Best Higher Education Grants in Michigan

The Dr. H. Nicholas Hamner Undergraduate Support Fund at Western Michigan University offers financial assistance to undergraduate students in the Department of History. Established through a generous gift from Dr. Hamner, this endowed fund covers educational expenses, including tuition, fees, and books. Applications are due by March 15 and should be submitted to the department chair, providing vital support for students pursuing their academic goals.

The Dr. Dale P. Pattison Endowment supports undergraduate students in the WMU Department of History. Managed by the department chair, it provides grants for research, internships, travel to conferences, and other professional activities. The application deadline is March 15, with scholarship amounts variable up to $500. This fund encourages scholarly engagement and enriches the educational experience of history students.

The Cheryl Lyon-Jenness Writing Award at Western Michigan University honors outstanding undergraduate research papers exceeding 4,000 words. Open to diverse historical topics, it evaluates mastery of writing, analytical thought, and language use. Eligible submissions include senior theses and critical reviews prepared during recent semesters. The award recipient receives a stipend of $350, recognizing their exceptional academic work and contribution to historical scholarship.

The CEHD Student Resilience Fund at Western Michigan University offers financial assistance to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students facing unexpected challenges that hinder their academic success. With a lifetime cap of $3,500, the fund addresses urgent needs such as textbooks, technology, and housing. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional resources before applying, as the fund is reliant on donations and does not provide support for anticipated educational costs.

The P. Joann Womble Dehring Memorial Education Endowed Scholarship supports full-time undergraduate and graduate students at Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development. This scholarship encourages those enrolled in teacher education, counseling education, or counseling psychology programs to apply, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 required. Renewable for eligible students, it aims to foster academic success and dedication in future educators and counselors.

The Lucille Abbott Nobbs and Alpha Beta Epsilon Endowed Scholarship supports full-time junior, senior, or graduate students at Western Michigan University, prioritizing ABE WMU Sorority members and those in teacher education. Applicants must provide proof of eligibility and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. The award covers tuition, fees, and books, and may be renewable for up to two consecutive years if criteria are met and funding allows.

The Kelly Carman Memorial Scholarship supports full-time junior, senior, or graduate students at Western Michigan University College of Education and Human Development, particularly those pursuing early childhood or elementary education. Eligible candidates must be U.S. residents, enrolled full-time, and can renew the scholarship for a maximum of two consecutive years. Special consideration is given to non-traditional students, ensuring diverse applicants benefit from this scholarship opportunity.

The Bess L. Stinson Scholarship supports students enrolled in any program within the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, although a GPA of 2.5 may be accepted with a faculty recommendation. This scholarship may be renewed upon reapplication, provided that the eligibility requirements are still met and funding is available.

The VVA Detroit Chapter #9 Descendants of Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students aged 16-30 who are direct descendants of Vietnam veterans. Scholarships of up to $3,000 for full-time and $1,500 for part-time students are available, renewable for up to four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain good academic standing, and provide documentation of their veteran lineage, including DD Form 214. Priority is given to those with ties to VVA Detroit Chapter #9.

The Winnifred Stinson Basile Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, supports business students at accredited private institutions in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need, while also providing a personal statement outlining their educational and career goals. This one-time award encourages reapplication, although it remains a competitive process with no guarantee of renewal. The scholarship aims to empower local students pursuing business careers.

The Robert Stempel Memorial Scholarship, established by Mrs. Patricia A. Stempel, provides financial support for students from select Detroit high schools pursuing careers in science and engineering. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and show financial need. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, ensuring that dedicated students can pursue their educational goals without financial burden. The application deadline is February 12, 2025.

The Otis Smith Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, provides non-renewable scholarships of up to $3,000 for single parent mothers pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Established to honor Otis M. Smith's mother, the program aims to empower women in southeastern Michigan, particularly those demonstrating financial need and strong academic potential. Applications are open until February 12, 2025, and recipients may use funds for tuition or educational expenses.

The Miguel Cabrera Family Scholarship aims to support educational opportunities for high school graduates in Michigan and Florida, prioritizing those from specific counties. Each selected student receives $1,000, renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining good academic standing. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be first-generation college students or from historically underrepresented groups. This initiative is backed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, which has a rich history of philanthropy since 1984.

The Jeptha Wade Schureman Scholarship Program, managed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, aims to support students from specific counties in Michigan. Annually, it offers up to ten scholarships of $7,500 each to eligible candidates pursuing degrees in law, nursing, medicine, or dentistry. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. The program is open to high school seniors and college students, fostering opportunities for those who are fatherless and committed to their education.

