Best Higher Education Grants in Connecticut

The William Silva Fund for the Arts, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students pursuing studies in visual and performing arts, particularly in music, singing, photography, painting, and acting. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to help local students achieve their educational goals. This fund reflects a commitment to nurturing artistic talent in the region and enhancing the cultural landscape of Eastern Connecticut.

The William J. McCarthy Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students from Mystic or Groton pursuing bachelor's degrees. Applicants must be in the top 10% of their high school class and demonstrate financial need. With over $11.9 million awarded since 1983, this scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering education and rewarding careers in the region.

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship

The Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship will provide $8,000 ($2,000 per year for 4 years) to support tuition, books, fees, room & board, and degree-related expenses for a student graduating from a Duval County public or private school and attending an accredited post-secondary institution in the Northeastern United States. Northeastern states are identified as: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider academic achievements, leadership experience, desire for personal growth and financial need. 

The William and Gladys Murdock Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports Pomfret residents pursuing higher education. Since 1983, the Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to empower local students in their educational and career aspirations. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors and current college students, including those seeking graduate degrees, fostering academic success in the region.

Meland Foundation Nursing Scholarship

The Meland Foundation grants funding for scholarships to nurses in the NJ-NY-CT-PA area with BSN degrees wishing to pursue Nurse Practitioner, MSN, and DNP degrees with a pediatric specialty and who share the vision of the Foundation.

The Meland Foundation — founded by a beloved pediatrician who built a successful family medical practice in Northern New Jersey — provides and supports inspirational and informational programs to enhance the ability of families to care for loved ones and to provide hope to patients and their caregivers.

The amount of each nursing scholarship is between $2,000 and $5,000.

Scholarships are granted annually.

The Waterford Scholars program, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, has been supporting local students since 1983. With over $11.9 million awarded through various funds, this initiative aims to help Waterford residents in financial need pursue higher education. By offering scholarships, the foundation addresses educational disparities and fosters the development of future leaders in the community. Students seeking assistance for college can apply and benefit from this generous program.

The Union School Association Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, is designed for Union residents who have lived in the town for at least five consecutive years. Eligible applicants must be graduating from any town-approved high school and plan to pursue further education at an accredited two- or four-year institution, trade school, or other recognized programs. This scholarship supports local students in achieving their educational and career goals.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Tuneski/Sheflott Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students of Irish or Polish heritage from Southeastern Connecticut who exhibit strong academic and extracurricular performance. With an approximate award of $1,500 per year for four years, this scholarship aims to assist deserving individuals in pursuing a four-year degree, fostering educational advancement and community development.

The Tim West Memorial Scholarship, offering $1,000 annually for four years, supports graduating high school students from New London, with preference given to those from New London High School or St. Bernard High School. Established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, this scholarship aims to empower local students in pursuing higher education and achieving their career aspirations.

The NCC Foundation offers the Spring Semester Scholarship to support Fairfield County residents enrolled in degree or credit certificate programs at CT State Norwalk. This scholarship provides tuition assistance for the Spring semester, and eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.80 and complete at least 12 credits by the end of the fall semester. This initiative aims to enhance access to quality higher education and foster student success.

Connecticut nursing graduates pursuing higher education can receive tuition assistance for RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN programs through the Norwalk Community College Foundation. U.S. citizens or permanent residents who completed their RN at CT State Norwalk and passed or plan to take the NCLEX may be eligible, with renewable support based on unmet financial need.

Fairfield County residents pursuing degree or certificate programs at CT State Norwalk can apply for the Path2Success Scholarship and Coaching Program to support their higher education in Connecticut. Offered by Norwalk Community College Foundation, this program assists students meeting specific GPA, credit, and enrollment requirements, including U.S. and international students with required documentation.

Fairfield County residents enrolled in non-credit certificate programs at the CT State Norwalk campus can receive tuition and book support based on unmet need. Grants from Norwalk Community College Foundation help Connecticut higher education students cover up to 80% of tuition for one eligible program plus one book per course.

Connecticut community college students graduating from CT State Norwalk and transferring to a four-year institution can receive tuition assistance through the LEAP Transfer Scholarship. Norwalk Community College Foundation supports high-achieving U.S. citizens or permanent residents with unmet financial need, offering up to two years of renewable support for bachelor’s degree completion.

The NCC Foundation: ESOL Award provides financial support for students enrolled in ESOL courses at CT State Norwalk. Eligible students can receive tuition for up to two main classes and a maximum of two books, promoting access to higher education. This award is specifically for Fairfield County residents who have been accepted into the ESOL program at the college and have not previously failed any courses, ensuring a focus on student success.

The NCC Foundation's DREAM Scholarship supports DACA and undocumented students from CT State Norwalk who wish to pursue their education at a four-year institution. With funding available for up to two years, this scholarship emphasizes academic achievement, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and active engagement with the Foundation. Awarded students must maintain enrollment, submit regular updates, and participate in mentoring, ensuring they receive support throughout their academic journey.

Booth Ferris Foundation provides Connecticut higher education institutions with capacity-building support, offering US $50,000 - US $200,000 for strengthening organizational infrastructure. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) colleges or universities in New York State with annual budgets over $1 million; institutions in Connecticut and other listed states may review guidelines to see if they fit regional priorities.

Connecticut higher education students who have already received a Farmington UNICO scholarship can access funding through Greater Hartford Gives Foundation to continue their post-secondary studies. Awards of US $1,500 - US $2,000 support students with financial need who have maintained at least a B average, complementing the original one-year UNICO scholarship.

Cherokee Nation citizens pursuing higher education in New England, including Connecticut, can receive a one-year Clarkson Family Scholarship for college or other post-secondary study. Cherokee Nation Foundation supports higher education in Connecticut and nearby states by offering this scholarship to full-time students or graduating seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA.

The Dr. Lorraine G. Spranzo Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, is designed for graduate nursing students pursuing advanced degrees at Connecticut universities or residents attending schools outside the state. Applicants must have completed 12 credits, possess an active Connecticut nursing license, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship supports dedicated nursing professionals in enhancing their education and leadership roles in healthcare.

The Connecticut GI Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program offers two $2000 scholarships for students diagnosed with chronic gastrointestinal illnesses, including inflammatory bowel disease and chronic liver disease. Aimed at supporting higher education, this initiative recognizes the challenges faced by these students and encourages their academic pursuits. Eligible applicants must be Connecticut residents or enrolled in Connecticut post-secondary programs and must provide documentation and recommendations as part of the application process.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Computer Science Studies, awarded by the UNICO Foundation, offers four scholarships of $1,000 each to full-time students pursuing a degree in Computer Science at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible applicants must reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor, be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older, and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Seminarian Studies, funded by UNICO Foundation Inc, offers four scholarships worth $1,000 each to full-time seminarians attending accredited Catholic seminaries in the U.S. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and either reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor. This scholarship supports the educational journey of seminarians, reflecting UNICO's commitment to serving the community and promoting Italian American heritage.

The Inserra Scholarships, provided by the UNICO Foundation, aim to support students of Italian descent pursuing higher education. Two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded annually to eligible candidates who are U.S. citizens attending accredited colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to empowering the Italian American community through education.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Veterinary Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing veterinary studies at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This opportunity supports diverse applicants and emphasizes community service, reflecting UNICO's commitment to Italian American heritage and educational advancement.

The Ralph J. Torraco Fine Arts Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, awards two $2,500 scholarships to U.S. students studying Fine Arts, including Performing, Visual, or Technical Arts. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0, enrolled full-time in an accredited college, and planning to continue their studies into the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship aims to support and promote Italian American culture and heritage through the arts.