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.

Eva L. Ozier Scholarship for Today's Students

This multiyear scholarship is intended to provide financial support to Black students with at least a two year break in their education. The scholarship was established by Mrs. Ozier's family to honor her for the many contributions she has made to the community of Kalamazoo and as a way for her to give back to her community for years to come. The scholarship provides $1,000 annually and is renewable, allowing recipients to receive continued support throughout their educational journey. Recipients must be residents of Kalamazoo County or have graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled in associate degree, bachelor's degree, or vocational/trade certification programs.

Jim Cristy Swimming Scholarship

Established in 1990, the Jim Cristy Swimming Scholarship offers financial assistance to K-12 students who desire to participate in Kalamazoo County competitive swimming or learn-to-swim programs. This one-time, non-renewable award provides up to $1,000 to help elementary, middle, or high school students who are residents of Kalamazoo County and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is specifically designed for students enrolling or enrolled in competitive swimming or learn-to-swim programs at the YMCA within Kalamazoo County. Recipients must submit a recommendation from a swimming coach or instructor and verification of income. Award recipients are notified in early spring and receive funds upon return of a letter of acceptance.

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.

Mary Roe Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established for graduating Comstock High School seniors pursuing a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics). The scholarship is a multiyear award that renews annually up to 4 times, providing financial assistance of $1,000 or more per year. Eligible students must be graduating seniors from Comstock High School with a minimum 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue an undergraduate bachelor's degree in a STEM field. The scholarship 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 and split between fall and spring semesters. Recipients are selected through an all-in-one online application process managed by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, with applications opening December 1 and due March 1 each year. Award notifications are sent between April and June, and payments are distributed to institutions by mid-July through August.

Myra P. Whalen Scholarship

The Myra P. Whalen Scholarship was established at Kalamazoo Community Foundation in memory of Myra P. Whalen, a native of Kalamazoo, graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, and long-time employee of the Upjohn Company. This scholarship provides financial assistance to current graduate students who are residents of Kalamazoo County or graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County. The scholarship is renewable annually and supports students pursuing full-time graduate degrees who demonstrate financial need. Award amounts vary and are not disclosed publicly. The scholarship is administered through an all-in-one application process that opens December 1 each year, with a deadline of March 1. Recipients are notified between April and June, and payments are sent directly to educational institutions by mid-July through August. KZCF scholarships can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. This multiyear scholarship is eligible to repeat annually up to 4 times and can be used alongside other scholarships or funding sources.

Nancy C. Niles Donovan Scholarship

The Nancy C. Niles Donovan Scholarship was established in 2003 in honor of Nancy C. Niles Donovan's love of animals. The scholarship is designed to assist students who plan a career in the field of veterinary medicine. This scholarship provides financial assistance to graduate students pursuing veterinary medicine degrees at Michigan State University. It is a one-time, non-renewable award of at least $1,000 that can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Scholarship recipients must be residents of Kalamazoo or St. Joseph Counties in Michigan or have graduated from a high school in these counties. Financial need is a key criterion for selection. The scholarship is administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation as part of their all-in-one scholarship application process, with applications accepted from December 1 through March 1 each year.

Frank & Hildegrade Goodrich Family Scholarship

The Frank and Hildegarde Goodrich Family Scholarship Fund was established through gifts from Frank, Jr.; Walter; and Elizabeth; the children of Frank and Hildegarde Goodrich. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide meaningful financial support to incoming junior and senior undergraduate students and incoming or current graduate students enrolled at Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, the University of Colorado, and the University of Wisconsin. These are universities from which the family members received degrees. The scholarship aims to support students who are residents of Kalamazoo County or graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and show participation in college and community activities with work experience. This is a one-time, non-renewable award that provides $2,500 or more in financial assistance to help students cover their school's cost of attendance.

Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association Scholarship

The Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association Scholarship was established to assist students who have taken part in the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association program. This one-time scholarship award of $1,500 is designed to support high school seniors pursuing a bachelor's degree (4-year) at an accredited institution. The scholarship specifically recognizes students who have demonstrated superior character, sportsmanship, and good citizenship through their participation in the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association program. Applicants must be enrolled full-time and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA while demonstrating financial need. The scholarship funds may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance (COA), including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, and other educational expenses. Payments are sent directly to the recipient's institution and are typically split evenly between fall and spring semesters. The application process is streamlined through an all-in-one online application system administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Students can apply starting December 1st, with submissions due by March 1st. Applicants are notified of award decisions between April and June, with scholarship payments sent directly to institutions by mid-July through August. This is a non-renewable, one-time award that can be combined with other scholarships or funding sources.

