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Providing Chemeketa students with financial assistance since 1973

The Chemeketa Foundation

Together, we make college possible. Together, we change lives.

Foundation Scholarships Make College Possible

In 1973, a small group of dedicated community members joined together offering small loans to student-parents trying to earn their degree. Forty years later, the Chemeketa Foundation has evolved to support hundreds of students each year through more than 140 unique scholarships and assistance funds.

Give Now

Chemeketa Foundation's Role

With your help, the Chemeketa Foundation provides resources, opportunity and hope to students in need. Some of our current funding priorities include –

  • Childcare scholarships for student parents
  • First generation college student support
  • Students in specific programs like nursing, fire science and automotive
  • Funding our College Inside program for incarcerated students
  • Emergency student reliefs funds including our on-campus food pantry

STARS 2023

The 2023 STARS reception was a very special event.  Held in May, it was our first in-person Stars reception since 2019.  True to its form, it was an emotional afternoon where donors had the opportunity to meet their scholarship recipients and hear their stories.  We captured the afternoon event on video for all to enjoy.

You can watch directly on YouTube.




  • Apply for Scholarships February 1 - March 31

    All new and returning students can apply for Chemeketa Foundation scholarships through one online application. You will be automatically matched with scholarships meeting your qualifications based on your application.

    Applications are accepted once a year from February 1 - March 31. Apply by March 31, 2024 to be considered for scholarships during the 2024-2025 academic year. Learn more about applying for Chemeketa Foundation scholarships.

  • Interested in Donating?

    Help make college possible for Chemeketa students. You can make a tax-deductible, one-time or recurring donation to a specific scholarship fund or establish a new scholarship. Contact us for more information. 

    • You can use our online giving site to make a one-time or recurring gift via debit or credit card
      • To set up monthly gifts and review your giving history, simply create a username and password
      • Registration is not required for one-time donations
    • You can also give by sending a check made payable to 'Chemeketa Foundation' by mail to –

      Chemeketa Foundation
      PO Box 14007
      Salem, OR 97309

    When you give through the Chemeketa Foundation, 100% of all gifts received directly support our students in need. The Foundation is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. Gifts to the Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, tax ID # 93-6097106.