.jpeg "2026 Scholarships (6)")
In addition to our College Scholarships for high school seniors and the Philip J. Norton Jr. Scholarship, we are honored to introduce the Ronald H. Rappaport Scholar Fund this year.
Scroll below to learn more about each award. Click “Apply Now” to review requirements and eligibility information, and start the application process.
The application deadline for all programs is March 19.
(Scroll to bottom of page for the list of 2025 award recipients.)
College Scholarships
The Martha's Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation will grant six $12,000 college scholarships to current high school seniors. Four (4) awards will go to residents of Martha's Vineyard, and two (2) awards to residents of Falmouth.
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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.
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.
Martha's Vineyard Bank is 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.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
College Scholarships
Philip J. Norton Jr. Scholarship
Carmen Creanga
Master of Clinical Mental Health and Counseling
William James College
Amy Heil
Master of Education, Community Engagement
Merrimack College