Best Calhoun County Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

Samardzija-Gutesha Family Fund

The Field of Interest Fund reflects the Samardzija-Gutesha family’s values and commitment to giving back. It supports education and hands-on learning in farming, soil health, and water conservation, with a focus on FFA members and associate-level college students.

Scholarships benefit graduating seniors and second-year post-high school students who are originally from DeKalb County high schools with FFA programs.

The Samardzija-Gutesha Family Fund provides scholarships for post-high school students pursuing education in agriculture or conservation, as well as paid internships with local farmers, and conservation professionals. It also supports educational seminars on topics such as sustainable farming and agricultural business, and provides grants to local organizations that align with the donor’s values.

In its first year, the Fund awarded $65,000 in scholarships to eight graduating seniors from DeKalb, Genoa-Kingston, Indian Creek, Somonauk, and Sycamore high schools (pictured above). Each student attending a two-year college received a $5,000 scholarship, while students planning to attend a four-year university received $10,000.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Renaissance Education Scholarship Fund

This Fund was created in 2007 by retired Sycamore teacher Yvonne Johnson and provides scholarship support to an individual who has been in the work force and desires to return to the academic world in pursuit of a college degree. The award is renewable up to three consecutive years following the initial award and can be used for tuition at any accredited university or community college for expenses associated with undergraduate study. The recipient can seek a degree in any field of study, but must demonstrate evidence of interest in the chosen field. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund

Dee Palmer, his brother, parents, and grandparents have contributed to the musical pleasure of thousands of people in DeKalb County for over 160 years. The establishment of the Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund is in their honor and provides an award for a high school senior who resides in DeKalb County and is pursuing a career in music. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

DeKalb County Dental Society Fund

This Fund provides scholarship support for high school seniors from a DeKalb County high school determined by DeKalb County Dental Society.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Luke Horton & Justin Phillips Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be a Cherokee Nation citizen living inside or outside of the Cherokee Nation reservation. This scholarship is for general education with an emphasis on Information Technology and requires a minimum GPA of 2.0. It is for full-time students in undergraduate or graduate school or students going to vo-tech school.

Achievement Scholarship for Students with a History of Chronic Illness (FN)

Essay:

• Tell us about your experiences/struggles with your chronic illness and what you have done to overcome it.

Awards:

• One time award of $1,500.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Martha (Marti) Aleshire Farrington Scholarship

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior, undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in an accredited four-year post-secondary institution with a 3.0 GPA. The award is renewable for up to five years.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Pathology Laboratory Associates Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate or graduate student majoring in a medical science field with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

Drew Bilinski Memorial Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $500.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Peruzzi Family Scholarship

Applicant must be a graduating high school senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA and enroll full time in a four-year, higher education institution. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Rudisill Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate student with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in education and in their full internship. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Senior Master Sergeant Texie C. Taylor, USAF Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be a junior or senior undergraduate or graduate student majoring in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, nursing (RN), engineering (aerospace, civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical) or mathematics with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Susan B. Agnew Leoser Scholarship

Applicant must be a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student with a minimum 2.0 GPA. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing outside of the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area and attending a junior college, community college or technical school. Preference is given to students who show a history of volunteer service.

The Future Energy Leaders Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Sussex County high schools pursuing two or four-year degrees. Awardees receive $2,500 annually for four years, contingent on maintaining enrollment and demonstrating financial need. With a record $850,000 awarded to 245 students for the 2024-2025 school year, this scholarship aims to expand educational opportunities and equity within the community.

The Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Scholarship, administered by the Delaware Community Foundation, offers a one-time award of $500 to graduating high school seniors residing in specific Delaware zip codes. Applicants must demonstrate good academic performance and financial need. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative where DCF awarded $850,000 to 245 students for the 2024-2025 school year, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and equity within the community.

The Generation III Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $1,000 to Delaware residents graduating from high school or current post-secondary students. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and intend to study a Construction or Skilled Trade at an accredited institution, which may be located outside Delaware. This scholarship supports the Foundation's mission to enhance community equity and opportunity through education.

The Cullen Brown Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $2,000 to graduating seniors from Delaware high schools pursuing a certification or associate degree at any community college or trade school. As part of a record-breaking funding initiative, the Foundation aims to support students in financial need, fostering educational opportunities and equity within Delaware's communities.

The Lentz Trades Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $500 to Delaware residents or graduates pursuing skilled trade or technical education. With a total of $850,000 awarded to 245 students for the 2024-2025 school year, this scholarship supports those demonstrating financial need. Applicants can apply through the DCF's online general application for trades degrees or certifications, making it a valuable opportunity for aspiring tradespeople.

The Laurel High School Alumni Association Scholarships, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, provide vital financial assistance to graduating seniors whose parents have been active members for at least three years. These scholarships can be applied to both two-year and four-year colleges or trade schools, supporting students with a minimum GPA of 2.50. For the 2024-2025 school year, a record $850,000 was awarded to 245 students, showcasing the foundation's commitment to advancing educational opportunities.

The Laurel High School Alumni Association offers the Helen Kirk Deputy Ellis Scholarship for graduating seniors pursuing higher education. The Delaware Community Foundation, which awarded $850,000 in scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year, supports this initiative. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 2.50 and do not need to be alumni members. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for local students, fostering community growth and equity.

The Imogene Coca Compassion in Care Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, aims to support Delaware residents pursuing degrees in nursing or medical fields. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and either have been employed for at least five years or hold an Associate's degree from a community college. This one-time award of $2,000 is part of DCF's broader commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and equity in Delaware.

Beekhuis Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $4,000.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Susan Townsend Barnes Scholarship

A senior graduating from any in-person, on-site accredited High School in Cumberland County.

The Clarence and Bonnie Shaffer Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, aims to support students affiliated with Trinity United Methodist Church pursuing post-secondary education in ministry, music ministry, or education. Preference is given to first-year undergraduates, but graduate students may also qualify if no undergraduates apply. This scholarship represents a commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering educational opportunities within the community.

The Culver Young Farmers Agricultural Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, provides annual scholarships for students pursuing agricultural studies. This fund supports local scholars, encouraging educational growth and community involvement. Open to all Marshall County residents, the scholarship is designed to benefit both new and returning students, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational aspirations in the agricultural field. Applications are free, fostering access to these valuable opportunities.

The Dr. Christie L. Peterson Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, aims to empower disadvantaged youth in Marshall County, aged 16 to 21, by providing annual scholarships for trade education. The scholarship is open to all eligible residents and does not require a high school diploma. It fosters community growth by connecting local students with opportunities to learn valuable skills, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Dr. David R. Barkmeier Top Research Universities Scholarship, offered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, provides funding for students attending prestigious universities, including those in the Association of American Universities. This scholarship supports graduates from Marshall County high schools who can demonstrate residency and is renewable for previous recipients who meet eligibility criteria. It aims to foster academic excellence and assist local students in achieving higher education.