Discover Funding Opportunities

Kamakahoohie Scholarship

The Reid J.K. Richards Foundation was established in 1999 in memory of Reid James Kamakahoohie Richards, who passed away following a courageous battle with lymphoma. The primary objective of the foundation is to provide the support necessary to aid grieving children and young adults who have lost a parent or primary caretaker through death. The loss of a parent or primary caretaker often results in financial hardship that can limit the potential achievements for many young people. To alleviate the financial burden, the Reid J.K. Richards Foundation has established the Kamakahoohie Scholarship, which provides financial support to bereaved individuals up to the age of 25. The purpose of the scholarship is to help these young people in achieving their academic goals through financial assistance. The scholarship amounts range from $2,000 to $7,500, with the foundation's scholarship nominating committee determining the number and amount of each scholarship following the application deadline. Applicants must have lost a parent or primary caretaker through death and be no older than 25 years of age. The scholarship supports both new applicants and returning recipients, helping them continue their educational pursuits despite the financial challenges that often accompany the loss of a parent or primary caretaker.

Bhargava Family Scholarship

This scholarship, established by the Bhargava family, recognizes graduating high school seniors who demonstrate high academic performance as well as involvement in school, community and work activities. The scholarship provides a minimum of $1,000 annually and is renewable for up to 4 years. Recipients must be residents of Kalamazoo County or have graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County. Students must maintain a minimum 3.75 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and have achieved a minimum 1310 SAT or 28 ACT score. The scholarship emphasizes outstanding leadership and commitment to school and/or community involvement. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the recipient's institution and may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

Brady & Patrick Gallagher Memorial Scholarship

The Brady and Patrick Gallagher Memorial Scholarship was established by their family to provide financial assistance to a Loy Norrix High School graduating senior who has demonstrated ability and interest in the area of creative arts (band, orchestra, choral, drama, fine arts, or creative writing). This is a multiyear scholarship that is eligible to repeat annually up to 4 times. The scholarship requires students to demonstrate financial need and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student's institution with one check for the full academic year, split evenly between fall and spring semesters. Students apply through the all-in-one online application system managed by Kalamazoo Community Foundation, with applications opening December 1 and due by March 1 each year.

Earl Haas Hackett Catholic Prep Scholarship

This fund was established by Earl Haas to recognize graduating high school seniors from Hackett Catholic Prep. The scholarship provides financial assistance of $1000 or more to help students pursue higher education at accredited institutions. This is a multiyear scholarship, meaning that it is eligible to repeat annually up to 4 times. The money awarded can be applied to education costs including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, and other items under the school's cost of attendance alongside other scholarships or funding that students may receive. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student's institution, with one check for the full academic year split evenly between fall and spring semesters. Students must be Hackett Catholic Prep graduating high school seniors and demonstrate financial need to be eligible for this award.

CIS/Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation Scholarship

The Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation Scholarship, established by the directors and officers of the Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation, is awarded annually to a Kalamazoo Public Schools graduating senior planning to enter the field of education. This scholarship supports students pursuing a course of study leading to a career in teaching who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement. The award is renewable annually and provides at least $1,000 per year to help cover educational expenses. Recipients must be full-time students pursuing a teaching career with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Kalamazoo Science Foundation Scholarship

The Kalamazoo Science Foundation Scholarship was established in 1958 to aid promising Kalamazoo area high school students in degrees in science, mathematics or engineering. This is a multiyear scholarship that renews annually for up to 4 times. The scholarship provides $2000 or more per year and can be applied to any items under your school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Scholarship payments are sent directly to institutions and split evenly between fall and spring semesters. The scholarship is available to both high school seniors entering college and current undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and maintain strong academic performance in STEM fields.

The Montague Myers Scholarship

The Montague Myers Scholarship, established in 1996, honors the legacy of Montague Myers, a Kalamazoo interior designer and member of the American Society of Interior Designers. This fund supports individuals who have faced significant childhood hardships and aspire to further their education, empowering them to overcome their past challenges and pursue their academic and vocational dreams. This is a multiyear scholarship that is eligible to repeat annually up to 4 times. The scholarship provides $1000 or more to support students pursuing various educational paths including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, or vocational/trade certifications. Applicants must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating/graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, demonstrate financial need, and have a history of abuse, abandonment or neglect as a child. The scholarship can be applied to any items under a school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, and other educational expenses.

