Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Kentucky

Bettye Davis East High School STEM Scholarship Fund

The East High School STEM Scholarship is established to honor Sandra and Kenji Kusano.

The Bettye Davis East High School STEM Scholarship was established to honor Sandra and Kenji Kusano. Like many others, Sandy and Kenji Kusano followed their dreams to Alaska. Sandy's first job at ARCO turned into a 51-year career in the same building. Kenji started a Japanese restaurant, Yamato Ya, which they owned for 26 years. This scholarship honors their inspiring work ethic and dedication to providing opportunities for others.

Bettye Davis East High School STEM Scholarship supports a graduating high school senior from Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School pursuing a bachelor degree in STEM.

Bring Back the Trades Tool Grant Program 

Across the country, vocational programs are often forced to teach with outdated, broken, or consumer-grade equipment. The Bring Back the Trades Grant Program changes the narrative by putting “Nothing But Heavy Duty” technology into the hands of students. By providing professional tools, we show students that their education—and their future career—is worth the highest standard of equipment.

Thanks to numerous schools and programs letting us know they need help supporting future tradespeople, we have made a commitment to grant $1,500 in tools monthly to a public school or nonprofit. Milwaukee Tool committed to supporting the program through 2026, so the awards in 2026 will be shipped directly to winning organization by Milwaukee Tool!

Objective: To equip public schools and community nonprofits with professional-grade Milwaukee Tool kits, fostering a culture of craftsmanship, safety, and respect for the tools of the trade.

Application Deadline: Rolling. A winner will be chosen each month from applications received over the previous six months. The winner will be notified via phone or email. The winner will receive the tools requested (based on availability and up to $1,500 in retail value). Tools and equipment/supplies will be shipped only to the address on the application. Applicants that have not been chosen as a winner of the grant may reapply after six months. Schools/organizations may win no more than once in a 3-year time period.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Carroll County Food Services Association Scholarship

The purpose of this Fund is to provide scholarships to seniors graduating from any public high school in Carroll County, Maryland. The Carroll County Food Services Association Scholarship will be awarded one or more students who have successfully completed high school; been accepted at an accredited college, university or culinary arts school; and met the criteria established for this award.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Donald Franklin and Marilyn Good Holdren Scholarship

Marilyn Good Holdren was born in 1938 in Chillicothe, OH. She received her formal education at Huntington High School and Franklin School of Science and Arts. She served as a medical transcriptionist at Chillicothe Hospital for eight years, and spent the remainder of her life dedicated wo her work and friends at Battelle Memorial Institute. In 1963, she met the love of her life, Donald Franklin Holdren, and in 1975, they were married.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Ryan MacKenzie Memorial 4-H Scholarship

The purpose of Ryan MacKenzie Memorial 4-H Scholarship is to provide scholarships for high-school graduates in Carroll County, Maryland who participate in the Carroll County 4-H Programs (sheep or horses) and meet the Fund’s criteria.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Nathan A. Blizzard Memorial 4-H/FFA Scholarship

The purpose of Nathan A. Blizzard Memorial 4-H/FFA Scholarship is to provide scholarships for high school graduates in Carroll County, Maryland, who are current or former 4-H or FFA members.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Kelly Hale Memorial Award

This award is open to 4-H members in all Maryland Counties who are participants in the State Poultry Judging contest at the Maryland State fair. Kelly Hale, BA, MBA, CPA and her father Glenn Haines coached the Carroll County Poultry Judging Team for 17 years. She also attended the National Poultry and Egg Conference in Kentucky, when she was in 4-H. Kelly graduated from Francis Scott Key High School in 1998, Bridgewater College in 2002, and she received her Master’s Degree from Mt. St. Mary’s University. She was employed by Rager, Lehman & Houck, Carroll Hospital Center, and Legal & General America. She served on the Board of Directors of the Carroll County Community Media Center. Kelly died in 2014 leaving a husband and two young sons. This award is established in her honor.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Karen Macleod Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of Karen Macleod Memorial Scholarship is to honor the life of Karen Macleod by providing scholarships to graduating students in Carroll County who have participated in 4-H programs (sheep or horses) as outlined in the criteria.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H John J. Mazur, Jr. Memorial 4-H Scholarship

The purpose of John J. Mazur, Jr. Memorial 4-H Scholarship is to provide scholarships for high-school graduates who have participated in Carroll County 4-H programs in livestock and photography.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H HTI Contractors 4-H Scholarship

