Best Higher Education Grants in Maine

Who We Are

We weave the work of communities, connecting and uplifting passionate people, critical resources and transformational ideas. Working side by side with every corner and sector of our region, we have identified social and economic justice as the most critical elements to a thriving community. We serve to advance efforts in these areas by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and authentic engagement for a more equitable southwest Washington.

John and Maradee Potter Scholarship

Maradee Potter established this scholarship to honor her husband, John who died in 2021. John was retired from his career as a proofreader legal editor. John and Maradee were married for 36 years. Maradee is honoring her husband and her work to provide scholarships for students who have graduated from high schools located in Clark County, Washington and have been a recipient of Special Education services with a documented disability. Maradee worked in the Vancouver Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher during her career and continues to be an advocate for people with disabilities by serving on the Clark County Community Services Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and Homes for Community Living Board. It is important to the donor that people with disabilities have equitable access to education and the support necessary to pursue post-secondary education and career training.

Award Information

The number and amount of scholarships will be determined by the scholarship committee. The scholarship may be renewable. Renewal applicants must reapply each year.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

John Masus Memorial Scholarship Fund

Originally the Masus Financial Group Scholarship Fund, the fund was renamed the John Masus Memorial Scholarship Fund as a memorial to John Masus at the time of his passing.

The Fund supports scholarships to graduating high school seniors who reside within the 60510 zip code in Kane County. 

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

W. Charlie Hooper & Shirley Linder Hooper Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created upon receipt of a bequest from the estates of W. Charlie and Shirley Hooper.

W. Charlie Hooper (1909-1995) was born in Hillsboro, Texas. He was an accountant with Podolak, Hooper and Kerr in Aurora.

Mr. Hooper also was a charter member of the Aurora Optimist Club and a member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge of Aurora and New England Congregational Church.

Shirley Hooper (1911-2003) was born in Grand Junction, Colorado. She also was a member of New England Congregational Church. During the last years of the couple’s life, they resided in Venice, Florida.

Scholarships from this fund are available to residents of the Foundation’s service area.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Urban & Margaret Hipp Family Endowment Fund

The Urban and Margaret Hipp Family Endowment Fund provides scholarships to local students.

This fund was created in 1964 as an advisory fund and became an endowment fund in 2009.

Urban Hipp (1913-2011) was born in Aurora, Illinois. He was a graduate of East Aurora High School and the University of Illinois (Class of 1936).

In 1939, he began his career at the Barber Greene Company where he served as vice president of finance and a director prior to his retirement in 1978. Mr. Hipp also was a director of the Old Second National Bank, Mercy Center Hospital and the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce.

Margaret Barber Hipp (1915-1999) was born in Aurora, Illinois. She was the daughter of Harry H. Barber (co-founder of the Barber Greene Company) and Blanche Capron Barber.

Mrs. Hipp graduated from the University of Illinois in 1937 where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She was active in many community activities including the Child Welfare Society and the Tuesday Garden Club.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

The Limoges & Gilmore Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Limoges & Gilmore Scholarship Endowment Fund was endowed in 2024, and provides a scholarship to students with financial need from the Aurora or CFFRV service area who have demonstrated service and empathetic leadership within their community. The fund was created by the family who are long-term residents of the Aurora area who have provided service and leadership within the community. The family has provided service and board level positions to community service, church, school, and non-profit organizations.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

The Italian-American Mutual Aid Society of Aurora, Illinois Scholarship Endowment Fund

Since 1932, The Italian-American Mutual Aid Society of Aurora has maintained a strong commitment to the Aurora community through the support of numerous civic projects.

In 1995, the organization created a scholarship fund to benefit area students studying at the college or university level. In the awarding of scholarships from this fund, preference is given to applicants of Italian descent.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Shirley M. Hurd Education Scholarship Fund

The Shirley M. Hurd Education Scholarship Fund was created upon receipt of a bequest from the estate of Shirley Miller Hurd.

