Best Grants for Capital Funding in Maryland

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Louise Nader Khourey Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Louise Nader Khourey Memorial Scholarship Fund assists graduating high school seniors planning careers in foreign language education OR senior-level undergraduate or graduate foreign language students who have met the criteria for student teaching in a licensure program. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is committed to transforming health in our lifetime and to paving the way to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. To achieve that vision, RWJF supports health equity research that “increases opportunities for everyone to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who we are, where we live, or how much money we make.” Achieving health equity requires identifying solutions to the historical and contemporary root causes of inequities.

From Insight to Action: Health Equity Research that Meets This Moment

Purpose

The current challenging political environment underscores the value of timely, credible research that is grounded in real‑world conditions—the type of research that has propelled the progress toward health equity our society has made. That is why RWJF is launching this CFP as part of a new research funding program, Health Equity Research for Action (HERA). HERA will support community-rooted, action-oriented health equity research that reflects lived realities and responds to immediate and long-term needs. The research will help maintain access to evidence, support accountability, and inform efforts to build more equitable systems. HERA is being developed and will be administered by three national coordinating centers (NCCs) based at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and the Morehouse School of Medicine.

RWJF and the NCCs are interested in research that identifies the root causes of structural discrimination, challenges harmful narratives that undermine individual and community health and wellbeing, and disrupts growing mis- and disinformation. While HERA is still in its early stages, we are hoping this first CFP will sustain and advance health equity research during this critical time, while generating insights that can help shape HERA’s future funding priorities and strategies. Proposals submitted under this first CFP must include research that is conducted in equitable community partnership; focuses on at least one of RWJF’s seven Prioritized Systems; informs systems change; and leads to actionable solutions.

The Chemical Process Systems (CPS) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), focuses on advancing research in chemical and biochemical processes to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. It aims to support innovative technologies across various sectors, including manufacturing and energy. By exploring areas such as catalysis, electrochemical systems, and advanced separations, CPS seeks to improve processes and materials in critical domains like bioprocessing and nuclear fuel cycles, while fostering partnerships to drive discovery and innovation.

American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation Research Fellowships

The American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation seeks to foster university research in joining and to recognize outstanding faculty and student talent. We are again requesting your proposals for consideration by the AWS Foundation.

The Research Fellowships are $35,000 per year. $17,500 installments are paid following the submission of progress statements on November 1 and March 1. Proposals may be funded for a period of up to three years, however, renewal applications must be submitted for the second and third years. Renewal by AWS will be contingent on demonstration of reasonable progress in the research or in graduate studies.

The AWS Fellowship is awarded to the student for graduate research toward a Masters or Ph.D. Degree under a sponsoring professor at a North American University. The qualifications of the Graduate Student are key elements to be considered in the award. The academic credentials, plans, and research history (if any) of the student should be provided in the application package.

The student must prepare the proposal for the AWS Fellowship. However, the proposal must be developed under the guidance of a professor and accompanied by letters of recommendation from the sponsoring professor and others acquainted with the student's technical capabilities. Should the student selected by AWS be unable to accept the Fellowship or continue with the research at any time during the period of the award, the award will be forfeited, and no further funding will be provided by the AWS Foundation. The bulk of funding should be for student support.

Topics for the AWS Fellowship may span the full range of the joining industry. Proposals for both applied and fundamental research topics are welcome.

American Welding Society (AWS) National Scholarships

The National Scholarships are the most prestigious, high-dollar scholarships offered by the AWS Foundation. More than 130 donor-funded scholarships, totaling over $700,000, are available for students pursuing a bachelor’s or associate degree in welding or a related discipline. Scholarships range from $2,500-$10,000+. Applicants are required to submit two references and official transcripts.

National Scholarships are a crucial component of a country's commitment to promoting education and providing opportunities for its citizens to excel academically. These scholarships are designed to recognize and support outstanding students, enabling them to pursue their educational goals and contribute to the development of their nation.

The James & Ursula Williams Teacher Grants Program : Field Trip Grants

As a born native of Vallejo, James was generationally admired for his enduring work ethic and was lovingly embraced for his dedication and support to family, friends, and community. Ursula’s self-motivation, persistence, and quest for excellence brought her professional recognition. As a community activist, she shared her leadership organizational skills as a member of community and political organizations who made positive contributions to the community.

In life, they created and took advantage of all opportunities presented to them. Both recognized the important role that education made in creating healthy, happy, and productive lives for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren. The Williams Family hopes to continue their legacy through The James & Ursula Williams Family Fund.