The purpose of the HTI CONTRACTORS 4-H SCHOLARSHIP is to provide scholarships to graduating seniors or students already in college from any Carroll County Public high school accepted or already enrolled at an accredited college or technical school who has participated in the Carroll County 4-H Program for at least three years and has exhibited livestock during that time. The scholarship will be awarded to one male and one female who meet the criteria established for the fund.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Frank Feeser Memorial Carroll County 4-H/FFA Awardp

The purpose ofthe 4-H Frank Feeser Memorial Carroll County 4-H/FFA Award is to honor the life of FRANKLIN ELLSWORTH FEESER by providing an award to youth who has participated in the Carroll County 4-H or FFA programs specializing and showing excellence in swine knowledge and skills and who meets the criteria established for this award.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Danielle Knell Memorial 4-H Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to honor the life of DANIELLE K. KNELL by providing scholarship(s) for college bound students in Carroll County, Maryland who have shown academic achievement and participated in the Carroll County 4-H Horsemanship Programs and who have been accepted at an accredited College, University or Technical School. Applications will also be accepted from continuing students i.e. those already in college from the Carroll County 4-H Horsemanship Programs who meet the criteria established for this scholarship.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Fred F. and Herman M. Dreier Scholarship

The scholarship was founded to support students from Muskingum County, Ohio who plan to pursue an education in engineering, pre-medicine, agriculture, or veterinary science.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Lehman Family Scholarship

The Lehman Family Scholarship applicants should:

• Be graduating seniors from Lincoln, Morse or San Diego (downtown San Diego only) High Schools
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• Have a commitment to their community as demonstrated in their involvement in extracurricular activities, work or volunteer experience or church activities
• Preference for foreign born children of immigrant parents

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Lauer Scholarship

The Lauer Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating seniors from a San Diego County public high school who plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Be actively involved in serving their community as demonstrated by their involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service or work experience and must describe how they plan to give back to their community during and after college
• Have demonstrated social responsibility and a high level of integrity
• Have parents who have not received a college degree
• Have a demonstrated financial need

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Scholarship Fund of The Stephen H. Barmakian Family Foundation

Stephen H. Barmakian was born in Cambridge, MA on July 5, 1926, a son of the late Haroutune Kevork and Armenoohi Barmakian. He grew up with his brother Haig in a tight-knit and loving family, and the two brothers, although four years apart, were as close as twins. Stephen was a standout athlete and talented enough on the baseball field to have been signed to a major league contract by the Boston Red Sox. His plans to work the diamond were interrupted by World War II and a few months after graduating from Watertown High in 1944, he joined the U.S. Army. Stephen’s older brother and best friend, who he affectionately called ‘Haigy,’ had been fighting with General George S. Patton’s Third Army since the liberation of Europe had begun earlier that year. On the first of February, 1945, Haigy was killed in action fighting with his unit in Germany and the world changed forever for Stephen and his family. It took weeks for the news to come home to Watertown, and even longer to reach Stephen. Following his discharge from the Army at the war’s end, Stephen enrolled at Northeastern University and later transferred to Boston University, all while resurrecting his baseball career. He played for a time with the Saint Louis Browns organization. Until his retirement, Stephen worked for the federal government as a public relations specialist. He was a member of Pequossette Lodge A.F. & A.M., and had been a life member of The Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts. He remained active and independent all his life and was known to walk for miles well into his eighties. He is remembered by many dear friends, including Joseph Balian and Madeline Ives.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

R + L Carriers Scholarship

The scholarship supports the R+L Carriers employees' dependent children in achieving their higher education goals.

Betsy Rueb Scholarship

The late Mary “Betsy” E. Rueb created this generous scholarship through a gift from her estate. Born in 1936 in Tiffin, Ohio, Betsy moved to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University, where she met her husband, Floyd. Early in their marriage, Floyd taught Betsy about investing—a skill she quickly mastered. After many years of living simply and investing wisely, Betsy left the largest endowed gift ever received by The Columbus Foundation, totaling $55 million.

Described as charitable, modest, charming, frugal, opinionated, and intelligent, Betsy enjoyed doing needlepoint, watching golf tournaments, and meticulously tracking and researching her investments. Betsy also deeply loved children and wanted her gift to open the door to educational opportunities for young people. 

Through her wise investments and generous heart, Betsy Rueb was able to create a legacy that will provide meaningful and significant support to promising students throughout central Ohio in perpetuity.

