Best Quality of Life Grants in American Samoa

The Brinson Prize Fellowship Program, in partnership with The Brinson Foundation, offers support for early career astrophysicists and cosmologists pursuing innovative research in observational cosmology. This program emphasizes the importance of connecting science with society and provides up to three years of funding, including a stipend for independent research. Applicants must hold a PhD in relevant fields and can apply for fellowships starting in 2026, which include professional development opportunities.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Susan Laz Vogus Scholarship Endowment Fund

This scholarship fund was established by Jerry, Mike, and Tim Vogus in honor and memory of their wife and mother, Susan Laz Vogus (1947-2023). The scholarship will be awarded annually to two eligible Kane County applicants per year and will prioritize students with financial need. 

Laz, as she was known to her friends, was an admired, beloved, and impactful activist, advocate, educator, leader, mother, and sister. She believed in the power of education and everyone having access to high-quality schools and a loving home where they could feel secure and supported. She created that for her family and was an outstanding teacher, whether serving students in inner-city Milwaukee or those pursuing a GED at the Illinois Youth Center. Later, she served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), helping children navigate the child welfare system, for which she was recognized as Illinois CASA Advocate of the Year in 2004.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Shari Simon Greenberg Community Scholarship, offered by the Simon Youth Foundation, supports high school seniors residing near Simon malls. This scholarship aims to help first-generation college students and those with financial need pursue higher education. With an annual funding of approximately $1 million, the foundation ensures more students have the opportunity to chase their dreams by alleviating post-secondary expenses for those determined to learn.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Scholarships provide financial support for high school seniors in Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt County. Annually, over 70 students benefit from these awards, ranging from $500 to $10,000, to pursue higher education. Funded by generous donors, the program aims to enhance educational outcomes in the community. Eligibility includes being a graduating senior or an existing college student previously awarded a multi-year scholarship. Various criteria may apply to each scholarship.

The Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program, offered by the National Children’s Cancer Society, supports childhood cancer survivors in their pursuit of higher education. Celebrating resilience and determination, this program awards 50 scholarships annually, empowering survivors to achieve their academic and professional dreams. With over 35 years of experience, the NCCS has provided significant financial assistance to families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer, ensuring that no family faces this journey alone.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Robin M. Hodgson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

Mrs. Hodgson served on numerous local and national volunteer organizations, including the Family Counseling Service of Aurora, the Oswegoland Park & Recreation Foundation and the Community Foundation Scholarship Committee. She was survived by her husband, John Hodgson, two daughters and five grandchildren.

Family and friends created a scholarship fund in her memory to help local students achieve their dreams of a higher education. This fund was endowed in 2024.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Herb Block Foundation's Defending Basic Freedoms Grant aims to uphold the essential freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights. This initiative focuses on combating discrimination and prejudice while enhancing the lives of the underprivileged. It provides funding for charitable and educational programs that align with these values. Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations nationwide, the grant encourages accountability among government agencies and supports relevant contemporary societal issues.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers funding opportunities through the Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) and Research Opportunity Awards (ROA) programs. These initiatives support faculty research at predominantly undergraduate institutions, fostering professional engagement and educational integration. Eligible institutions include accredited colleges and universities that award degrees in NSF-supported fields but have limited Ph.D. production. Proposals are evaluated by NSF programs based on disciplinary relevance and funding is allocated within existing research and education programs.

The Ed Dwight Scholarship

The Ed Dwight Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunities that prepare students for success in school, work, and life.

The Ed Dwight Scholarship honors Ed Dwight, a trailblazer in the American space program, author, and sculptor. Ed was the first Black astronaut candidate, the first to enter the program, complete the training and fully qualified as an astronaut. At the age of 90, he finally had the opportunity to see the earth from outside the atmosphere and became the oldest person to go to space.

Scholarship amount:

• $2,500 

This is a non-renewable scholarshipopportunity.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Art & Anne Huggler Memorial Scholarship

The Art & Anne Huggler Memorial Scholarship Fund supports local students pursuing a degree in education or engineering.

Art hailed from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering from Penn State. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and worked for GTE for 35 years. He enjoyed travel and golf and was a licensed pilot. Anne was a teacher and homemaker. They are the parents of two, grandparents of five and great-grandparents of nine. The couple was active with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where Art directed Art Market Marion.

The Huggler Scholarship seeks especially to assist Marion area students with substantial financial need. It was established in 2015 by their daughter, Linda Halt.

The Alternative Fuel Foundation Grant aims to support educational institutions in developing programs focused on renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Grants typically range from $250 to $500, with larger amounts considered on a case-by-case basis. Eligible applicants include public or private K-12 schools and universities. The foundation encourages projects that promote alternative fuels and community involvement, with a preference for initiatives that can be completed within a year.

The Science Ambassador Scholarship, funded by Cards Against Humanity, offers full tuition for women and non-binary students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. This scholarship is open to undergraduate students and high school seniors, regardless of U.S. citizenship, as long as they plan to attend college in the United States or its territories. Eligible applicants must major in science, technology, engineering, or math.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Turlock Irrigation District Energy Scholarship

Open to high school seniors attending a high school within the TID District territory planning to pursue a career in the Energy Utility Sector. (i.e. Engineering, Environmental Science, Electrical, Lineman etc.). Must plan to attend an accredited trade school or college/university and demonstrate financial need. The household must be a TID customer.

