Best Quality of Life Grants in District of Columbia

The Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists, a $10,000 annual grant, supports early-career Black trans women artists in the U.S. whose contributions to visual arts are often overlooked. Established in partnership with notable figures, this grant not only provides funding but also offers professional development resources. In its fifth year, it aims to address systemic barriers and enhance representation in the arts, with additional awards for finalists to further their artistic journeys.

Seattle Foundation

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship

These $5,000 college scholarships are awarded annually to female-identifying students in the graduating senior class at Mercer Island High School (MIHS), Chief Sealth International High School (CSIHS), and Rainier Beach High School (RBHS). Students should demonstrate commitment to the values and goals embodied in the life and work of Dr. Stanley Ann Dunham, a 1960 Mercer Island High School graduate, anthropologist, and mother of the 44th President of the United States, Barack H. Obama, and Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng.

The Pharmica International Scholarship Program, established in 2022, offers a USD 1,000 grant annually to support higher education for one deserving student enrolled at an accredited North American university. This initiative aims to alleviate financial barriers to education, recognizing that investing in students is vital for future leaders in healthcare and beyond. Pharmica Ltd, a corporate funder committed to innovative healthcare solutions, believes in empowering individuals to create positive change.

The World Trade Center Scholarship in New Jersey provides financial support to dependent children and surviving spouses of residents who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. Administered by HESAA, this scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other educational costs at eligible institutions. Applicants must be full-time students and maintain satisfactory academic progress. The award amount varies each year based on funding and need, ensuring that assistance is available to those who have lost financial support due to these tragic events.

The Ian Miskelley Be Better Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, aims to support high school seniors who are active in swimming and demonstrate strong character. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors from public, private, or home schools within the foundation's service area, have participated in a swim team during their junior and senior years, and be recommended by a swim coach. Community service related to mental health is a plus.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Richard F. Freeman Scholarship Fund

The Richard F. Freeman Scholarship Fund is designed to provide financial assistance for deserving students from Southeast Michigan who are afforded the opportunity to earn a college degree. 

Nestlé Purina offers pet food donations and disaster relief primarily to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. Their commitment includes supplying food and litter to over 900 organizations, reflecting their dedication to the well-being of pets and communities. Purina also assists during natural disasters, providing essential support to pets in distress. Organizations interested must ensure eligibility and can expect a decision within 10 business days after application submission.

The Learning & Leadership Grants support educators in enhancing their professional development and leadership skills. With funding up to $5,000, these grants are available for individual educators or groups pursuing high-quality learning experiences such as conferences and seminars. Eligible applicants must be current members of the National Education Association. These grants aim to empower educators to implement innovative practices in their classrooms, ultimately benefiting students and the educational community.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Doug Struthers Memorial Scholarship

Doug Struthers taught at Alexander Graham Bell Elementary in the Lake Washington School District for more than two decades. His hard work, commitment and perseverance made a difference in the school and the community. This scholarship fund was created in his memory to help young people learn skills to serve their communities. Four Lake Washington School District students every year are chosen to receive this $5,000 renewable scholarship.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

John "Jack" and Jo Schils Scholarship Fund

The John "Jack" and Jo Schils Scholarship Fund was established by the Schils family in 2020 as a memorial tribute to John "Jack" Schils, a multi-sports coach, athletic director, teacher, principal, father, grandfather, husband and friend to many. This fund supports students from the Battle Creek Public Schools District where Jack was employed from 1958 until his retirement in 1986.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Neydon Scholarship for the Children of Widows

• Graduating senior from one of the following high schools: Black River, Holland Christian, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West
• Enrolling at an accredited post-secondary school within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• Child of a widowed mother
• Preference given to those students who are not selected to receive other types of scholarships, particularly full scholarships

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Mark Winia Memorial Soccer Scholarship

• Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation or in Hamilton or Saugatuck
• Enrolling at an accredited post-secondary school within the United States
• Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 2.5 or greater
• Club or varsity soccer participant
• High involvement and giving back to the soccer world through participation in activities such as coaching, mentoring, refereeing, or Cleats for Kids
• Recommended by applicant’s club or school soccer coach
• 1,200-character or less essay explaining how you have given back to the sport of soccer beyond participating on teams and being a team captain or co-captain

PetSmart Charities' Adoption Prep Grants aim to support organizations that facilitate the adoption of homeless pets through in-store programs. Eligible partners must demonstrate a commitment to increasing adoptions, with grants reaching up to $75,000 in the U.S. and $40,000 in Canada. The funding can be utilized for vaccinations, spay/neuter services, staffing, and volunteer support. This initiative focuses on building sustainable adoption programs that break down barriers to pet adoption.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Anne D. Maloof Scholarship

This is a one-time scholarship for $3,000 to honor and financially assist graduate, professional or undergraduate students in Island, Kitsap, Jefferson, and Thurston counties.

The Rachael Ray No-Kill Excellence Grants, funded by the Rachael Ray Foundation, support Best Friends Network partners in maintaining a 90% Save Rate for animals. These grants encourage innovative projects that enhance community partnerships and mentorships, helping organizations achieve sustainable lifesaving outcomes. Eligible organizations can apply for grants up to $60,000, with a focus on scalable programs that benefit animals and promote no-kill initiatives across the United States.

The Ronald and Wendy Smith Clinical Research Grant supports innovative studies in orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. Funded by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, it aims to enhance patient care through research that leads to practical applications. Grants up to $25,000 are available, with potential for renewal, encouraging multidisciplinary approaches and addressing critical clinical issues. Successful projects will be shared at AOFAS meetings and may lead to further funding opportunities.

The ETC Equipment Grant supports U.S.-based non-profit organizations, schools, and government entities by providing essential lighting technology. This initiative, part of ETC's Light the Way Program, aims to enhance training in performance arts through equipment grants. Recipients can choose from a variety of packages, including consoles and LED fixtures, tailored to their facility's needs. ETC also offers training for all awarded equipment, ensuring recipients maximize the impact of their grants.

Athletes for Animals Grants offer essential funding to non-profit animal welfare organizations in the U.S. and Canada. These grants support programs focused on adoptable companion animals, specifically canines and felines, ensuring they are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to animal welfare by not euthanizing adoptable animals. Applications are accepted semi-annually, with a wait period of 18 months between applications.

National Academy of Construction

Purpose: The purpose of the Academy is to establish a body of acknowledged construction industry leaders and to provide them recognition through election to the National Academy of Construction. It also offers their collective experience and expertise for the improvement of the industry. The Academy shows recognition to fresh and novel industry achievement with appropriate awards programs. Another important purpose of the Academy is to provide a network system of linkage between past and present participants in the construction industry.

NAC Scholarship

• Members of the National Academy of Construction (NAC) established this scholarship to provide funding for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in construction or a closely related field and who intend to pursue a career in the construction industry.
• NAC’s mission is to recognize and honor individuals from all disciplines in the industry for their distinguished contributions to the industry and to share this reservoir of expertise as a service to the nation, including service contributions. It is one of the nation’s esteemed construction industry institutions, characterized by its extensive and diverse expertise, proven leadership, and trusted judgment.
• NAC is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in the construction industry. The intent of this scholarship is to provide financial support for two semesters for deserving students who plan to pursue careers in the construction industry, thus giving back to the profession some of the benefits that its members have received.

Since the scholarship program’s inception in 2020, NAC has awarded 36 scholarships worth over $203,000 to students from across the country.

Only one applicant is permitted from each university. There are no exceptions to this requirement. If more than one application is received from a university, the university will be notified and asked to choose one applicant.

Scholarship recipients will be invited to attend the NAC Annual Meeting. NAC will cover registration for this event and work with the recipients, their universities and others to identify sources of funding to cover travel expenses to attend. Attendance at the Annual Meeting is not required.