S. Rudolph Light Medical Education Scholarship

The S. Rudolph Light Medical Education Scholarship provides financial assistance to medical students, dental students, and master's of nursing students. This scholarship is designed to support graduate students pursuing healthcare careers who have connections to Kalamazoo County, Michigan. The award is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship of at least $2,500 that can be applied to any items under the recipient's school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Eligible applicants must be residents of Kalamazoo County or have graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, and must demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is part of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's all-in-one application process, with applications opening December 1 and closing March 1 annually.

Duane Roberts Scholarship

The Duane Roberts Scholarship was established in memory of Duane Roberts, a Kalamazoo Public Schools graduate, community activist, and KPS Board of Education member, to provide scholarship support to KPS minority students. This scholarship provides financial assistance of $1000 or more to Kalamazoo Public Schools graduating seniors who are minorities, demonstrate financial need, and show a commitment to social justice. The scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award that 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 and can be used alongside other scholarships or funding the student may receive.

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.

Woodruff Memorial Scholarship

The Woodruff Memorial Scholarship was established in 1982 by the family of Edmond B. Woodruff and Beth Woodruff Shipman in their memory. This scholarship provides financial assistance of $1,000 or more to current college freshmen pursuing a bachelor's degree on a full-time basis. The scholarship is administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and is designed to support students from Kalamazoo County who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award that can be applied to any items under the student's school cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Payments are sent directly to the recipient's educational institution and are typically distributed evenly between fall and spring semesters. Applications are accepted through an all-in-one online application process from December 1 through March 1 each year, with award notifications sent between April and June, and payments disbursed by mid-July through August.

Wright Coating Company Scholarship

Wright Coating Company established this scholarship fund in 1991 for the purpose of providing financial assistance to college-bound youth residing on the north side of Kalamazoo. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship provides $1,000 to high school seniors pursuing full-time associate or bachelor's degree programs. The scholarship requires applicants to be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County, have lived in the northside neighborhood of Kalamazoo for at least one year, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is administered through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's all-in-one application process, with applications opening December 1 and closing March 1 each year. Recipients are notified between April and June, with scholarship payments sent directly to their educational institutions by mid-July through August. The scholarship funds may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

Curtis & Dorothy Young Scholarship

Duane Young, a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and Michigan State University as well as a professional football player, established this fund in 1994 to provide scholarship assistance to student athletes who have the desire and the skills necessary to participate in athletics while attending a college/university. This scholarship supports high school seniors who are residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and have participated in high school varsity sports with the possibility of continuing participation in college. The scholarship provides up to $1,000 as a one-time, non-renewable award that can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Applications are submitted through an all-in-one online application system, with submissions due by March 1 each year. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student's institution, typically by mid-July through August.

LPEA Lineworker Scholarship

LPEA is giving away two scholarships for high school graduating students interested in becoming lineworkers. Each winner receives $12,000 for tuition, fees, and books for up to one year at an electrical lineworker school. Any overages following payment of tuition and fees can be used to pay for required and necessary tools and supplies. Applicants must be members of LPEA and high school graduates from schools within LPEA's service territory, including Durango, Bayfield, Pagosa Springs, and Ignacio. Recipients must enroll as first-year students at an accredited vocational school, technical school, junior college, or university in the U.S. and major in an electric lineworker program. The scholarship application is available from December 1 to March 1, with winners notified in April. Applicants must submit an essay or video explaining their interest in becoming a lineworker, a high school transcript, and two letters of recommendation.

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.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established in December 2024 to support educational expenses for customers or the children/dependents of customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company who intend to pursue secondary education. The fund supports ten $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who are customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, or who have a parent or guardian who is a customer, and who plan to pursue postsecondary education. Recipients must be customers or children/dependents of customers of the bank and must plan to pursue secondary education.