Award Amount:

• $2,500

The Oliver E. Sweikar Scholarship offers up to $20,000 for students pursuing degrees in electronics or electrical engineering at 4-year colleges, and up to $6,000 for those at 2-year technical colleges. Eligibility requires maintaining student status and good academic standing. Awards are renewable annually, with specific conditions for continued eligibility. Students changing majors should consult the Community Foundation to ensure they remain eligible for funding.

The Russell W. Ligon Memorial Engineering Scholarship, offered by the Four County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors and recent graduates from seven school districts pursuing degrees in engineering or computer science. Eligible students can receive up to four awards of $1000 each, contingent upon a GPA of 3.00 or higher, a letter of recommendation, and an essay response. Awardees will be recognized at the Foundation Scholarship Celebration and local high school awards events.

The Neag Foundation Grant aims to foster positive change in education, healthcare, and the arts. Supporting initiatives in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, the foundation focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, advancing healthcare interventions, and promoting the arts and humanities. By encouraging innovative projects that receive community support, it seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals and families. Organizations with a 501(c)(3) status are encouraged to apply for funding opportunities that align with these goals.

The Nathan & Sarah Chesin and Bernard & Mollie Steuer Fellowships, established by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) in 2019, support scholars in graduate, post-doctoral, or independent research in the JDC Archives. With a rich collection documenting modern Jewish history, the fellowship encourages innovative research in humanitarian assistance and related fields. Each year, one fellowship is awarded, culminating in a public presentation by the recipient, fostering a greater understanding of the Jewish experience.

The EA Infrastructure Fund Grant supports projects that enhance effective altruism by improving access to talent, capital, and knowledge. With grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $200,000, it welcomes applications from individuals, nonprofits, and academic institutions worldwide. However, individuals must ensure their projects conclude by August 31, 2025. The fund aims to amplify the impact of direct charitable work and foster a community committed to effective altruism principles.

The Sam Noble Foundation Grant aims to uphold the philanthropic legacy of Lloyd Noble by funding agricultural research and supporting charitable initiatives that enhance health, education, and community strength. Geared towards 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S., the foundation prioritizes projects in Oklahoma and does not entertain multiyear commitments or funding for individuals or for-profit entities. The foundation seeks to address agricultural challenges while expanding educational and health services.

The ISF Public Interest Legal Fellowship empowers American Muslims by providing opportunities in public interest law. This fellowship offers a salary of $70,000, professional development workshops, and mentorship to help fellows advance their careers. Applicants must be active members of the Muslim community, have graduated from law school within the last three years, and have secured a host organization for their project proposal. This initiative aims to increase representation and influence in policy-making.

The William E. Dean III Charitable Foundation, established in 2009, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and D.C. with a focus on animal welfare, education, human services, and religious initiatives. Grants are specifically aimed at programs aiding canines and veterans transitioning to civilian life, as well as preventing animal cruelty. Organizations must wait one grant cycle before reapplying, ensuring a fair distribution of funds to various causes.

The Enhancing Student Mathematics Learning through the Use of Tools and Technology Grants, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to promote innovative technology use in teaching mathematics to Pre-K-12 students. These grants encourage proposals that focus on enhancing students' understanding of math concepts through various tools, including professional development for educators. Eligible applicants include current math teachers and full-time coaches, with a focus on impactful evaluation plans.

The AOAP Swim Lesson Grant aims to enhance drowning prevention by providing financial support to aquatic facilities for swim lessons and life jackets. With a minimum allocation of $10,000 annually, the program seeks to offer at least 100 free lessons to low-income participants and distribute 500 life jackets each year. It encourages non-profit organizations to apply, ensuring a focus on education and safety in aquatic environments. This grant represents a significant step towards making swimming accessible and safe for all.

The Gene Haas Foundation offers Manufacturing Education Grants to empower students in technical career pathways through CNC education. These scholarships support public and private nonprofit schools, enhancing skills in CNC technology. Funds can be allocated for the Gene Haas CNC Scholarship and tooling awards for essential tools and safety gear. By fostering hands-on experience in real-world manufacturing, the foundation ensures the next generation of skilled professionals has the necessary resources to succeed.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Elizabeth DeVilling Environmental Odyssey Scholarship

This scholarship provides support to graduating seniors or graduates of any Henderson County public, private or parochial high school seeking to further their education beyond high school. Recipients of this scholarship must be accepted to an accredited degree granting college or university and be actively pursuing an undergraduate degree in the field of environmental science or a related field. Preference will be given to those who have expressed a desire to pursue work which relates to environmental preservation and/or conservation and have financial need for assistance. Extra-curricular and extra participation in activity relevant to earth sciences/environmental sciences will be given added priority.

About Us

Mission and Vision

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

Beck - O.J. Beck, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Purpose:

Established in memory of O.J. (Junior) Beck, Jr., a respected general contractor and builder in the Coastal Bend with a reputation for attention to his projects and friendly relations with owners. He served his community as a member, director, vice president and president of the South Texas Chapter of the Association of General Contractors, the Business Development Commission, Chamber of Commerce, Ada Wilson Hospital, United Way, YWCA and many other organizations. He came to an untimely death on April 15, 1982.

The David S. Miller Young Scientist Scholarship awards $1,500 to undergraduate and graduate students in geo-environmental sciences or engineering. This scholarship seeks individuals who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to leveraging their scientific education for societal benefit. One winner is selected annually, and while recipients are encouraged to apply for travel grants for AGU’s Fall Meeting, they do not automatically receive them.