The fund supports college scholarships for local students. In the awarding of these scholarships, preference is given to students attending Northwestern University.

Mr. Hurd organized and was president of the world famous Sealmaster Softball team. He and his wife traveled throughout the country with the team, which eventually achieved championship status. Mrs. Hurd was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where she established a scholarship for students attending St. Peter Catholic School.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Susan Laz Vogus Scholarship Endowment Fund

This scholarship fund was established by Jerry, Mike, and Tim Vogus in honor and memory of their wife and mother, Susan Laz Vogus (1947-2023). The scholarship will be awarded annually to two eligible Kane County applicants per year and will prioritize students with financial need. 

Laz, as she was known to her friends, was an admired, beloved, and impactful activist, advocate, educator, leader, mother, and sister. She believed in the power of education and everyone having access to high-quality schools and a loving home where they could feel secure and supported. She created that for her family and was an outstanding teacher, whether serving students in inner-city Milwaukee or those pursuing a GED at the Illinois Youth Center. Later, she served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), helping children navigate the child welfare system, for which she was recognized as Illinois CASA Advocate of the Year in 2004.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Robin M. Hodgson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

Mrs. Hodgson served on numerous local and national volunteer organizations, including the Family Counseling Service of Aurora, the Oswegoland Park & Recreation Foundation and the Community Foundation Scholarship Committee. She was survived by her husband, John Hodgson, two daughters and five grandchildren.

Family and friends created a scholarship fund in her memory to help local students achieve their dreams of a higher education. This fund was endowed in 2024.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Richard J. & Irma E. Larson Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Richard J. and Irma E. Larson Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to help Aurora area high school graduates attend colleges and universities to further their education in the fields of law, teaching, Christian ministry and agriculture.

Richard, better known as Dick, and Irma are both graduates of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Dick received his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Irma earned her Master’s Degree from Northern Illinois University.

Irma has served on several community boards, including Child Welfare, the Aurora YWCA, P.E.O. Chapter DD, and The Mid-West Early American Pressed Glass Club. After retirement, she volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for nine years.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Ralph & Alice Kramp Scholarship Endowment Fund in Memory of Randy Kramp

The Ralph and Alice Kramp Scholarship Endowment Fund in Memory of Randy Kramp was created in 2010.

Randy Kramp, a lifelong Auroran, was forty years old when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After a three-year battle, he died in June of 2010 of complications from the treatment. Mr. Kramp joined Cub Scouts as soon as he reached the age of eligibility and that began a lifelong enjoyment and commitment to the values of scouting. After he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, he assumed the role of adult leadership as a Wood Badger. He remained active in scouting his entire life.

Scholarships from this fund are available to current or former Boy Scouts in the Fox Valley who are pursuing a higher education toward a career in the field of fire service or emergency medical service.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Alfred I., Catharine J., and Eleanor G. Switzer Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, aims to support local youth residing in Los Osos, CA. This scholarship is open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, providing them with essential financial assistance to pursue their educational goals. By fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, the foundation encourages students to achieve their dreams and contribute positively to their community.

About

Created by the community for the good of the community, the GLCCF is here to turn problems into opportunities through strategic grant making and initiatives created to address our region’s most pressing needs. We work with you to identify your charitable goals, and we ensure that they are carried out efficiently.

Work with us to make the kind of impact you want to see in your community. Let us take on the financial complexities and paperwork, while you focus on the important things like fostering good works throughout our community.

When you give to the Greater Lake City Community Foundation, you are making an investment that will benefit the community, now and in the future.

GLCCF Trade School Scholarship

To award scholarships annually to qualified applicants who intend to pursue education to gain a trade school certification.

Patricia Schroder Memorial Scholarship

Pat had a big heart for helping others and devoted her life to assisting, teaching, and coaching students with disabilities. She worked as a special education teacher's assistant at various schools across the Evergreen School District after earning her Masters, she moved to White Salmon, Washington, where she taught at Columbia High School. In 1994, she moved back to Vancouver and accepted a teaching position at Camas High School where she taught social studies and special education. She retired in 2010 after more than 16 years with the Camas School District.

