Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in American Samoa

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

The Annual NRA Club Awards Program

Each year the National Rifle Association recognizes outstanding clubs, state associations, youth clubs and an individual or organization for public service. The Annual Awards program recognizes significant accomplishments achieved in areas of organization, operation and public service rendered. 

Public Service Awards

The Public Service Award is presented to the individual who has most generously volunteered their time and services on behalf of the shooting sports. The recipient of this award is instrumental in promoting the objectives of the NRA on a NATIONAL level or whose activities have had NATIONAL impact.

All Club Award recipients receive:

• A free range evaluation from an NRA Range Team Advisor
• A free year of club membership
• $1,000 award

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation

The American Academy of Optometry (AAOF) is an association of optometric professionals who strive to stay at the top of their field. You will find like-minded colleagues within the American Academy of Optometry, an organization committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning.

The Academy’s membership is comprised of optometrists, vision scientists, and other qualified professionals who have committed themselves to the rigorous process required to achieve its prestigious designation, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).

For more than a century, the Academy has provided Fellows access to the best minds in optometry, vision science, research, and more. Today’s Fellows welcome the opportunity to attend the Academy’s premiere event, its annual meeting. Other members include students, residents, and Candidates for Fellowship.

Each fall attendees from around the world gather for thousands of hours of continuing education and exposure to the most recent research, networking, and latest products and services. Fellows particularly value the opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors while enjoying an exceptional level of camaraderie.

OD to PhD Scholarship Program

The OD/PhD Scholarship Program funds optometrists receiving a PhD in eye and vision related fields. Examples of appropriate PhD programs include but are not limited to: Vision Science, Physiological Optics, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Education (emphasis on Optometric Education), Neuroscience, and Psychology. The program provides vital support to those who will teach and lead the next generation of optometry students and advance the profession’s cutting-edge research.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is proud to partner with EssilorLuxottica to offer the OD to PhD Fellowship, an opportunity created to support optometrists who are ready to take the next step into vision science research. This fellowship is open to individuals who have completed or are completing the clinical training required for the optometry degree and who are enrolling in a PhD program in vision science or a related biomedical discipline.

This competitive fellowship provides financial support during the early years of doctoral training. Awardees receive funding in their first year and may receive additional support in the second year based on successful academic and research progress as detailed in their annual progress report.

Note, awardees may receive the fellowship for up to one successive, two-year period. 

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

St. Joseph School Scholarship

The St. Joseph School Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who resides in northern Chautauqua County, and intends to pursue a career teaching children with special needs.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Ruth C. Stacy Counselor Scholarship

The Ruth C. Stacy Counselor Scholarship Fund is presented to students who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree and have been accepted into an accredited Master’s Degree program majoring in school or mental health counseling.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Richard D. Pell Future Veterans Award

The Richard D. Pell Future Veterans Award is awarded to each graduating senior entering any branch of the American Armed Forces following graduation.

A monetary gift card will be awarded to each graduating senior residing in the town of Ripley and entering any branch of the United States Armed Forces following graduation. 

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Rev. Clifford K. Cliver & Lucy Cliver Sumsky Scholarship

The Rev. Clifford K. Cliver & Lucy Cliver Sumsky Scholarship Fund acknowledges and supports Chautauqua County foster children by providing scholarships for continuing education.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Matthew Hazelton Memorial Scholarship for Law Enforcement

The Matthew Hazelton Memorial Scholarship for Law Enforcement supports students in northern Chautauqua who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement or criminal justice.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Dunkirk Area Labor Council Scholarship

The Dunkirk Area Labor Council Scholarship supports graduating students who are furthering their education in the trades or manufacturing technology.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

David J Lewandowski Memorial Award

The David J Lewandowski Memorial Award is presented to a graduating senior from Dunkirk, Forestville, or Fredonia who is entering a career in the trades, agriculture, conservation, forestry, or emergency services.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduates of Conotton Valley or Carrollton High Schools planning to enroll, or currently enrolled, at an accredited college or university to pursue further education in the following fields: History, Writing (not limited to, English, Journalism, Language Arts, Communications and programs in Mass Media), Graphic Arts, Music (which shall include but not limited to, vocal music, instrumental music, music history, music education, and music performance) and any other program or field of study approved by the Selection Committee. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Perry Township School Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Perry Township School Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist high school graduates or high school seniors who have permanent residency in Perry Township in Carroll County, Ohio or who had a permanent residence on the date they began their post high school education. Applicants must have been accepted at and are planning to enroll, or are currently enrolled, at an accredited college, university, or technical school with at least a two-year course of study to pursue further education.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Chautauqua County Home Auxiliary Fund

The former Chautauqua County Home Auxiliary established this fund in 2014. A scholarship is awarded annually to a current employee of the organization that now runs what was the Chautauqua County Home and who is interested in furthering his/her education in the healthcare field.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

South Dakota Highway Superintendents Association

To provide financial support to charitable and nonprofit purposes at the recommendation of the donor.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

South Dakota Beadle Club Foundation

To provide financial support for South Dakota Beadle Club activities and scholarships.

The South Dakota Beadle Club took its name from General William Henry Harrison Beadle who served the people of South Dakota in many ways in promoting a sound system of public schools. One of the stated purposes of the South Dakota Beadle Club is to emulate the motives and ideals of General Beadle in his support of the public schools of the state. 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Grants

The South Dakota Community Foundation offers an array of grants to help state nonprofits realize their dreams and continue investing in their communities. 

