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.

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.

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.

Love Where You Live: Scholarship Fund

The Love Where You Live: Scholarship Fund was established by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's board of trustees to invest in the educational aspirations of Kalamazoo County residents. The scholarship supports students committed to continuing their education through various degree and certificate programs, including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and vocational/trade certifications. This multiyear scholarship is renewable annually for 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. Applicants must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating/graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is available for both full-time and part-time students, including high school seniors and current undergraduates. Payments are sent directly to the educational institution and split between fall and spring semesters. The application process runs through an all-in-one online application system, with submissions due March 1 annually, notifications from April-June, and payments sent by mid-July to August.

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.

Gail & Hilda Oster Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established through a bequest from the estate of Gail and Hilda Oster for the purpose of providing meaningful support to graduating high school seniors or graduates, who are residents of Van Buren County or graduating high school seniors or graduates of high schools within Van Buren County, who are planning to pursue or are pursuing bachelor's degrees in the fields of education, mathematics or science; or enrolling or enrolled in a Veterinary Technologist or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs. This is a multiyear scholarship that is eligible to repeat annually up to 4 times. The scholarship provides a minimum of $1,000 and requires applicants to be Van Buren County residents or graduates from high schools within Van Buren County, have a minimum 2.75 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Donald C. and Marion E. Currier Scholarship

The Donald C. and Marion E. Currier Scholarship is a generous scholarship program for St. Joseph County, Indiana high school graduates pursuing engineering degrees at Purdue University's West Lafayette College of Engineering. This scholarship provides comprehensive financial support including up to full tuition, required fees, an allowance for books, and on-campus housing or an off-campus living allowance. The scholarship is renewable for up to six semesters based on review, allowing students to complete their undergraduate engineering education with substantial financial assistance. Students must complete at least one year at Purdue before applying, with funding commencing in the fall of their sophomore year. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study in any engineering field, with the exception of Engineering Education and programs through the Purdue Polytechnic Institute.

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.

Aperture Innovation Accelerator

The Aperture Innovation Accelerator provides seed funding for early-stage startups working on technologies that Cave Johnson himself would have approved of. We're looking for moonshot ideas that conventional funders would consider "too dangerous" or "scientifically impossible." Past cohort projects include: combustible lemon batteries, portal-powered logistics, and sentient turret therapy systems. If your idea makes safety officers nervous, you might be a perfect fit.

Portal Technology Research Grant

Aperture Science is offering funding for researchers pushing the boundaries of interdimensional transport technology. We seek proposals addressing quantum tunneling at macroscopic scales, stable wormhole generation, and momentum conservation in non-Euclidean transit systems. "Now you're thinking with portals!" — This grant supports exactly that kind of thinking. Previous recipients have achieved breakthroughs in spatial displacement, though companion cube preservation rates remain a challenge.