Scholarships

We are committed to creating a lasting impact by giving back to our community, investing in the next generation, and supporting local students as they pursue higher education.

Since 2009, Martha's Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to students from Martha's Vineyard and Falmouth, helping to ease the cost of college, expand access to new opportunities, and enable students to stay focused on their education and future careers. By supporting local students in this way, we are strengthening the communities we serve, today and for generations to come.

Philip J. Norton, Jr.

Scholarship

The 2026 scholarship is a one-year award for a post-secondary student committed to pursuing a career in public service.

The Philip J. Norton Jr. Scholarship was created to honor Philip (Jeff) Norton Jr.’s lifelong commitment to public service on Martha’s Vineyard. Philip J. Norton, Jr. was a founding member of the Vineyard Preservation Trust, served as a Dukes County Commissioner, founded and chaired the Martha’s Vineyard chapter of Ducks Unlimited, served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Martha's Vineyard Bank, and was the Edgartown Moderator for 43 years. He was a longtime member of the Edgartown Golf Club and served for many years on the Board of Governors.

Ronald H. Rappaport

Scholar Fund

Created in partnership with the Rappaport family, this new scholarship honors Ron Rappaport’s exceptional leadership and lifelong commitment to civic life on Martha’s Vineyard.

Ron was a distinguished attorney who served as municipal counsel for five Island towns and the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank, represented the Island as a Steamship Authority governor for more than seven years, and sat on numerous boards and committees. Born and raised in Oak Bluffs, Ron understood the Vineyard's unique character and felt a deep responsibility for improving the lives of its families while protecting the Island from unwanted changes. His involvement in community affairs was broad-ranging, from land use and environmental issues to health care, social services and youth sports. Frequently sought after for advice and counsel, he always put the welfare of the Island above other considerations. At the time of his death in 2024, he chaired the board of the Martha’s Vineyard Bank as well as its charitable foundation, which he helped to found.

College Scholarships

Philip J. Norton, Jr.

Scholarship

Ronald H. Rappaport

Scholar Fund

2025 Scholarship Recipients

College Scholarships

Philip J. Norton, Jr. Scholarship