Best Grants for BIPOC in Illinois

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

 Blue Flame Credit Union Scholarship Fund

Most families need scholarship help when it comes to paying for college for their children.

Academic Scholarships for Full-Time Students

As a benefit of membership, Blue Flame Credit Union provides eligible student members with the opportunity to apply for scholarships through the Carolina’s Credit Union Foundation. Applications are generally available beginning mid December, with scholarships usually being awarded the following May.

Roy and Linda Funk Scholarship

The Roy and Linda Funk Scholarship Fund was established to assist students in pursuing additional schooling. This scholarship is available to students from the I-70 corridor on the Eastern Plains of Colorado. Students may only receive this award once; past recipients may not reapply.

Scholarship amount:

• $2,500

Number of awards:

• 2

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Frances E. Curtis NAACP Scholarship

For graduating high school seniors or a graduate from a high school located in Dickinson, Ottawa, or Saline Counties, with ties to NAACP-Salina

Background

The Frances E. Curtis NAACP Scholarship was established to assist students with ties to the NAACP-Salina.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

The Jean Dreyfus Lectureship for Undergraduate Institutions Grant provides a $25,000 award to facilitate a visit by a notable researcher in the chemical sciences to undergraduate institutions. It includes funding for summer research fellowships for two students and requires the researcher to deliver accessible lectures to the public. This initiative honors Jean Dreyfus's legacy and supports the engagement of undergraduates in scientific research and discourse.

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Donald D. Casson Character Counts ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who have participated in a character education program, such as Character Counts. 

Our Mission

Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship

Rebecca Lynn Seto was an amazing young lady with a huge heart and a wacky sense of humor. Despite being non-verbal and having a very rare syndrome that no one, including education and medical staff, had ever encountered before, she touched the lives of many. Family was most important to Becky. She was happiest at family gatherings, where singing "Happy Birthday" would excite her immensely. She was an active, lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she loved attending services and socializing with her church family, classmates, friends, and even strangers. Her contagious smile and laughter lit up rooms and stadiums, and she was ecstatic at her first live game watching her beloved NY Giants. Her smile and laughter were present during many of the activities she loved, such as riding roller coasters, dancing, kayaking, drumming, swimming, and bike riding.

Becky and her family benefited greatly from the help of special educators, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. The staff who got the most from Rebecca and whom she enjoyed working with the most were those who took the time to understand her quirky personality, her likes, and dislikes. Most importantly, they figured out how to communicate with her even though she couldn’t talk. They used this understanding to build successful programming and goals for her. Over her lifetime, from early intervention through high school, teams who worked with Becky were innovative and engaged her, making her excited to go to school and work with them.

Sadly, Rebecca passed away on May 3, 2024, at the age of just thirty-one. Becky’s impact on people will continue through the Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship, benefiting those studying special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, or social work.

Our Mission

Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship

Mental health issues are among the most common health issues affecting individuals and families today. 

Mental illness can make it a challenge for families by not only affecting those who suffer directly but also those suffering indirectly. The Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship will not only help fund a student's education, but will also memorialize Elizabeth Schalk, who suffered from mental illness throughout her life.

To apply, write about how mental illness has had an effect on you and/or the people you are close to.

Mid Shore Community FoundationMid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Frederick Douglass Scholarship (2026-07-27)Awarded to students graduating from high schools in Talbot County. 

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Harwood Foundation ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Dorchester County Public Schools. 

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Tunica Woman’s Club Betty Jo Dulaney Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a young woman residing in Tunica County who embodies the spirit of volunteerism and exemplifies the core values of the Tunica Woman’s Club—dedication to service, advocacy for women, children, and families, commitment to global change, and the empowerment of women.

Our Mission

Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

David Foster Memorial Scholarship

David Foster was a teacher who changed the lives of thousands of students.

David not only created a vibrant classroom environment, but made an impact on his students that often lasted for decades. This was the result of his willingness to go above and beyond, engaging students’ curiosity, opening their minds to new ideas, and challenging the status quo.

This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of David Foster by supporting students who have adopted new ways of thinking through a high school teacher’s boldness to transcend the standard curriculum, reframe stale ideas, apply radical teaching techniques, or motivate students in unique ways.

To apply, tell us about a teacher who significantly influenced you and how that influence shaped your approach to life.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Woicke Family Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are of Hispanic/Latino descent, who speak English as a second language AND/OR are first-generation college students.

Mid Shore Community Foundation 

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Madisyn Yiannakis "Let Your Light Shine" Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from high schools in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties, who are planning to attend a vocational, trade, or career school

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Weygand-Rotary Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Dorchester County Public High Schools

The Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National College Grant (PCMNCG) supports small college science departments by providing grants for scientific equipment, teaching aids, and library materials. With a maximum funding of $10,000, this initiative promotes excellence in science education and encourages proposals that demonstrate effective integration of requested resources into curricula. Eligible institutions must have fewer than 5,000 students, ensuring that funds significantly impact undergraduate science education across diverse fields.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Michaela D. Coulbourn Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Caroline County Public Schools, who are planning to pursue degrees in Education.

