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.

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.

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.

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.