Evelyn Prince Memorial Scholarship

The Evelyn Prince Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Evelyn Prince, an avid golfer and academic achiever. Her love for education and athletics continues to inspire, providing opportunities for young women who share her passion for golf and higher learning. The scholarship was established by friends and family of Prince, an avid golfer who twice participated in the state championships for Kalamazoo Central High School. She was a straight-A student and spent one summer as a congressional page in Washington D.C. This multiyear scholarship supports high school seniors from Kalamazoo County who have participated on their high school golf team and are pursuing a bachelor's degree. The scholarship renews annually for up to 4 years and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

Clarence L. Remynse Scholarship

This scholarship fund was established in honor of Clarence L. Remynse, a Kalamazoo native and successful business owner, to support Kalamazoo County residents pursuing a bachelor's degree. His legacy of hard work, community involvement, and commitment to education continues through this fund, which aims to help students achieve their academic and professional goals. The scholarship is a multiyear award, renewable annually for up to 4 years. The scholarship may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance (COA), including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student's institution in one check for the full academic year and split evenly between fall and spring semesters.

Glen C. Smith Jr./KCC Caddie Scholarship

The Glen C. Smith Jr./KCC Caddie Scholarship was established at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation in 1985 by the Kalamazoo Country Club Caddie Committee in honor of Glen Smith, Jr. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide scholarship assistance to young people in qualified caddie programs at member clubs of the Golf Association of Michigan and the Western Golf Association. This multiyear scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing associates degrees, bachelor's degrees, or vocational/trade certifications. Awards are renewable annually up to 4 times and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the recipient's educational institution and split between fall and spring semesters.

William R. Steers Kalamazoo Community Foundation Scholarship

The William R. Steers Kalamazoo Community Foundation Scholarship was established to assist high school seniors from Kalamazoo County who plan to attend Albion College. This one-time award of $1,500 is designed to support students with demonstrated financial need and strong academic performance. William Steers began his college education in 1939 at Albion College, but left during World War II to attend the United States Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1945. He commanded a minesweeper during the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star. William Steers served as the president of Kalamazoo Creamery Company for 20 years and was an active member of American Business Clubs. The scholarship can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. While the initial KZCF award is one-time, the scholarship is eligible to repeat annually up to 4 years with the last 3 years funded through Albion College.

Benjamin & Cherie Gubin Scholarship

The Benjamin and Cherie Gubin Scholarship was established in 2005 through a bequest from the Benjamin Gubin estate to provide funding for graduate education. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship award provides $2,500 or more to support graduate students who have a connection to Kalamazoo County. The scholarship is designed to assist current graduate students pursuing graduate degrees who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarship funds may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance (COA), including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Payments are sent directly to the institution and distributed across the academic year.

Mildred McConkey Memorial Scholarship

The Mildred McConkey Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to a senior from Kalamazoo Central or Loy Norrix High School and is intended to recognize noteworthy improvement during the student's three to four years of high school coursework in English composition. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship. Friends and family of Mildred McConkey, an English teacher at Kalamazoo Central High School from 1926 to 1958, established this scholarship as a tribute to her in 1983. The scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award that can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance (COA), including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student's institution and distributed across fall and spring semesters.

Danial & Joeanna Smith Education Scholarship

The Danial & Joeanna Smith Education Scholarship was established through a bequest from the estate of Danial and Joeanna Smith for the purpose of providing educational scholarships to permanent residents of Van Buren County who are planning to pursue a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship supports full-time students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, financial need, and participation in extracurricular activities. The scholarship amount varies and is not disclosed. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA for high school seniors or 3.0 GPA for current undergraduates. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the educational institution and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. The application process is streamlined through an all-in-one online application available from December 1 through March 1 each year, with award notifications sent between April and June, and payments disbursed by mid-July through August.

