Discover Funding Opportunities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.