Field Trip Grants:

Grants of up to $1,000 are available to fund 1-day excursions; field trips should have an academic component that supplements your classroom curriculum. Funds can cover the cost of transportation, and admission fees. Examples: Vallejo Flood and Water District, the Exploratorium, etc. The purpose of this program is to bring learning outside of the classroom and provide hands-on experiences to students.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) by the Department of Defense aims to enhance research capabilities at U.S. higher education institutions. It provides funding for the acquisition of essential research equipment to support education in fields critical to national defense. This initiative specifically excludes for-profit organizations, ensuring that the resources are directed towards accredited educational institutions committed to advancing scientific knowledge and engineering expertise.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Meghan Lynn Rippeon Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of the Meghan Lynn Rippeon Memorial Scholarship is to honor the life of Meghan Lynn Rippeon by providing a scholarship for any senior graduating from a Carroll County, Maryland high school who has shown academic achievement and is pursuing an education in early childhood development and who has been accepted at an accredited College, University, or Technical School. Applications will also be accepted from continuing students, i.e. those that are already in college, who meet the criteria established for this scholarship.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Michael W. Wantz Scholarship

The purpose of the Michael W. Wantz Scholarship is to honor the values, attributes, and dedication of Michael W. Wantz, the diesel teacher at Carroll County Career & Technology Center. This award is to provide scholarships for graduating seniors in Carroll County, Maryland who have attained their secondary-school diploma from the Carroll County Career and Technology Center in Diesel Technology. The scholarships shall be for those students to attend schools of higher learning or a certified program appropriate to enhance their capacities and capabilities in Diesel Technology.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Rita M Medeiros (Rita's Closet) Scholarship

The purpose of the Rita's Closet Scholarship is to honor the memory of Rita Marie Medeiros by providing scholarship (s) for graduating seniors at any public High School in Carroll County, Maryland, and the Carroll County Career and Technology Center. Because Rita was a very caring friend and spent much of her short life, giving others her time, her friendship and ultimately her organ donor gift, the Rita's Closet Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating student (s) pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited college, university or technical school who meets the criteria established for the fund.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Thomas Beyard Charitable Fund Scholarship

The purpose of the THOMAS BEYARD CHARITABLE FUND SCHOLARSHIP is to provide an annual scholarship for a deserving student-athlete in good academic standing who is a full-time student pursuing a degree at Carroll Community College and meets the criteria established for the fund.

All income in the Fund shall be used for fund purposes. The money shall be transmitted by the Community Foundation of Carroll County directly to the desired college or university and applied directly to the student's tuition and books. The monies shall not be remitted to the FUND winner.

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. 

Bee a Rae of Sunshine Foundation 4-H Scholarship

A 4-H scholarship from the Bee A Rae of Sunshine Foundation for a graduating high school senior or continuing college student who is active in 4-H in Carroll County, MD. College major must be in the agricultural sciences or other ag-related field. 2.0 GPA or higher required. A 500 word essay on the importance of ag programs in the community is also required. This scholarship is on the 4-H portal.

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 Brenda Barber 4-H Family Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of The Brenda Barber Family Memorial Scholarship is to honor the life and family of Brenda Barber by providing scholarship(s) for graduating high school seniors and continuing students who are members of Carroll County 4-H Clubs. 

Applicants must be starting college in the fall OR current college student at any community college, trade school or four-year institution. The scholarship check will be written out and mailed directly to said college or trade school. 

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

John T. & Lois Schmidt Scholarship

The John T. & Lois Schmidt Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 to support seniors and graduates of Marion County high schools who are also members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, or children or grandchildren of those on active duty or veterans. The Schmidt Fund favors applicants from Elgin High School and those with GPAs of 2.5 or better.

The Schmidt Scholarship honors John and his military service. John served in the U.S. Army during World War II, from January 1943 to January 1946 and was stationed in several overseas and exotic locales, including New Guinea, Netherland East Indies, Morotai, and Mindanao in the Philippine Islands. At the end of his service, he received an honorable discharge as a staff sergeant and had earned the Bronze Star for valor and the Bronze Arrowhead—awarded to those present on D-Day on the beaches of Normandy, France.

Prior to his military career, John graduated from Agosta High School (1941) and shortly after his service, married Lois (Kraner) in 1948. He was employed by Marion Power Shovel, Marion Industries, and retired after 29 years with Whirlpool. He was a member of the Marion County Farm Bureau, Disabled American Veterans, and VFW Post 7201. John passed in 2009 at the age of 86.