Brian Thiele Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, established by family and friends in memory of Brian Thiele, provides financial assistance to students who exhibit characteristics similar to those for which Brian is so fondly remembered. This includes playing varsity and/or club soccer, achievement of personal and academic goals, overcoming obstacles to meet his goals, competitive spirit, leadership and a special caring for community. The scholarship is available to students pursuing associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, or vocational/trade certifications. Recipients must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduates from a high school within Kalamazoo County, demonstrate financial need, have four years of participation on a soccer team during high school, and demonstrate competitive spirit, leadership, and a desire to give back to others. Brian Arthur Thiele was born September 16, 1971 in Kalamazoo, MI. He was finishing a degree in Logistics Management at Western Michigan University when, at the age of 22, his life was cut short as a result of an in-line skating accident while interning in Isny, Germany. Brian, a 1990 graduate of Portage Northern High School, spent four years on the varsary soccer team. Although he loved to play the game, he found just as much, if not more, excitement and pleasure on the sideline coaching. This scholarship honors his legacy of dedication to soccer, leadership, and community service.

LPEA John Voelker Memorial Scholarships

The LPEA John Voelker Memorial Scholarships are designed to encourage careers with rural electric cooperatives by providing financial support to high school graduating students pursuing higher education. Two scholarships are awarded annually, each providing $5,000 per year for two years to cover tuition, fees, books, tools, and supplies. Recipients must be LPEA members who are high school graduates from within LPEA's service territory (including Durango, Bayfield, Pagosa Springs, and Ignacio) and must enroll as first-year students at any accredited institution of higher education in the U.S., including vocational schools, technical schools, junior colleges, or universities. The program focuses on students whose academic majors or programs lead to degrees, certifications, or licenses related to rural electric industry careers. To maintain eligibility for the second year, students must remain enrolled full-time, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and complete at least 15 academic credits each term.

LPEA Scholarship - EmPOWERing Your Future

The LPEA Scholarship program is designed to encourage careers with rural electric cooperatives by supporting high school graduating students from LPEA's service territory who are pursuing higher education. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support covering tuition, fees, and books for students attending accredited colleges or universities in the United States. Two scholarships are awarded annually, each providing $7,000 per year for four consecutive years, totaling $28,000 per recipient over the course of their undergraduate education. To maintain eligibility, recipients must be enrolled full-time and maintain specific grade point average requirements that increase over time - starting with a minimum 2.5 GPA in the first year and increasing to 3.0 GPA from the second year onward. Students must also successfully complete a minimum of 15 academic credits each term and remain eligible until they have attained a maximum of 150 credit hours. The scholarship particularly emphasizes the connection between academic pursuits and potential careers in rural electric cooperative associations.

Reed A. Oei Memorial Scholarship

The Reed A. Oei Memorial Scholarship is awarded to exceptional graduating seniors at St. Joseph High School who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement with a 4.0 GPA and a strong ability and interest in mathematics. The scholarship is designed to support students who intend to major in mathematics as a primary consideration, or computer science as a secondary consideration. Recipients must demonstrate exceptional character and contribute positively to the Saint Joseph High School learning environment. The scholarship provides $1,500 annually for tuition and required fees and is renewable for up to four years. Only one new award is given every four years, making this a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity for students at St. Joseph High School.

Vince Peterson Scholarship

The Vince Peterson Scholarship supports students enrolled in the Counseling and Human Services Master's degree program at IU South Bend who are members of underrepresented groups in the field. The scholarship is specifically designed to support Black, Hispanic, and/or male students pursuing their MS Degree in Counseling and Human Services. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years with a total maximum award of $6,000, supporting students as they complete their graduate education and advance their career goals in counseling and human services. Recipients must maintain academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate satisfactory progress toward degree completion while being enrolled in at least one three-credit course each semester.

Buechner Scholarship

The Buechner Scholarship supports licensed teachers in St. Joseph County, Indiana who wish to pursue graduate education at Indiana University South Bend. The scholarship is designed specifically for teachers pursuing a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in either the Unified Track Elementary and Secondary Education program or the Education Leadership program. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA. The scholarship provides financial support based on enrollment, with $1,000 per three-credit class and an additional $500 book stipend per semester for students enrolled in at least 4 credit hours. The scholarship is renewable annually upon submission of a renewal application and continued satisfaction of eligibility criteria. Annual disbursements will not exceed $10,000 per academic year and cannot exceed the cost of tuition and mandatory fees for any session. This opportunity is administered by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and is intended to support the professional development of educators in the local community.

