The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is now accepting 2017-2018 scholarship applications online through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 6. The foundation assists students of all ages in pursuing higher education at an accredited college, university or technical school. Applicants must reside in Sarasota County, Charlotte County or Boca Grande, and they must plan to attend a qualifying postsecondary institution during the 2017-2018 academic year. Last year, the foundation awarded 451 scholarships totaling nearly $545,000. Since 1997, the foundation has awarded $6.7 million in scholarships.