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.

James B. "Monty" Moncrief Scholarship Program

The James B. "Monty" Moncrief Scholarship Program supports Georgia's most promising future superintendents through the GSGA Foundation. The scholarships honor deserving students in the field of agronomy and turf management at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, the University of Georgia, and students who work and live in Georgia but attend an accredited program outside of the state. The scholarship is named in memory of James B. "Monty" Moncrief, a former Southeastern Green Section Director for the USGA. This program is also supported by the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association. Applications are reviewed annually during the spring, and personal interviews may be required for selected candidates. The program aims to develop the next generation of golf course superintendents by providing financial support to students pursuing degrees in turfgrass management and agronomy related to the golf industry.

Covert Township Community Foundation Scholarship

The board of the Covert Township Community Foundation established this scholarship to provide Covert Township students funding to help finance post-secondary education or training. This scholarship supports students pursuing associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, or vocational/trade certifications at accredited institutions. The scholarship is renewable annually and can be used for any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Applicants must be residents of Covert Township for the past 3 consecutive years and demonstrate financial need. This multiyear scholarship can be renewed up to 2 times, providing ongoing support throughout a student's educational journey.

William T. Nuyen Scholarship

The William T. Nuyen Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to students planning to pursue a degree in aviation or engineering at Western Michigan University. This multiyear scholarship award of up to $2,000 is renewable annually for up to 2 additional years. The scholarship is administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and is available to high school seniors and current undergraduate students who are residents of Kalamazoo County or graduated/graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree program in aviation at Western Michigan University. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the institution and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

Phyllis A. Nuyen Scholarship

This scholarship fund was established to provide financial support to students planning to pursue a degree in nursing or occupational therapy at Western Michigan University. The scholarship provides up to $2,000 annually and is a multiyear award that renews annually up to 2 times. Recipients must be residents of Kalamazoo County or have graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be studying nursing or occupational therapy at Western Michigan University. The scholarship is available to high school seniors enrolling full-time in a bachelor's degree program. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the institution and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

Eva L. Ozier Scholarship for Graduating High School Seniors

The Eva L. Ozier Scholarship is a multiyear award opportunity specifically designed to support Black students embarking on their post-secondary education journey. This 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 financial assistance of $1,000 or more annually and can be renewed for up to 2 additional years. Students must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County, maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. 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.

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.

George L. Disborough Trout Unlimited Research Grant

This research grant was established by the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited for the purpose of recognizing and supporting studies of trout habitat or other projects consistent with the goals and objectives of Trout Unlimited. The grant is administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and provides up to $3,000 for graduate students conducting research on trout habitat or related conservation projects. The goals of the sponsoring organization include preserving wild rivers, cleaning up polluted waters, maintaining early warning Water Quality Surveillance programs, educating the public through workshops and seminars, and speaking for the concerns of all anglers and conservationists. This is a one-time, non-renewable award that can be applied to any items under the recipient's school's cost of attendance.

Women's Education Coalition Grant

This multiyear grant helps women who are unemployed or struggling to support themselves and their families. The grant provides financial assistance of $2000+ annually and is renewable each year up to degree or program completion. Established by a coalition of four member organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, YWCA Kalamazoo and the former Kalamazoo Network, this education grant supports women who are underemployed or unemployed and returning to education after at least a three-year break from school. The scholarship is designed to assist recipients in reaching goals of increased financial independence through post-high school education. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the educational institution and may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

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.

Derek Jeter Scholarship-Turn 2 Education Fund

The Derek Jeter Scholarship-Turn 2 Education Fund, established in 1997 by Turn 2, provides scholarship support for graduating high school seniors who demonstrate leadership in their community while promoting abstinence from drugs and alcohol. This multiyear scholarship awards $2,500 annually and renews each year for eligible students pursuing full-time associate or bachelor's degree programs. The scholarship was established by professional athlete Derek Jeter, whose concern for youth led to the creation of the Turn 2 Foundation, which supports programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and adopt healthy lifestyles. Recipients must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, achieve minimum standardized test scores (1060 SAT or 21 ACT), and show leadership and involvement in school and community activities that advocate a substance-free lifestyle.

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.

Leon A. Donald J. & Jean K. Schau Scholarship

The Leon A. Donald J. and Jean K. Schau Scholarship was established to support nontraditional students who are underemployed or returning to education after at least a two year break. This scholarship helps individuals seeking to enhance their self-sufficiency through higher education. The scholarship is 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. Students must be residents of Kalamazoo County or have graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, Plainwell, or Otsego, demonstrate financial need, and show evidence of post-high school work history with a significant break in their education.

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.