CSA Creative Work Honor

The CSA Creative Work Honor recognizes excellence in dress in its many forms, with emphasis on creative works and the making of dress objects. It pays attention to originality of concept, strength of research and concept development, inspiration and purpose, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, as well as communication about craftsmanship and the process of making. The honor is given every year to (1) one entry accepted and shown at the annual Symposium’s Exhibition of Creative Work. This entry may be the result of individual work or a collaborative endeavor. It is open to all CSA members, including career professionals, seasoned members, and young and emerging scholars who produce creative works related to dress and fashion.

All types of creative work submissions may be considered including (but not limited to): theatrical costume design, reenactment garb, reproduction, cosplay, and dress and/or conceptual design, etc. The submitters of creative works abstracts that score in the top (5) five will be eligible for this honor. The honoree will be announced at the symposium after the committee has reviewed the abstract and the creative work presented at the symposium. The recipient will receive a certificate and be recognized at the symposium. 

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Charles E. Orcena Scholarship

The late Charles Orcena was a longtime teacher in the mathematics department of Marion Technical College. This scholarship honors his memory and provides scholarships to seniors or graduates from any Marion County high school to attend Marion Technical College, with special consideration for students who have a learning or physical disability.

The fund was created in 2014 by Charles’ nephew and wife, Jason and Alycia Orcena, and supported by gifts from his family, as well as colleagues at Marion Technical College.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Catherine Amelia Thew Brown Scholarship

Dorothy Ellen Thew, a lifelong member of the Marion community, left, as part of her legacy, a gift to create three scholarship funds at Marion Community Foundation. Dorothy, a noteworthy person in her own right, designated that three scholarship funds be created from her estate to honor beloved members of her family.

The Catherine Amelia Thew Brown Memorial Scholarship honors Dorothy’s sister’s work at the former Silver Street Elementary School.

Well educated, Dorothy was a 1936 graduate of Marion Harding High School and attended Hunter College, and Indiana, East Carolina, and Toledo universities. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy Waves in 1943 and had a naval career which spanned 30 years. Dorothy worked at the selective service board from 1943-1955 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Marion Depot until its closing in 1961. She retired from the Columbus Defense Supply Center in 1979.

Her civic involvements mirrored her military career. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a Plank-Owner of the Navy Lone Sailor Memorial Association and Fleet Reserve Association, as well as the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, American Association for Retired Persons, the American and Marion County Historical societies, Marion Senior Citizens and Central Christian Church of Marion.

Rooted + Relational Community Micro-Grant Program

The Center for Puerto Rican Studies (CENTRO) at Hunter College has announced that it is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Rooted + Relational Community Micro-Grant program. CENTRO will award up to 12 grants, each up to $5,000, to non-institutionally affiliated and non-academic community organizations, individuals, or projects for community-based programs. 

The 2026-2027 the Rooted + Relational theme is Black Cuerpas: Race, Body Politics & Culture. CENTRO seeks to fund projects that examine

• How do race, gender, sexuality, and body politics shape the everyday lives and histories of Boricuas across the archipelago and diaspora? 
• What happens when we center race and Blackness in a field of study that has too often championed color-blindness and the myth of racial democracy to avoid the hard questions about racism, anti-Blackness, complicity, and erasure?

During the 2026-2027 academic year, grantees will implement their funded projects within their chosen communities. They will also present their work at a CENTRO event, attend three virtual meetings, and have their work highlighted through CENTRO’s communications and media channels. We invite community organizers, artists, creatives, writers, agricultural workers, activists, and cultural workers who reside in Puerto Rico and/or the United States and its territories to apply. 

The Center for Scholarship Administration

The Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA) provides corporations, foundations, trust funds, and individual philanthropists scholarship selection and administration management that is experienced, professional, and cost efficient while lending the program an integrity not inherent in internal selection committees.

Dudley West Scholarship

The Dudley West Scholarship is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.

The recipients may attend any accredited public or private, two-year or four-year college, university, trade, technical, vocational, undergraduate, or graduate school, located in the United States, in any field of study leading to a degree, diploma or certificate. Recipients must be enrolled full-time each semester and working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree.

This scholarship is for one year only; however, current recipients may reapply and be considered for additional funding along with other new applicants. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time. Scholarship recipients are limited to four total years of scholarship award and are expected to have been enrolled consecutive years during that time. Students must reapply for additional scholarship awards each year. An award is not guaranteed, and students will be included in the pool of new scholarship applicants.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Alex Family Scholarship

Created in 2007 from the estate of Helen L. Alex, this fund makes annual awards in support of higher education for seniors from Marion Harding High School. The fund honors Helen’s son, Nicholas, a former faculty member at Harding who passed in 2008.