Award Amount:

• Each award amount is determined based on the need of the recipient.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Larry Waters Scholarship

The Larry Waters Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors from Kearny High, Eastlake High, and Southwest High schools who plan to enroll full-time in a four-year university, or community college with the intent to transfer to a four-year university, anywhere in the U.S.
• Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need

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.

Richard R. Montgomery Scholarship Fund

The Richard R. Montgomery Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by his family and friends to honor him after he passed away on June 22, 2004. Dick came to Battle Creek to work at the Enquirer and News after graduating in Journalism from Michigan State University. He later worked at Clark Equipment as the national sales promotion manager. Dick was a talented, enthusiastic person whose positive attitude enriched all who had the good fortune of knowing him. He worked to enhance the quality of life in the Battle Creek community through his many years of community involvement. He focused on problems that required action. He applied his positive spirit and his eloquent voice to many issues. Dick felt that he could make a difference in the lives of young people by his personal involvement on the General Scholarship Committee of the Battle Creek Community Foundation Scholarship Program. This scholarship has been established to help individuals who are starting out on their educational journey following high school graduation. It is our hope that recipients of this scholarship will display the same character and compassion to better their community as Dick Montgomery did.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Swenson Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Leland L. Swenson, who established the Swenson Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dr. Leland Swenson practiced orthopedic surgery in Muskegon from 1949-1978 and worked at Hackley Occupational Health Clinic, completing orthopedic disability evaluations from 1985-2005. The Swenson family wished to continue with their charitable actions, and believe the Community Foundation would carry out their wishes. The Swenson Family Scholarship is designed to provide scholarships to students throughout Muskegon County.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Carroll A. Lambton Memorial Fund

The Carroll A. Lambton Memorial Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide undergraduate and graduate scholarships for the educational needs of the employees and children of employees of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) along with members and children of members of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Mary Elizabeth Martin Scholarship Trust, established in 1961, provides financial support for students pursuing higher education in the U.S. Managed by US Bank and the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, this private foundation awards scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000 annually. Eligible recipients include organizations exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that funds are allocated for charitable and educational purposes.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

A. Gordon and Betty H. Imhoff Scholarship

The scholarship supports students from Shelby High School. Gordon and Betty Imhoff were both graduates of Shelby High School and wanted to support students from the school as they further their education.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Amanda Rush Scholarship Fund for Future Leaders

This fund was established to celebrate the life of Amanda Rush who tragically died on October 23, 2020. Amanda worked at White Castle for 14 years, working her way up to manager. This scholarship will support central Ohio restaurant employees or students going to school for restaurant management or hospitality.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Devin Aumend Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship was created by Devin’s Mother, Denise Aumend. Despite her physical disability, Devin was always involved in her community through activities including 4-H, Girl Scouts, and church youth activities. Throughout her life, Devin overcame many challenges and obstacles due to her physical disability. This led her to become an independents and determined young lady, maintaining excellent grades throughout school, and earning the title of Valedictorian of her Highland High School class of 2003. Devin completed her Bachelor’s Degree with honors, and her Master’s degree with honors. The Devin Aumend Memorial Scholarship is her mother’s way of honoring Devin for many years to come.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Dr. Patty's Scholarship

Dr. Patricia (Patty) Cunningham was a three-time graduate of The Ohio State University, receiving her Bachelor’s in Women’s Studies (with a minor in Black Studies), Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and a Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations. Dr. Patty taught leadership courses covering a vast array of topics, such as: poverty, race, gender, and civic engagement, among others. Dr. Patty was much more than an average professor. She was an extreme advocate of social communities and organizations all over Ohio, including schools, senior centers, community recreation centers, and incarceration facilities. Her work spanned from downtown urban environments to Appalachia, making everyone she encountered feel seen, heard, hopeful, and inspired.

Dr. Patty was the founder and Director of the Buckeye Civic Engagement Connection (BCEC), which eventually became the Department of Social Change in The Ohio State University’s (OSU) Office of Student Life. The Department of Social Change, at its peak, used student employees and volunteers to facilitate over 50 programs in eight neighborhoods every week, focused on empowering and engaging underserved and impoverished communities while teaching students crucial civic engagement and leadership skills. Dr. Patty was also a mentor to several students, including many in the Todd A. Bell National Resource Center (BNRC) for the African American Male, The Morrill Scholarship Program, and several student organizations, including Alpha Epsilon Phi Fraternity and Unplugging Society: A Women of Color Think Tank.