Aldrich Focus on Science Scholarship

The Aldrich Focus on Science Scholarship was established in honor and memory of D. Scott Aldrich, supporting students from Kalamazoo County pursuing studies in science. This scholarship provides $3,000 in financial assistance to students majoring in science fields, with a preference for those studying Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Pharmaceutical Science. Scott Aldrich was a Western Michigan University graduate who pursued a career in microscopy and trace analysis techniques with pharmaceutical companies including Upjohn, Pharmacia, and Pfizer. He was passionate about advancing pharmaceutical quality standards and solving scientific problems. This scholarship honors his legacy by supporting the next generation of science students who demonstrate financial need and are residents of or graduates from Kalamazoo County. 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.

Bob Block Memorial Scholarship

The Bob Block Memorial Scholarship was established to support students from Kalamazoo County who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to competitive swimming or diving. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship honors the memory of Bob Block, an award-winning diver from Loy Norrix who became an NCAA Division III champion at Alma College and returned to Kalamazoo to become a premier coach for swimmers and divers before his untimely death in an auto accident in the 1990s. The scholarship is remembered for honoring Block's competitive yet caring nature when working with young people. Recipients must be high school seniors enrolling full-time in an associates or bachelor's degree program, demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and show dedication to competitive swimming or diving. The scholarship is administered through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's all-in-one scholarship application process.

Ronald C. Cavanaugh Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald C. Cavanaugh by supporting current undergrads from Kalamazoo County attending Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University. Established in 1994 by the family of Ronald Cavanaugh, this scholarship commemorates his memory. A Kalamazoo native, Cavanaugh earned a degree in business administration from Western Michigan University in 1967 and enjoyed a successful career in the paper industry, culminating in the ownership of The Spartan Paperboard Company. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students who are residents of Kalamazoo County or graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and are attending Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University. This is a one-time, non-renewable award of $1,500 or more that can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

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.

Jean Hunse Scholarship

The Jean Hunse Scholarship was established in honor of Jean Hunse, who became a certified public accountant in 1943, started and later served as president of the American Association of Women CPA's, and opened her own accounting firm in Kalamazoo in 1977. This scholarship provides financial assistance to students studying business at Western Michigan University. The award is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship of $1,000 or more that is sent directly to the institution. Students must be residents of Kalamazoo County or have graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, demonstrate financial need, be a business major (with preference for accounting), and be a college junior, senior, or fifth-year senior. The scholarship can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

David & Priscilla Morris Scholarship

The David and Priscilla Morris Scholarship was established to provide tuition support for Black or African American students attending Western Michigan University. This scholarship provides financial assistance for students enrolled in bachelor's or graduate degree programs at WMU. Eligible students must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduates of a high school within Kalamazoo County and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award of $4,500 or more 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 institution and typically split evenly between fall and spring semesters.

Wade & Clio Van Valkenburg Scholarship

The Wade & Clio Van Valkenburg Scholarship was established in 2004 through the Wade Van Valkenburg Trust to provide educational scholarships for Kalamazoo County students facing financial hardship or challenges in their education due to past legal issues or accusations. The scholarship honors Circuit Court Judge Wade Van Valkenburg, who served in Kalamazoo for six years and was deeply concerned about youth in the community, especially those who have had to overcome circumstances or obstacles that may otherwise hinder them from seeking training or higher education. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship provides a minimum of $1,000 to help students pursue associates degrees, bachelor's degrees, or vocational/trade certifications. The scholarship is specifically designed for students who have been found guilty of a criminal offense and demonstrate financial need. It 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 the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's all-in-one online application system, with a March 1 deadline each year. Recipients are notified between April and June, and scholarship payments are sent directly to educational institutions by mid-July to August. This scholarship represents a unique opportunity for students with past legal challenges to access higher education and transform their lives.

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.

Ronald F. Shepard Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in engineering who exhibit the following characteristics for which 'Shep' is so fondly remembered: a relentless curiosity, a spirit of collaboration, a drive for innovation, and a commitment to learning, creating and growing alongside others. The scholarship is a multiyear award that renews annually for $1,000 and is available to high school seniors, current undergraduates, and graduate students enrolled in engineering programs. Applicants must be residents of or graduates from Kalamazoo County or Van Buren County in Michigan, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship payments are sent directly to the student's institution and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

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.

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.

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.

Cave Johnson Memorial Entrepreneurship Award

In honor of Aperture Science's visionary founder, this award recognizes entrepreneurs who embody Cave Johnson's spirit: bold, uncompromising, and willing to make life take the lemons back. "I'm gonna get my engineers to invent a combustible lemon that burns your house down!" — This is the energy we're looking for in applicants. Not literally, of course. The award supports entrepreneurs at any stage who demonstrate exceptional vision and a healthy disregard for the impossible.

GLaDOS AI Safety Fellowship

Following certain... incidents... with our Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System, Aperture Science recognizes the critical importance of AI safety research. This fellowship supports researchers working on alignment, containment protocols, and preventing AI systems from testing humans involuntarily. Areas of interest include: neural network interpretability, value alignment in autonomous systems, and robust containment for superintelligent AI. We especially welcome proposals that address the "cake problem" — ensuring AI systems deliver on their promises.