Coverage may vary according to individual need and current program rules.
Does every scholar receive a computer?
The program provides computer, internet, and library services, but its official description does not guarantee that every scholar receives a personal computer.
Are 4Ps beneficiaries eligible?
Yes. Charity First Foundation works with the DSWD Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. However, 4Ps beneficiaries must still complete the foundation’s screening and selection process.
Is there an application fee?
The foundation’s official program information does not identify an application fee. Applicants should be cautious of anyone requesting payment in exchange for guaranteed approval.
How will successful applicants be notified?
Qualified applicants may be contacted using the mobile number or email submitted in the application. Results may also be coordinated through the applicant’s university or announced through official foundation channels.
Final Reminder
The Charity First Foundation Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for Filipino college students who demonstrate both financial need and a serious commitment to education.
Its benefits go beyond tuition and allowances. Scholars receive mentoring, counseling, leadership development, life-skills training, and opportunities to serve other communities.
Before applying, confirm that you are enrolled at an eligible partner school, prepare complete financial and academic documents, and study the latest official announcement. Requirements, partner institutions, accepted year levels, and deadlines may change each academic year.
For the 2026–2027 intake, the official foundation page currently states that applications are closed. Students who missed the deadline should prepare early for the next opening rather than submitting information through unofficial forms.