The Aging Services Leadership Fellowship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, is a one-year non-clinical program for recent master's graduates or mid-career professionals with at least five years of experience. The program emphasizes cohort learning, community building, and skill development in aging services. Participants engage in specialized training, networking events, and mentorship opportunities designed to foster leadership and cultural humility, ultimately preparing them to lead in the aging services sector.

John L. and Linda D. Bohnel Scholarship Fund

Must be attending a college or university that partners with Upswing.

Awards

• (5) $1,000.00

Bruce E. Hepke Memorial Scholarship

Mission Statement

The Bruce E. Hepke Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 to commemorate the life of a very special husband, father, and friend.

Devoted husband to wife Sue, and father to sons Darren and Connor, Bruce was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016. He fought the disease bravely, until tragically, it took its final toll on February 18, 2021. The support that Bruce received from his family during this period, as well as his own personal courage and perseverance to live life to its fullest, were exceptionally inspirational.

A true gentleman, in every sense of the word, this memorial scholarship will be awarded each year to a college-bound candidate that demonstrates the characteristics that made Bruce such a remarkable and outstanding person-

Perseverance, Integrity, Leadership and Sportsmanship.

About the Scholarship

An avid golfer his entire life, Bruce loved the mental and physical challenges of the sport, the camaraderie, the competition, and the pure fun in traveling and playing on different courses. In 1998 he joined the West Chester Golf and Country Club, where he found a wonderful group of people with whom to socialize and play golf. Bruce was a true “renaissance man” with an incredibly wide range of interests but playing golf and being an active member of his Club were at the top of his list. This scholarship is intended to reflect his love for both the sport and his Club. It will be awarded annually to a high school senior and will be chosen from a candidate pool that includes the West Chester Golf and Country Club’s Ambassador Golf program as well as six surrounding high schools that have special meaning to the Hepke family. (The six high schools are Great Valley, Malvern Preparatory School, Marple Newtown, West Chester Bayard Rustin, West Chester East and West Chester Henderson.)

The Folded Flag Foundation offers educational scholarships for college-bound spouses and children of U.S. military members and government employees who died due to combat-related incidents. This program supports tuition, fees, and living expenses for eligible applicants under 26 years old. It aims to assist families in achieving educational goals while navigating the challenges of loss. The scholarships cover various educational expenses, ensuring access to both college and technical training opportunities.

The General Montgomery (Monty) C. Meigs Scholarship, offered by the Folded Flag Foundation, honors individuals who embody Monty Meigs' exceptional leadership and dedication. This scholarship is available to high school and college students who display academic excellence and commitment to service. Applicants must submit academic records, a recommendation letter, and a personal essay. Designed to support the next generation of leaders, this scholarship reflects Monty's legacy of service and achievement.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Coast Guard Foundation Captain Ernest W. Fox Perpetual Scholarship

Brief Description

This application is intended for qualified active duty Coast Guard, civil service employee personnel or their dependents (child or spouse) at the CG Aviation Logistic Center (ALC)

The scholarship will be used for preparatory, collegiate, postgraduate, professional and vocational education, formal or informal training which develops the talents and potential of the beneficiary.

The Fox family established this annual Perpetual Scholarship to honor the memory of their late son/brother Captain Ernest W. Fox, and as a means of expressing their appreciation to the men and women who work at the CG Aviation Logistic Center (previously Aircraft Repair & Supply Center).

The UNICO Foundation's Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship provides two scholarships of $2,500 each to students pursuing a degree. Open to all ethnicities, applicants must be U.S. citizens, attend an accredited college full-time, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. They should continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year and may apply if sponsored by a UNICO chapter from specific states. This initiative underscores UNICO's commitment to supporting educational opportunities for deserving students.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Carol Troeller Second Chance Scholarship Fund

To support students with emergency financial needs with a preference for a female student in business fields of study