The Hellen Tallman Fund, established by Helen Tallman through the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, offers educational scholarships to engineering and medical students at Wayne State University. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need. The fund honors Helen's family legacy of giving back to the community, ensuring support for students pursuing their educational goals.

The Clarence and Lillian Constantakis Environmental Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, supports students from specific counties pursuing undergraduate degrees in environmental science or related fields at select Michigan universities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 preferred. The scholarship aims to promote education in environmental stewardship, ensuring financial support for tuition and other educational expenses.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Margaret L. Palmer Scholarship

Margaret L. Palmer was born in Newberry, Michigan. She received her teaching certificate in 1927 from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. In 1956, Miss Palmer moved to Saginaw to teach first grade at North Elementary School. Retiring in 1974 after 46 years of service, Miss Palmer’s teaching made a difference in the lives of countless young people.

William H. Palmer established this scholarship in honor of his sister. “Education was so important to her,” remembered Bill, “I can still recall the opening days of school. Her enthusiasm was just bubbling. You couldn’t help but realize how teaching was more than just a job for her.”

“She influenced so many people. People still come up to me and tell me how Margaret made a difference in their lives or in the lives of someone they know. There were no bad youngsters as far as she was concerned. Good teachers like Margaret are necessary to inspire young minds. That’s why the Margaret L. Palmer Scholarship is designated for those interested in elementary education.”

The Wagner Catholic Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, supports graduating seniors from local Catholic parishes who are pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and faith commitment through a personal essay. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years, with a decreasing award amount after the first year. This initiative aims to empower students to further their education while fostering community values.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Van’t Hof Scholarship

• Graduating senior from one of the following high schools: Black River, Holland Christian, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West
• Enrolling at Hope College or Calvin University
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• Potentially renewable for three additional years

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

University of Michigan Club of Holland Scholarship

• Graduating senior or graduating early college student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Calvary Schools of Holland, Fennville, Hamilton, Holland Christian, Holland High School, Saugatuck, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West
• Enrolling at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• 1,700-character or less response to this prompt: Please explain why the University of Michigan is your first choice and discuss your educational goals and intended major

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Dr. Tai Afrik Memorial Scholarship

• Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Holland High School, Holland Christian, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, Zeeland West, or the Careerline Tech Center
• Enrolling/enrolled at Grand Valley State University
• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM)
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Student of color
• This scholarship is potentially renewable and supports one student at a time. 

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Grace Piersma Memorial Scholarship

• Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation
• Enrolling at Hope College
• Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to supply the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• Planning to major in dance, music, athletic training, business or a major closely related to any of these (for example: management, economics, or kinesiology)

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.

Sadie W. Penn Scholarship Fund

This fund, established in 2013, places emphasis on supporting the education of our youth for this generation and generations to come. Sadie W. Penn's career in education took her from Georgia to Battle Creek, Michigan and has enriched the lives of countless students along the way. Recipients of this scholarship are graduating high school seniors who are pursuing a career in the field of education at a college or university in the state of Michigan.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Indo-Pak Scholarship

The Indo-Pak Friendship Society of Mid-Michigan was formed to promote fellowship among members of the Indian-American and Pakistani-American communities. Together, their mission is to enhance the quality of life for the entire Mid-Michigan community by emphasizing cultural and service activities by individuals and groups.

The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) is a philanthropic organization with a broad community focus: enriching the quality of life in Washtenaw County.

Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of our donors who care deeply about the future of Washtenaw County youth, AAACF has awarded over $650,000 in 2025 across 26 scholarship funds in support of students as they continue their post-secondary educations at schools across the nation.

Sara Marie Diepenhorst Memorial Scholarship

For graduating seniors at a Taylor high school attending University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.

The Murdie Educational Scholarship, offered by the Four County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors and recent graduates from Dryden, Almont, and Imlay City pursuing degrees in human or animal health. Eligible students can receive awards between $1,000 and $4,000, with financial need considered. Awardees will be recognized at the Foundation Scholarship Celebration and local high school events in May, promoting educational advancement in the community.

The Carol Doman-Wilder Scholarship, established in 1996 by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in social work or special education. With a minimum GPA of 2.5, applicants must be Saginaw County residents enrolled at a Michigan college or university. This scholarship, which ranges from $500 to $4,000, reflects Carol Doman-Wilder's dedication to education and her desire to help others achieve their academic goals, fostering a passion for lifelong learning.