Lamport Family Foundation College Grant

The purpose of this grant is to provide scholarships to graduates of Marshall County schools in memory of Steve Lamport and the Lamport Family. Applicants must exhibit the qualities of leadership, good citizenship, honesty, and personal initiative. The amount and number of scholarships awarded shall be determined by the Advisory Council and will be based on the amount of funding available for distribution. Funds will be distributed for the second semester (or quarter) and will be distributed directly to the postsecondary institution. 

Who We Are & What We Do

On November 26, 1997, a small group of citizens with an abundance of enthusiasm embarked on a mission to secure the quality of life in our region now and forever. By yearend, they had a modest $1,050. Through commitment and vision, the Quincy Area Community Foundation expanded and grew to become the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri.

Serving 12 counties on both sides of the Mississippi River, we operate as a bridge between our donors’ charitable visions and the nonprofit organizations that bring those visions to life. 

Scholarship Opportunities

Community Foundation scholarships are offered annually for high school and college students throughout our region. Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements.

John Petty Trade School Scholarship Fund

Grants Awarded

• Spring.
• $1,000 awarded, renewable for one additional year.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Wilfred Jaspers Scholarship

To provide financial support as recommended by the scholarship selection committee in accordance with the selection criteria.

This scholarship, established in 2000 for Roslyn High School alumni, has now been made available to college students from the Britton, Langford, and Webster School Districts following the dissolution of the Roslyn School District.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Witzleben Scholarship

To provide financial support to high school graduate(s) residing on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota and North Dakota

The Witzleben twins are proud to be descendants of people who lived on the land now known as the Standing Rock Reservation. Their father, Camillus Witzleben, was born in South Dakota to parents who both worked in education. He became a medical doctor and later taught at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Camillus inherited land on the Standing Rock Reservation from his father, and he passed it on to his daughters, including the twins. Through the establishment of this scholarship, the sisters aim to support a resident of the Standing Rock Reservation in pursuing their education. This scholarship is a way to honor their ancestors and celebrate their own native heritage.

Columbia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To serve the citizens of Columbia Station, Ohio and neighboring communities through the implementation of their charitable aspirations by awarding educational scholarships and community grants.

Columbia Community Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Criteria

• Must be an upcoming graduate from the class of 2026
• Must be a resident of Columbia Township or a Senior at Columbia High School

The Center for Scholarship Administration

The Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA) provides corporations, foundations, trust funds, and individual philanthropists scholarship selection and administration management that is experienced, professional, and cost efficient while lending the program an integrity not inherent in internal selection committees.

Wilson Family Memorial Scholarship

The Wilson Family Memorial Scholarship Fund is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.

You must attend full-time an accredited, public or private, four-year college, university or conservatory training college located in the United States. Recipients must be enrolled full-time each semester and must be working towards a bachelor`s degree in music, or its equivalent.

This scholarship is a multiple year grant that will continue for a maximum of 4 years as long as the student meets the following requirements: attend an accredited college, university or conservatory training college located in the United States pursuing a degree in music, or its equivalent; remain in good academic standing. Students must remain enrolled full-time, continuously throughout the four-year scholarship.

The Lane E. Warren Scholarship Fund, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a Madison County resident who is a high school graduate or graduating this year. This scholarship honors Lane E. Warren, a promising student whose life was tragically cut short. The selection criteria emphasize financial need and community service, supporting students pursuing college or certificate programs in their educational endeavors.

The Lois R. Snead Arts & Crafts Scholarship Fund, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports students in Rappahannock County who are pursuing education in arts or crafts. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors and demonstrate community service and academic initiative. Priority is given to first-generation students in financial need, ensuring that local talent can thrive in creative fields. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering community and artistic growth.

The Lucas Allen Erin’s Elderberries Scholarship Fund, established by a local entrepreneur, supports Fauquier County High School students pursuing their career goals. This $1,000 award requires applicants to be in good academic standing, demonstrate initiative, and provide a letter of recommendation from their employer. Priority is given to those exhibiting financial need and a work history. Managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, this fund aims to empower local students and enhance their educational journeys.

The Mary Beth Williams Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, honors the life of Mary Beth Williams, who tragically passed away in 1997. This scholarship supports students from Rappahannock County with a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrating financial need, and pursuing higher education in agriculture or related fields. Award amounts vary, reflecting the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the community.

The Alice and William Johnson Foundation Scholarship is managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, aimed at supporting graduating seniors from Fauquier County public high schools. This scholarship, which values education and community commitment, provides $5,000 annually for four-year universities and $2,500 for two-year schools, with renewal options available. Priority is given to students demonstrating financial need, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational aspirations.

The Pauline H. Bruce Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers $2,000 to students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. This scholarship honors Pauline Bruce, a dedicated educator with over 40 years of service in local public schools. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a strong desire and aptitude for success in their college education, reflecting the spirit of community and educational excellence.

The RMD Music Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers a $12,000 renewable scholarship for graduating seniors from Fauquier or Rappahannock County public schools pursuing a music degree at an accredited institution. Eligible students must demonstrate leadership and motivation, and must audition in their senior year while providing proof of acceptance into a university music program. Renewal depends on maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.7.