2026 Scholarship Applications Are Open!

NF Midwest Scholarship Applications are now open! This is your sign to kick off the new year by pursuing your post–high school education goals. The scholarship is available to adults with NF, including neurofibromatosis type 1, NF2-related schwannomatosis, and all other types of schwannomatosis. Applicants must live within our service area of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, or Wisconsin to be eligible.

Started in 2015, the scholarship program was piloted with funds from a charitable trust left to NF Midwest by Frances and Irma Napolilli. The general scholarship can be up to $1,500 and is awarded once per individual and may be used for an undergraduate (Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Vocational) or graduate school on a full or part-time basis at an accredited, US-based institution.

Applications are scored based on a demonstrated drive to succeed despite the challenges associated with living with NF, and aspects such as academic record, community service, participation in NF Midwest, and recommendations are also considered.

Selection Process:

The NF Midwest scholarship committee considers many factors. Don’t be deterred by any one criterion. We encourage all students including non-traditional students in our region to apply.

• Applicants will be evaluated and scored on several criteria including, but not limited to:
  • Character
  • Involvement in community service
  • Involvement in NF Midwest and other NF-related activities
  • Evidence of determination and persistence through difficulties, including those related to life with neurofibromatosis.
• Applications undergo an initial review to ensure that all the information requested has been submitted by the deadline.
• If your application is incomplete or not on time, it will not be considered.
• Scholarship recipients will be selected by the committee on the basis of criteria met.
• The number of scholarships awarded are based on funds available.

Applications are available now and are due no later than March 31st, 2026. With an application, each applicant must include:

• A letter from a physician certifying the applicant’s NF diagnosis unless already known by NF Midwest.
• A personal statement – see application for prompt.
• A letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, mentor, employee, volunteer supervisor, etc.
• An acceptance letter or confirmation of enrollment from your chosen college, OR an official college transcript for those already enrolled.

Scholarship applicants will be informed by May 31st, 2026, if they have received an award.

Find other scholarships here.

Questions? Please give us a call at (630) 945-3562 or send us an email at .