Spalding & Zirille Memorial Scholarship

The Spalding & Zirille Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to graduating seniors at Mishawaka High School who plan to pursue higher education at an accredited Indiana college or university. This renewable scholarship supports students with strong academic performance who are committed to full-time study. The scholarship provides $1,000 per year for tuition and fees and can be renewed for up to four years, offering a total potential award of $4,000 over the course of an undergraduate degree. As a rule, a new award is made every four years. The scholarship is administered through the Mishawaka Senior Award Principal's Committee, and all eligible seniors receive application information from the MHS Administrative Team in mid-April.

Mishawaka Rotary Club Scholarship

The Mishawaka Rotary Club Scholarship is a one-time scholarship award for graduating seniors at Mishawaka High School who plan to pursue higher education. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County in partnership with the Mishawaka Rotary Club. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students demonstrating academic achievement, financial need, and commitment to full-time college study. Applications are processed through the Mishawaka Senior Award Principal's Committee, with all eligible seniors receiving information about the application process from the MHS Administrative Team in April. The award is designed to support students in their transition to post-secondary education by helping to offset tuition and fee expenses.

Jack & Helen Benjamin Scholarship

The Jack & Helen Benjamin Scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors at Mishawaka High School who plan to pursue full-time undergraduate studies at accredited colleges or universities in Indiana. This renewable scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate solid academic performance but are not necessarily in the top tier of their graduating class, with preference given to candidates not in the top 5% of their class. The scholarship provides financial support for tuition and fees, recognizing students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Four new awards are given each year through the Mishawaka Senior Award Principal's Committee, and recipients can renew their scholarships for up to four years, providing sustained support throughout their undergraduate education.

Heather Anne Hammer Memorial Scholarship

The Heather Anne Hammer Memorial Scholarship is a renewable scholarship opportunity offered to incoming first-year students at Marian High School in St. Joseph County. The scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated academic achievement with a B average during middle school and submit the required financial aid assessment. This scholarship provides significant financial support to help families afford private Catholic education at Marian High School. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, providing consistent support throughout a student's high school career, contingent upon the student maintaining academic eligibility and continuing to submit the required financial documentation.

Bill and Diane Killilea Memorial Scholarship

The Bill and Diane Killilea Memorial Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program offered through the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County for students attending Marian High School. This scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement among current sophomores who demonstrate a commitment to their education through maintaining strong academic performance. The scholarship provides financial support for two years of high school education, helping to reduce the financial burden on families while encouraging students to maintain high academic standards. This renewable award is contingent upon recipients continuing to meet the eligibility criteria throughout their junior and senior years at Marian High School.

Officer Paul R. Deguch Memorial Scholarship

The Officer Paul R. Deguch Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship program offered through the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County to support students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice at Indiana University South Bend. This memorial scholarship honors the legacy of Officer Paul R. Deguch by providing financial assistance to qualifying students from St. Joseph County who are committed to the study of criminal justice. The scholarship provides $1,500 per year to help cover tuition and required fees for eligible students who demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum 2.5 GPA. One award is granted annually to a resident of St. Joseph County enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at IU South Bend. Applicants must complete the Indiana University South Bend Scholarship Application and may obtain additional information from the IU South Bend College of Liberal Arts and Sciences office or the Department of Criminal Justice.

Katie McCloskey Memorial Scholarship

The Katie McCloskey Memorial Scholarship is a renewable scholarship program administered by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. This scholarship is designed to support graduating seniors from John Adams High School who have demonstrated involvement in athletic activities during their high school career. The scholarship recognizes student-athletes who maintain academic performance while participating in sports. This award provides $3,500 per year for tuition and fees, and is renewable for up to four years, making the total potential award value $14,000. One new scholarship is awarded each year to a qualifying senior who meets the minimum cumulative grade point average requirement of 2.5. The scholarship aims to support students as they transition from high school athletics to higher education. Applicants must be senior students at John Adams High School in South Bend, Indiana, with demonstrated athletic involvement and academic achievement. The scholarship application process is coordinated through the Adams High School Guidance Office, with applications typically due in March each year. This memorial scholarship honors the legacy of Katie McCloskey by supporting student-athletes in pursuing their educational goals.