The Alex Family Fund was established by another of Helen’s sons and Nicholas’ brother, James L. Alex. The family, which includes a rich Greek heritage and numerous relatives in Greece, belonged to the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Mansfield, Ohio. 

Recipients of the Alex Family Scholarship must rank in the upper 25th percentile of their graduating class. Those demonstrating excellence in the study of history or pursing a college major in history are given special consideration.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Alex Masters Memorial Scholarship

Following the unexpected passing of their son, Alex Masters, a memorial scholarship fund was created at the River Valley Education Foundation by Randy and Kathy Masters and Morgan Masters Quickel, Alex’s sister. In 2013, the fund was migrated to Marion Community Foundation and became the Alex Masters Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Alex never knew a stranger and loved to discuss and debate any subject with others. He loved baseball and football, was an avid reader, and was pursuing a career in medicine. But, perhaps his biggest love—outside of his family—was his love for music. It is his family’s hope that his song will live on through this scholarship.

The fund honors Alex’s memory and supports the educational goals of graduating seniors from River Valley High School. According to Kathy, the family created the scholarship with the intention of supporting those who have encountered adversity and to overcome and cope with life’s challenges through education.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Allen “Bus” Augenstein Memorial Scholarship

Originally the Claridon Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, this endowment (created in 2021), was renamed in 2023 to honor the late Allen ‘Bus’ Augenstein. The scholarship supports seniors and graduates of River Valley High School, with special consideration for students who pursue an education in the fields of engineering, health care, or education (especially science education). Awards also favor students active in band, choir, FFA, or school sports, especially golf and cross country.

Allen lived in Marion for more than 90 years. His father, A.B. Augenstein, served as Superintendent of Claridon Schools and River Valley School District, 1960–1965, and is well remembered for, among other accomplishments, starting football (6 man) in the district. His mother, Hazel, taught mathematics at Claridon during World War II.

The Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program 2026, managed by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, invites applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through collaborative multi-state efforts. This initiative aims to address pressing regional and national issues such as food safety and plant diseases, while promoting marketing strategies. Eligible projects should demonstrate measurable benefits across multiple U.S. states or territories, ensuring a broader impact on the specialty crop industry.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Andrew Wigton Memorial Scholarship

Andrew Wigton lost his young life in an automobile accident during his senior year at Pleasant High School. His parents and family created this scholarship in 2006 to honor his memory. Special consideration is given to applicants who have been members of the varsity basketball or varsity soccer team, two sports that Andrew loved.

In addition to memorial contributions, this fund is supported by the proceeds of the Dre 5K Run and a golf outing and by Andrew’s parents, friends, and family members.

Seniors of Pleasant High School in the upper 25th percentile of the graduating class are the focus of the Andrew Wigton Memorial Scholarship.

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.

S. Emmett Brown Scholarship Fund

The S. Emmett Brown Scholarship Fund was a vision of Reverend Bobby Holley in 2011. This fund was established in honor and recognition of S. Emmett Brown's athletic accomplishments and his giving back to young people in the Battle Creek community. It is S. Emmett Brown's hope that this scholarship will help a young person's dream of a college education come true.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Aris Kasotis Memorial Scholarship

Aris Kasotis was a young man who liked to see people included. “He made friends easily,” said his mother, Joan Kasotis, Marion County Auditor, “and he liked to make sure that no one was overlooked.”

Aris’ enjoyment of life and his desire to share with others prompted his parents, Joan and long-time local restaurateur and caterer, George Kasotis, to establish a memorial scholarship in Aris’ name following his untimely death in an automobile accident. More than 100 memorial contributions from friends and family helped to establish this scholarship fund in 2007.

The Kasotis Fund provides an annual scholarship for a senior from Marion Harding High School who ranks in the upper 50 percent of his or her senior class, but not the top 10 percent. Special consideration is given to applicants who have participated in Harding Singers, interscholastic wrestling, and/or interscholastic football—school activities that Aris enjoyed.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Beatrice Prior Memorial Scholarship

The Beatrice Prior Memorial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to the academically highest ranking graduating female students of Marion Harding High School.

This fund was created from the Mary Evelyn Prior Trust. Mary Evelyn (1924-2008) was a Marion resident. The fund honors her aunt, Beatrice, who was a 1905 graduate of Marion High School (which pre-dates Harding High School) and taught in Lakewood, Ohio, as well as the Marion City Schools’ elementary grades for many years.