Best Higher Education Grants in Maine

The Hawai‘i Community Foundation is honored to provide a wealth of financial support to qualified students and nonprofit organizations throughout Hawai‘i.

HCF invests charitable funds in communities across the State primarily through nonprofit organizations. Our core programs are designed to support a stronger nonprofit sector as we believe that these organizations are one cornerstone of a vibrant civic society. We administer a number of grant making programs with targeted purposes or an island-based focus. We create grant programs that deliver solid results efficiently while informing our impact work and knowledge assets.

Leticia Diniega Health Care Scholarship Fund

The Leticia Diniega Health Care Scholarship Fund was created to provide scholarship grants to students seeking higher education.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Randy and Tina Harris Family Scholarship Fund

The Randy and Tina Harris Family Scholarship Fund is responsive to workforce readiness needs. This scholarship will be available on a rolling basis, students may apply at any time. Randy, a member of the Board of Governors at The Community Foundation starting in June 2022, owned two businesses in the area until 2021, Ultimate Subaru and Ultimate Buick GMC. As an active businessperson, philanthropist and retiree, he seeks to give back to the community he calls home. Tina and Randy have been friends to the foundation through leadership and participation, also contributing to the Virginia Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits and through the Randy and Tina Harris Family Charitable Fund. 

Apply for a Scholarship

While it is common for students to go to college after high school, earning a college degree isn’t the only option after high school, nor is it the right option for everyone.

The trades are vital, though often underappreciated, career fields that are essential for the functioning of society. Skilled trades are the backbone of our society and can be lucrative, stable career opportunities. In areas like construction, manufacturing, technology and medicine there are trades where people are able to make significant contributions to our world.

African Americans are very underrepresented in these fields. To ensure the brightest future possible, it’s crucial for African Americans interested in the trades to have the financial resources necessary to further their education.

Randy’s father, James Harris, had a successful career as a machinist and welder. He demonstrated that a college degree was not a necessity for a successful career. This scholarship was created for those African American students like James Harris, who are inspired to develop their talents in trades or taking non-traditional paths to further their education.

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.

Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233 Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233 scholarship is available to two students annually who is an Active Duty, Active Reserve, or Veteran U.S. Marine, Navy Corpsman/Chaplain (attached to an FMF unit), or the spouse, child, or grandchild of the previously listed sponsors. Students must provide a legible copy of the DD Form 214 for proof of 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 Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Molly Gill Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Molly Gill Memorial Scholarship is awarded to any area graduating high school senior who has excelled with a physical disability.

This scholarship was established in memory of Molly Gill, who was a quadriplegic as the result of an accident. Molly faced her daily challenges with courage, and a determination to further her education and become independent. Molly Gill embraced the goodness of each day and her spirit is best summarized by the following quote: “I can always say, ‘what if?’ But, I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere with that."

Mark and Kay Burkett Scholarship

Applicants must be American citizens demonstrating financial need and academic achievement, and must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Students must reside in or have attended high school within the geographic region served by Innovia Foundation.

Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Lucille I. Hudon Scholarship

Financial need, academic merit, and extra-curricular and community involvement and work experience are taken into consideration.

All scholarship grant funds must be used for tuition, books, fees and school-related expenses for the upcoming school year only. Any other use is contrary to the intended purpose of the scholarship and would make your scholarship award taxable and could lead to a revocation of funds.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Lillian M. Bailey Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors of the Selkirk School District who have demonstrated good citizenship, appreciation of American heritage and the American way of life, have displayed upstanding moral character, strong academic progress and responsibility toward others.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

John Granville Marshall Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must upload a portfolio of design work from the Mead Design Studio OR an essay of 500- words or less describing their journey pursuing a passion or curiosity.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Harold Balazs Creating Wonder Scholarship

The Creating Wonder Scholarship is for graduating high school seniors in Spokane County who are planning to attend a post-high school program at full-time status. Applicants must pursue one of the following fields: Art, Art Education, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Advertising, Marketing, Photography, Cinematography, Publishing or Graphic Arts. Samples of artwork are required for the scholarship program.

This is not intended for performing art students. Talent, discipline, commitment, passion, experience and ability to express through art are primary factors for consideration. Financial need and academic achievement are also considered. Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Gary L. Carrow Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors from Central Valley School District who have participated in the instrumental music program. Applicants must have maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher, and plan to enroll in a post-high school program at full-time status.

Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply. 

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

East Spokane Kiwanis Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors from West Valley, Central Valley, or East Valley School Districts. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic achievement.

Community involvement is also considered. 

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Don and Mable Nicholls Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating high school seniors who demonstrate financial need, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and are first generation college students (no parent or guardian has completed a 4-year bachelor's degree). Awardees must plan to enroll in a post-high school program at full-time status.

Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply. 

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Denny and Thelma Yasuhara Scholarship

Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates from the Inland Northwest who demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture and must be good citizens.

The scholarship committee will consider the applicant’s experience participating in school or community activities and job or volunteer activities, as well as his or her commitment to academic excellence and financial need. Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Cultivating Potential Scholarship Fund

This program provides assistance to individuals in Innovia service region in Eastern Washington who, through uncertain circumstances, have struggled and want a better life, but lack the resources to get started. Students must be nominated in order to apply and will receive a scholarship to their accredited school and program of choice to help offset tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, housing and other related costs associated with supporting their educational endeavors. Program requires a mentor and mentor/applicant participation in a cohort of scholarship recipients.

Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply. 

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.

Ferro Scholars Fund

The applicant must demonstrate a desire to make a positive social impact after graduation within their field of study, or demonstrate a desire to become involved on a volunteer basis.

This is not a need based scholarship.

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.