The Arts Work Fund: Arts Capacity Grant Program supports small and mid-sized arts organizations in Chicago and Cook County by enhancing their operational practices. Established in 2006, it offers grants up to $40,000 to bolster organizational resilience, improve community engagement, and advance strategic initiatives. Eligible organizations must have an arts-focused mission, operate under a budget of $2 million, and be located in the specified regions. The program prioritizes those with clearly defined capacity-building needs.

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Marlin U. Zimmerman ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who are planning to pursue degrees in Education, Business, or History.

The Dr. James T. Mellonig Regeneration Research Award, funded by the American Academy of Periodontology, honors outstanding research in periodontal regeneration. With a $10,000 scholarship, it is open to second- and third-year residents or recent graduates in accredited periodontal programs who have contributed original research. Applicants must be AAP members and U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aiming to advance clinical therapies in periodontics. This award commemorates Dr. Jo Rummelhart's legacy and the impact of her work in the field.

The Foundation awards scholarships to nontraditional students, students who are not graduating from high school this academic year, who are continuing their education through degree or certificate programs, seminars, workshops, or customized training. The application is open throughout the year, and applications are reviewed and determined on a quarterly basis. 

Brooke & Trish Harwood Career and Technology Scholarship

Awarded to residents of Kent County, who are planning to attend a vocational, trade, or career school.

The Foundation awards scholarships to nontraditional students, students who are not graduating from high school this academic year, who are continuing their education through degree or certificate programs, seminars, workshops, or customized training. The application is open throughout the year, and applications are reviewed and determined on a quarterly basis. 

Rotary Club of Easton Centennial Trades Scholarship

Awarded to residents of Talbot County, who are nontraditional (adult) students.

The Foundation awards scholarships to nontraditional students, students who are not graduating from high school this academic year, who are continuing their education through degree or certificate programs, seminars, workshops, or customized training. The application is open throughout the year, and applications are reviewed and determined on a quarterly basis. 

Shaw Family Opportunity Scholarship

Awarded to residents of Caroline County, who are nontraditional (adult) students.

The Robert S. Schoor Research Award Program, supported by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, offers a $2,000 annual award for resident-written manuscripts in periodontology. It encourages significant research topics related to clinical practice, honoring Robert S. Schoor, DDS, a leader in periodontal education. Full-time residents in accredited US periodontal programs are eligible to apply, with co-applications accepted under certain conditions. Manuscripts should be suitable for submission to the Journal of Periodontology.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Jeanne B. Marts Scholarship

The Jeanne B. Marts Scholarship was established to provide assistance to Salina area students who are intending to major in elementary or secondary education.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

The $20,000 Nevins Teaching and Clinical Research Fellowship, offered by the American Academy of Periodontology, aims to support emerging periodontal educators facing educational debt. This fellowship is awarded over two years, providing $10,000 annually to assist with income alongside full-time academic teaching roles. Eligible candidates include board-certified periodontal educators with one to five years of teaching experience in U.S. programs, selected through a competitive application and interview process.

Tad Fujioka Memorial Scholarship

A fund created in memory of Tad Fujioka to support graduates of Sitka High School, Pacific High School, Mount Edgecumbe High, or Sitka School District REACH homeschool. The scholarship will support college or vocational training in career choices that will help support the wellbeing and resilience of members of small Alaska communities.

Tad had great-grandparents who settled in Ketchikan in the early 1900's where his father learned to love fishing in Alaska. When Tad was one year old, he and his parents moved to Juneau, where Tad also learned to love fishing. After college, he moved to Sitka, where fishing was even better. After a stint of working in engineering, marrying, and starting a family, he got a salmon troll permit. He soon became involved not only in fishing but also in fishery policy and regulation, where his analytical ability helped to evaluate management proposals. His patience and diplomacy allowed him to effectively articulate ideas and solutions to problems he saw in existing conditions and propose measures, both in the management of the fishery and also in the processing sector, where he served as board chairman of the Seafood Producers Cooperative. He became a respected and effective advocate for the sustainability of the small boat fishing fleet, which supports the economy of many small towns and communities in Alaska. Commitment to serving his community included 20 years serving on the Sitka Advisory Committee to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, teaching friends and students to harvest wild foods, and sharing his harvest throughout the community and the state.

To honor his legacy, his family has chosen to honor Tad by starting the Tad Fujioka Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Veterans Cemetery Grants program, administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, provides financial assistance to establish, expand, and improve Veterans cemeteries across the United States. With over $910 million awarded, this initiative ensures that state and tribal governments can maintain these sacred sites, supporting the interment of Veterans and their eligible family members. Grants cover up to 100% of project costs, reinforcing the commitment to honor those who served.