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.

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.

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.

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.

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.