Pat had a big heart for helping others. She loved and took interest in many of her students throughout her teaching career. She was also actively involved in Special Olympics as a coach and volunteer in addition to providing temporary respite care relief for families of children with special needs.

Additionally, Pat developed a passion for politics at an early age when she first served as a government page at the Washington State Capitol during her senior year in high school. She became an active member in Washington State Democrats, where she attended state democratic caucuses and managed senatorial and legislative campaigns. She also successfully spearheaded the passage of levy and bond election campaigns to support educational programs in the Evergreen School District. Her love for politics later resulted in her running and being elected as Mayor of the city of White Salmon in 1992, where she held the post for two years. Pat enjoyed visiting Frisco, Texas to spend time with her family whenever she could.

Award Amount

2 scholarships are awarded each year. Awards will likely be between $1,000-$1,400.

Pacific Northwest Gold Star Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC), which connects veteran advocacy organizations in and around southwest Washington.

Award Information

Awards from this fund are $2,500. 

Maury and Betty Hull Endowed Scholarship

The Maury and Betty Hull Scholarship was created to honor their lives and appreciation for their hometown, Forks, WA. The scholarship was established to help community students pursue their higher education dreams.

Award Information

Awards begin at $2,000 and are at the discretion of the committee.

LSW Architects Legacy Scholarship

The LSW Architects Legacy Scholarship Fund was established in honor of LSW Architects' founding leaders and their ability to imagine and build in creative space. 

Number and Size of Awards:

The number and size of awards may vary and are determined by the selection committee. Minimum award amount is $2,500.

Number of Awards: 4

Total Amount Awarded: $10,000

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Women’s Empowerment Scholarship Fund

Florida Resident and female high school or non-traditional students who exhibit financial need (as defined by the Foundation’s scholarship policies).

This FOA is intended for proposals related to basic and applied research in the STEM categories, and not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement.The proposal submission process has two stages:I. Applicants are encouraged to submit a white paper first to Grants@NPS.edu, ; andII. Applicants must submit a full proposal through Grants.gov (do not submit white papers through Grants.gov, only full proposals)Applicants are encouraged to submit a White Paper in advance of a Full Proposal to minimize the labor and other costs associated with the production of detailed full proposals that have little chance of being selected for funding. Based on an assessment of the white papers, the responsible Research Program Officer will provide informal feedback notification to the prospective awardees to encourage or discourage submission proposals. The Research Program Officer may also, on occasion, provide feedback encouraging re-work to strengthen a proposal. White Papers may be submitted at any time during the open period of this FOA. A separate White Paper is required for each research proposal.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Williamson Pioneer Fund

Must demonstrate community involvement and show financial need.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Trimble Scholarship for Martin County Fund

• Must participate in extracurricular activities.
• Based on financial need.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Thomas William Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund

He believed that a person could do anything if they sat down and read how to do it. When WWII started, he was the first man from the state of South Carolina to enlist in the U.S. Army. He quickly rose to captain and spent most of the war in the Pacific (the Queen of Fiji considered him a friend). Later, Thomas had a long career at Harcourt Brace publishing.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Alcus Family Scholarship Fund

• Demonstrate Financial Need.
• Student must continue to meet the Foundation’s renewal requirements.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Thomas F. Kearney Memorial Scholarship Fund

Not based on financial need.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Congressman Mark Foley Scholarship for Journalism Education Fund

Must be enrolled in a program with a major in Journalism.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Nettie Spiro Finkle Scholarship Fund

Demonstrate community involvement and financial need.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Frances F. Bourque Scholarship Fund Endowment established by Old School Square Center for the Arts

This scholarship honors Frances Bourque’s extraordinary legacy by nurturing the next generation of arts visionaries. It exists to ignite in young people the same passion for creative expression and cultural preservation that has defined Frances’s remarkable life of service.