Best Cherokee County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

Cathy Geerlings Indomitable Spirit Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student with substantial work history or record of volunteering who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation; or a current college student with substantial work history or record of volunteering whose permanent address lies within the primary service area of the Community Foundation; or a currently employed worker from the greater Holland/Zeeland area, employed 20 or more hours per week, in human resources, manufacturing, skilled trades, semi-skilled trades, or other production-related areas with a greater Holland/Zeeland area company including temporary staffing agencies.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Zenko Family Fund 

This fund was established in 1990 by Margaret L. Zenko as a means to assist individuals to help themselves become productive members of our community. Her husband, Edward, was a graduate of Pigeon Creek School and a self-educated engineer who started Progressive Engineering, which made parts for airplanes during World War II. They both had a keen interest in the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier and in retirement, Edward's energy was funneled into getting the lights installed on the catwalk. The Zenko Family Fund continues to give scholarships to deserving local students who show through their work ethic that education is important.

Agnes Zuverink-Norman Nursing Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Holland Christian, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West.

Carolyn L. Ballard & Beverly J. Schoch Scholarship

Graduating senior from a high school within the Community Foundation’s primary service area.

Charles and Beatrice Kulier Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation

Brooks Family First Generation Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West.

Bill and Maria Hoekstra Dental Scholarship

Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student who permanently resides and attended high school, including home school, within the Foundation’s greater service area, including Fennville, Hamilton, Hudsonville, Saugatuck, and CTC students from any district.

Bernard and Jerene Lemmen Memorial Scholarship

Allegan or Ottawa County graduating senior, graduating early college student, current college student, or adult returning to school.

Benjamin H. Van Andel Promise of Excellence Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes and supports exceptionally talented students in any field who exhibit the gifts and passion to be world class leaders, performers, or artists in their area of giftedness.

Zeeland Rotary – Donald Morgan Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior who resides in the Zeeland Public School District (student does not have to attend Zeeland Public Schools to be eligible).

Batts Family Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation.

Robert Couche Scholarship

The scholarship was established in 1988 by Robert Couche to give scholarships to deserving Black high school graduates living in the Gainesville-Hall County area seeking higher education.

To complete this scholarship, applicants must answer the following essay question: Please describe what you believe are the three most important qualities of a good leader. How have you displayed these qualities in your own life?

In 2026, one scholarship award of $1,500 will be offered.

Patrick Michael Kelley Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the community in memory of Patrick Kelley, an outstanding student at GHS. Patrick was known for his academic ability, musical talent & service. He was a member of the GHS Band, played in two orchestras, was an Eagle Scout, attended the Governor’s Honors Program & was active in youth group. In 2026, this $3,000 scholarship is available to seniors at Hall County/Gainesville City public high schools planning to attend an accredited U.S. college/university.

Mary Joan Keeney Scholarship

The Mary Joan Keeney Scholarship was established in 2017 to honor the memory of Joan Keeney and her dedication to continuing education. In 1992, at the age of fifty-nine, she attended Denver Seminary in Denver, Colorado and completed a life-long dream of earning a Master’s in Counseling. Upon graduation, she volunteered as a grief and bereavement counselor at The First Presbyterian Church in Boulder, Colorado. Her life passion was helping others heal and return to love.

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide non-traditional, female students interested in nursing and mental health careers access to funds to help further their education and/or certification. In 2026, two one-time scholarship awards of $5,000 each will be offered.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults Scholarship

For more than 100 years the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults has strived to improve the lives of blind and Deafblind children and adults. Best known for annually producing and gifting Braille Calendars, sponsoring the free Braille books for blind children program, and administering the Braille Readers are Leaders contest, the American Action Fund leads in promoting Braille literacy. The American Action Fund is proud to award this scholarship to a deserving and talented blind person.