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Search Through Social Justice Grants in Kalamazoo, Michigan

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Glen C. Smith Jr./KCC Caddie Scholarship

The Glen C. Smith Jr./KCC Caddie Scholarship was established at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation in 1985 by the Kalamazoo Country Club Caddie Committee in honor of Glen Smith, Jr. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide scholarship assistance to young people in qualified caddie programs at member clubs of the Golf Association of Michigan and the Western Golf Association.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

The Roy G. Walters Memorial Scholarship, established by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation in 1995, supports high school seniors from Kalamazoo County, Michigan. This one-time scholarship recognizes students involved in athletics and community activities who demonstrate financial need. Recipients must plan to enroll full-time in an accredited college or university. The award honors Roy G. Walters, a respected local coach, and aims to alleviate educational expenses, providing funds directly to the student's institution.

The Benjamin & Cherie Gubin Scholarship, offered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports graduate students pursuing advanced degrees. Applicants must reside in Kalamazoo County, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. This one-time award helps cover education-related expenses and is directly sent to the student's institution. Applications are typically due by March 1 each year, promoting educational equity and support for local learners.

The Bob Block Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from Kalamazoo County who excel in competitive swimming or diving. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. This one-time scholarship can be applied towards education expenses at accredited institutions, honoring the legacy of Bob Block, a distinguished local athlete and coach. The Foundation's commitment to equity ensures that this scholarship makes a lasting impact in the community.

The Dominic & Barbara Court Family Scholarship Fund, administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, provides financial support to residents of Kalamazoo County or graduates of its high schools who are pursuing graduate degrees in Veterinary Medicine. This scholarship aims to alleviate educational costs, ensuring students can focus on their studies. Applications are typically due by March 1, contributing to the Foundation's broader mission of enhancing equity and education in the community.

The E. Earl Wright Scholarship, awarded by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports Kalamazoo County students pursuing a two-year degree or vocational certification. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or current undergraduates with a minimum 2.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and have work experience. This renewable scholarship honors Dr. E. Earl Wright and provides essential financial assistance to cover various educational costs, promoting equity and access to higher education in the community.

The Enhancement Ministries Scholarship, established by Dr. V. Yvonne Conner in 2002, supports adult learners in Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties pursuing education for community service careers. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship is open to undergraduates, graduates, and vocational/trade certification seekers who demonstrate financial need and have at least five years of work experience. Funds can be applied to tuition, fees, housing, and other educational expenses, promoting equity and community service in the region.

The Eva L. Ozier Scholarship, awarded by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports Black, Non-Hispanic/Latinx high school seniors from Kalamazoo County, Michigan, pursuing post-secondary education. Eligible students must maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA and demonstrate financial need. This multiyear scholarship can be applied to various educational expenses and is renewable for up to two additional years, honoring Eva L. Ozier's contributions to the community while expanding access to higher education for students of color.

The Eva L. Ozier Scholarship for Today’s Students, provided by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports undergraduate students from Kalamazoo County who have faced educational disruptions. This multiyear scholarship is aimed at individuals pursuing various educational paths, including associate degrees and vocational training, while demonstrating financial need. The Foundation is dedicated to enhancing equity and education, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive and succeed in their academic endeavors.

The Frank & Hildegrade Goodrich Family Scholarship, administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports students from Kalamazoo County pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies at select universities. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be actively involved in college or community activities. This scholarship can be used for various educational expenses, fostering access to higher education and contributing to the community's development and equity.

The Kalamazoo Public Library Amanda Green Scholarship, offered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports graduate students in Library and Information Sciences who are residents or graduates from Kalamazoo County. This renewable scholarship helps cover tuition and related expenses, emphasizing financial need and promoting diversity in the library profession. It aims to enhance representation of librarians of color, contributing to a more equitable community and nurturing future leaders in library services.

The Kalamazoo Science Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports high-achieving students from Kalamazoo County pursuing degrees in mathematics, science, or engineering. Established in 1958, this renewable scholarship assists eligible high school seniors and undergraduates with financial need and a minimum GPA requirement. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, housing, and other educational expenses, promoting educational equity and community advancement in the region.

The Leon A. Donald J. & Jean K. Schau Scholarship, offered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports nontraditional and returning students from Kalamazoo County. This renewable scholarship is designed for those who have experienced a significant break in their education, providing financial assistance for professional certifications, associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degrees. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and have work history post-education break, ensuring they can enhance their self-sufficiency through higher education.

The Love Where You Live: Scholarship Fund, administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, provides financial support to local high school seniors and undergraduate students from Kalamazoo County. This multiyear scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other educational costs for various post-secondary programs. It aims to enhance educational equity and opportunity, fostering community well-being and long-term impact. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and be residents or graduates from a high school within Kalamazoo County.

The Michael J. & Frances D. Peikert Scholarship Fund, awarded by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, provides renewable scholarships for Kalamazoo County residents pursuing technical training or degree programs. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need. The fund covers essential educational expenses such as tuition, fees, and housing, promoting equitable access to education. Established in 1925, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster social and economic justice, ensuring long-term community impact through various funding efforts.

The Myra P. Whalen Scholarship, offered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, provides renewable support to graduate students from Kalamazoo County or its high schools pursuing full-time graduate degrees in various fields. This scholarship emphasizes financial need and can cover tuition, fees, housing, and other educational expenses. It honors Myra P. Whalen's legacy while empowering students to achieve their academic and professional goals through sustained financial assistance.

The Nancy C. Niles Donovan Scholarship, awarded by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports students from Kalamazoo or St. Joseph Counties pursuing veterinary medicine at Michigan State University. Established in 2003, this one-time scholarship is aimed at those demonstrating financial need, covering tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. It honors Nancy C. Niles Donovan's commitment to animal health and aims to empower future veterinarians to excel in their studies and contribute to the well-being of animals.

The Phyllis A. Nuyen Scholarship, offered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Kalamazoo County pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing or occupational therapy at Western Michigan University. With a maximum award of $2,000 and renewable annually, this scholarship aims to alleviate educational costs for eligible students who maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need, fostering future healthcare professionals in critical fields.

The Ronald C. Cavanaugh Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports undergraduate students from Kalamazoo County attending Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship assists with educational expenses, requiring applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. It honors the legacy of Ronald C. Cavanaugh, promoting educational opportunities for local residents and enhancing community equity.

The Montague Myers Scholarship, established by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation in 1996, supports students from Kalamazoo County who have faced significant hardships in childhood. This multiyear scholarship aids high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduates in pursuing various educational paths. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and may use the funds for tuition, housing, and other essential costs. The scholarship is renewable annually for up to four years, fostering equitable access to education in the community.

The William R. Steers Kalamazoo Community Foundation Scholarship supports high school seniors from Kalamazoo County, Michigan, who plan to attend Albion College full-time. To qualify, applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be residents of the area or graduates of its high schools. This renewable scholarship not only aids in educational expenses but also honors the legacy of William R. Steers, promoting academic success and community involvement.

The William T. Nuyen Scholarship, offered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from Kalamazoo County pursuing a bachelor's degree in aviation or engineering at Western Michigan University. This renewable scholarship requires applicants to demonstrate financial need and can cover various education-related expenses, including tuition and housing. The Foundation is dedicated to enhancing equity and education, ensuring long-term community impact through its funding initiatives.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.