21st Century Success Fellowship

The 21st Century Success Fellowship supports 21st Century Scholars from St. Joseph County who are completing 2- or 4-year degrees from a college or university located in St. Joseph County, Indiana. Admitted Fellows participate in organized leadership development opportunities that target personal and professional growth through career exploration, networking, collaboration with current Fellows and outreach to potential 21st Century Scholars. Fellows have the additional opportunity to participate in a paid summer internship at a local nonprofit to support their academic and professional journey. The Fellowship provides a $5,000 annual stipend ($500 per month from August to May) in addition to the state-funded 21st Century Scholarship. The Fellowship may be renewed to cover a 2- or 4-year course of study, contingent on satisfactory participation in Fellowship activities and retention of the 21st Century Scholarship.

MLKCCSD Educational Grant for High School Artists

The Martin Luther King Community Choir of San Diego (MLKCCSD) Educational Grant supports graduating high school seniors in San Diego County who are pursuing artistic majors at universities, colleges, conservatories, or art schools. Since 1998, the program has awarded $330,000 in educational grants to 137 students pursuing various forms of artistic expression including singing, dancing, playing instruments, painting, sculpting, filmmaking, acting, writing, and other creative pursuits. The grant is designed to support local budding artists in the San Diego community as they transition from high school to higher education in the arts. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and be U.S. citizens residing in San Diego County. The program encourages creativity and seeks students with flair, grit, and determination who are committed to pursuing their artistic passions.

West Scranton Alumni Scholarship Award

The West Scranton Alumni Scholarship Award is a scholarship program offered through the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from West Scranton High School who intends to pursue a secondary education. The award supports students transitioning from high school to post-secondary educational institutions, helping them achieve their academic and career goals.

Waverly Women's Club Scholarship

The Waverly Women's Club Scholarship is a scholarship opportunity managed by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This scholarship is specifically designed to support graduating seniors from Abington Heights High School in Pennsylvania. The award recognizes students who demonstrate both good citizenship and academic achievement, encouraging excellence in both scholastic performance and community involvement. The scholarship aims to support students as they transition from high school to higher education pursuits.

Waverly Women's Club Mildred Mumford English Scholarship

The Waverly Women's Club Mildred Mumford English Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Abington Heights High School who demonstrates academic proficiency in English courses. The scholarship is selected by the Abington Heights High School English and Guidance Departments and is administered through the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This scholarship specifically recognizes students who have excelled in English studies throughout their high school career and aims to support their continued education. The award is restricted to students from Abington Heights High School in the Scranton, Pennsylvania area.

Vipond Family Scholarship

The Vipond Family Scholarship is awarded to a forthcoming or current student of Keystone College who demonstrates academic achievement, good citizenship and service to others, leadership, and participation in community service. This scholarship is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, which serves the northeastern Pennsylvania region. The scholarship supports students pursuing their education at Keystone College and recognizes those who have shown commitment to their community through service and leadership activities.

Teddick Family Fund Scholarship

The Teddick Family Fund Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior from one of four designated high schools in northeastern Pennsylvania. This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement, good citizenship and service to others, leadership, and community service. The scholarship is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation and is designed to support graduating seniors from Mountain View High School, Montrose High School, Elk Lake High School, or Lackawanna Trail High School as they pursue higher education. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, their contributions to their school and local community, and their leadership qualities.

Propulsion Gel Applied Sciences Grant

Building on decades of gel-based propulsion research, this grant funds applied science projects exploring novel uses for conversion gel, propulsion gel, and repulsion gel technologies. Applications in construction, athletics, transportation, and space exploration are all welcome. Note: All proposals must include a safety assessment. Previous incidents involving unsupervised gel testing in office environments have led to updated protocols. Moon rock exposure monitoring is provided at no additional cost.

Stipend for Children without Glasses

The Stipend for Children without Glasses (SCWG) is a charitable foundation established in 2012 dedicated to supporting youth who have maintained natural visual acuity throughout their developmental years. Founded by optometrist Dr. Helena Brightwell, the organization awards annual grants of $500–$2,000 to children ages 8–17 who demonstrate both exceptional uncorrected vision and academic achievement. The foundation's somewhat tongue-in-cheek mission arose from Dr. Brightwell's observation that while numerous programs exist to provide corrective eyewear to those in need, no recognition existed for children whose genetic fortune and eye-care habits preserved their natural sight. Recipients must submit proof of 20/20 vision or better from a licensed eye care professional, along with a short essay on eye health awareness. The SCWG distributes approximately $150,000 annually across 200 grants and has funded vision health education programs in over 40 schools nationwide.