Esther Sheehy McShurley Scholarship Fund

For Esther Sheehy McShurley, giving back has always meant investing in young lives. Whether volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club of Port Salerno or raising funds through its annual events, Esther has seen firsthand how early support can change a child’s path.

“It provides a wonderful start for the boys and girls,” she says. “If we can get to children while they’re young, they can become better citizens when they get older.”

Wanting to extend her impact beyond today, Esther created the Esther Sheehy McShurley Scholarship Fund through a charitable remainder unitrust with the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The scholarship will help graduating seniors from Martin County high schools, with a preference for students pursuing vocational or technical education.

She hopes the fund will empower students who are ready to learn skills, launch careers, and build better futures — especially those who dream of starting their own businesses. “There is a great need for scholarships for young people who want to apply their knowledge directly to making a living,” she says.

Esther sees her scholarship as an extension of the work she loves most: encouraging young people to believe in their potential and take their first steps toward independence.

“This is my legacy,” she says. “It’s nice to know that the children who receive this scholarship will know who I am and what I cared about. It’s a good feeling to know that someone will have an opportunity to make something of themselves — and make this a better world.”

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.

Jacob Branen Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jacob was joyful and determined; two traits that helped him overcome the learning and physical challenges presented by his cerebral palsy. He exceeded all expectations and successfully completed his senior year without an IEP for the first time in his education. He went on to achieve a BA in Anthropology from FAU, focused on archaeology. He followed his passion by completing a “dig school” with Boston and Hebrew Universities at Tel Dor in Israel. His family was heartbroken when he was killed in an accident on his way to work at age 29. The memory of his gregarious laugh, kind heartedness and generous spirit lives on. He would have been deeply gratified to know another overcoming student would be helped in his name.

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.

Irving R. and Carol Rutkin Scholarship Fund

• High school senior attending a public or private High school in the southern part of Palm Beach County (Delray Beach to Boca Raton).
• The student must exhibit integrity and initiative.
• This is a need based scholarship.

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.

Ingebord Crede Memorial Scholarship Fund

• Student must major in secondary education, English literature or history
• Demonstrate 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.

Ernest Frank Scholarship Fund Created in Memory of Arlene Fulton Hammond

The Ernest Frank Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Arlene Fulton Hammond, a beloved neighbor and dear friend whose life embodied kindness, warmth and unwavering grace. Created by Ernest Frank, who considered Arlene a surrogate mother, the fund honors her legacy by supporting educational opportunities — something she deeply valued.

The scholarship fund serves as a lasting expression of love, respect and friendship, ensuring that Arlene’s spirit lives on by helping students pursue brighter futures — just as she would have wanted.

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.

Heather and Patrick Henry Scholarship Fund

• Must demonstrate academic achievement or academic potential.
• Must demonstrate 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.

H. David Faust Memorial Scholarship Fund

A native of Philadelphia, David made his home in West Palm Beach for more than 20 years. He was the administrative partner of Steel, Hector, Davis, Burns & Middleton (now Steel Hector & Davis), as well as attorney for the towns of Ocean Ridge and South Palm Beach. Additionally, he taught law courses at Palm Beach Community College. David was extremely active in his church, and served as a board member of the Community Foundation for six years. He was instrumental in starting the scholarship program.

Dave always said that he was content with his life, that it had been a good and satisfying one, and it surely seems to have been – a successful career, a prestigious and challenging practice, a prominence in the community, the bar, his church and his firm, blessed with a healthy and accomplished family, with a wife whose love, strength and enormous depth have been demonstrated so magnificently over this past year – all these were David’s. And perhaps, most important of all to him, was his deep and abiding faith in God. David’s life is an exemplar to all of us – the perfect partner, the great counselor, the outstanding lawyer, the effortlessly skilled leader, the caring father and husband. While he was here, he set a course for all of us in our daily lives which we will be proud to point to and should hope to emulate.”

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.

Harry and Bertha Bronstein Memorial Scholarship Fund

For Students in Martin County.

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.

George and Arlene F. Lepeska Scholarship Fund

• Student should demonstrate strong extracurricular activities, academic excellence.
• Must 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.

Harrington Scholarship Fund for Martin County

For Students in Martin County.

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.

Harman Family Scholarship Fund

Graduating high school senior residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County.

Roy F. Mather Scholarship

Born in 1918, Roy F. Mather, Jr. described himself as the product of the Great Depression. He contributed to his family's livelihood at a young age, caring for his two younger brothers and working a wide range of agriculture-related jobs available in California's San Fernando Valley. During World War II, Roy worked on merchant ships that sailed from northern Chile to Washington's Puget Sound, transporting nitrate for explosives production. After the War, Roy returned to southern California to marry his wife, Geraldine. They had two children and were married 59 years. Roy applied the work ethic developed in his youth to a variety of jobs—as a Fuller Brush dealer and at aeronautical engineering positions at Lockheed and McDonald Douglas. While raising a family and often working more than one job, Roy took classes at night offered through the University of California's extension services – math, science and law. Later, Roy and his wife lived in Latin America which held a special place for them.

Roy retired in 1969, and he and Geraldine moved to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In his early 60's, Roy could swing a heavy Polanski needed to fight forest fires and later was a spotter for firefighting aircraft. In 1975, Roy and Geraldine moved to Vancouver, Washington.

Roy's character, direction and drive were shaped during times that were much tougher than most of us experience today. In commenting on his hope for his scholarship fund, Roy said, "I want the students to be goal oriented and serious. Earnest, really. I know those are broad terms, but they are ones that helped me throughout my life. I want to reward those students who possess these qualities that will contribute to their future success and life fulfillment."

Award Information

Awards are between $2,000 - $3,500 and are at the discretion of the committee.