Best Quality of Life Grants in Missouri

Northern New York Community Foundation

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

Next Step Education Program

The Community Foundation’s Next Step Education Program is an ideal opportunity for students and working professionals who are pursuing career advancement and educational growth. The program aims to help individuals as they pursue postsecondary education and career training. It is designed to assist students of all ages, including recent high school graduates, adult learners, and nontraditional students, as they work to earn undergraduate degrees, professional certifications, or technical credentials that will advance their professional goals.

Whether enrolling in an accredited college, university, technical, or trade school or gaining industry-recognized certifications, the Next Step Education Program aims to help individuals achieve lasting success.

This opportunity is made possible by the generosity of donors who believe in the power of lifelong education. Their support ensures that more people in our community have access to the training and education they need to reach their goals.

Award amounts may be used for tuition, books, and course-related expense.

What educational avenues can I pursue?

The Next Step Education Program supports a wide range of educational and professional development pathways, including:

• Micro-credentials and professional certifications to strengthen skills or secure employment
• Courses or programs that lead to a degree
• Technical and trade school training for hands-on, high-demand careers
• Enhanced skills programs for career advancement or to help obtain new employment, such as Microsoft Office programs and more
• Programs at local BOCES campuses
• Professional licensing programs, including CDL and other industry-specific certifications

Thurman G. Adams and Hilda McCabe Adams Family Scholarship

Award:

• One-time award of $1,000.

The Bladder Cancer Young Investigator Awards, funded by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, provide $50,000 to early career researchers in various scientific fields. These awards aim to foster innovation and collaboration in bladder cancer research, ultimately improving outcomes for patients. Eligible applicants include those within six years of completing their degrees and who do not hold the title of Associate Professor or higher. This initiative underscores BCAN's commitment to advancing bladder cancer research and supporting promising investigators.

The ASH Quality Improvement Training Institute (QITI) is a 16-month hybrid training program designed for North American hematology care teams. It aims to empower clinicians as leaders in quality improvement, enhancing patient outcomes and experiences. Participants engage in in-person and virtual workshops, collaborating with faculty to develop clinical quality improvement projects. Key curriculum highlights include multi-disciplinary team strategies, quality improvement assessment tools, and skills for presenting QI work effectively.

The ASH Research Training Award for Fellows (RTAF) supports junior researchers in hematology and hematology-related fields. It offers $70,000 for one year, ensuring dedicated research time. Eligible MD and MD-PhD fellows can apply for a second year, aiding their competitiveness for further awards. The program emphasizes research in hematologic conditions and requires documented mentorship support. Awardees also receive $1,000 for ASH annual meeting attendance, fostering networking and professional development.

The Hematology Inclusion Pathway Fellow Award supports early-career researchers from underrepresented communities in hematology in the U.S. and Canada. Offering up to $100,000 over two to three years, the award enables fellows to focus on hematology research and enhance their competitiveness for future awards. Eligible applicants include those with relevant degrees, who are in their first or second fellowship year, and have a committed ASH member mentor. This initiative aims to diversify the field of academic hematology.

The ASH Medical Educators Institute Grant Program aims to cultivate future leaders in hematology education through a comprehensive training initiative. This program includes workshops, webinars, and mentorship, designed for junior faculty and senior fellows in the U.S. and Canada. Participants enhance their teaching skills, develop scholarly projects, and build valuable professional networks. The initiative promotes diversity in medical education and seeks to empower educators dedicated to advancing the field of hematology.

The ASH Graduate Hematology Award supports graduate students in the U.S. and Canada pursuing research in hematology. Offering a $40,000 annual stipend for two years, it covers tuition, research expenses, and travel to the ASH Annual Meeting. Eligible applicants must be PhD students in their first three years and have a mentor's support. This award aims to foster careers in academic hematology, encouraging innovative research in various hematologic fields.

The ASH Medical Student Physician-Scientist Award offers first-, second-, and third-year medical students a unique chance to engage in hematology research under the mentorship of an ASH member. This year-long project requires recipients to dedicate over 80% of their time to research, with funding totaling $42,000 for various expenses. Eligible candidates must be ASH members and actively enrolled in accredited medical programs in the U.S. or Canada, aiming for a career in hematology.

Scholarships and Awards

The National Federation of the Blind offers several scholarships and awards that honor blind individuals as well as teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations whose work benefits the blind community.

Blind Educator of the Year Award

Recognize a blind educator who strives to guide, uplift, and advocate for their blind students and the needs of blind people.

The Blind Educator of the Year Award was established by the National Organization of Blind Educators, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, in 1991 to recognize outstanding blind teachers.

Every year, the award pays tribute to a blind teacher whose exceptional classroom performance, notable community service, and uncommon commitment to the NFB merit national recognition. A teacher not only provides information but also guidance, advocacy, and love. The recipient of the Blind Educator of the Year Award must exhibit all of these traits and must advance the cause of blind people in the spirit and philosophy of the NFB.

The Award

The Blind Educator of the Year Award is presented at the NFB National Convention.

Florence and Jack Sims Memorial Scholarship

The Florence and Jack Sims Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at the North Georgia Community Foundation in 2014. The Sims were active participants and supporters of their communities and the Baptist Church in White, Hall, and Oglethorpe Counties. Their Christian beliefs led them to follow Christ’s teaching in Matthew 22: v37-40 – to first love God and second to love thy neighbor as thyself. The Fund was established by their three children- Jackie, Michael, and Hal- to honor their faith and memory.

Recipients must attend a high school located in Hall County or White County, GA, or be homeschooled students residing in Hall County or White County, GA, and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and should demonstrate active involvement in extracurricular and/or community activities such as volunteering, work, and church activities. In 2026, one scholarship award of $2,000 will be offered.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

The Preserving Black Churches Grant Program, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to support the preservation of historic Black churches. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and fund various projects, including restoration, capacity building, and community engagement. The program encourages applications from active and non-active congregations, nonprofits, and public agencies, emphasizing the importance of these churches in their communities. This initiative seeks to strengthen heritage and foster cultural connections.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Charles Robertson Scholarship Fund for Education

This scholarship fund is a memorial to the life of Charles Robertson, established by his wife and family. Chuck was the woodshop teacher at Grand Haven Junior High School for 36 years. During his life, Chuck's leadership and organizational qualities were always present and active. He took a broad world view and always found ways to do good things for others. This scholarship supports students who have graduated from a Tri-Cities area public high school. Chuck enjoyed working with his hands, he was a creative problem solver, and he had a curiosity about the world around him.

This scholarship keeps the memory of Chuck alive and hopefully inspires the award recipients to live a life of passion and active involvement.

Help at Home Community Foundation: Support Fund

The Support Fund provides help to home care employees who experience a personal financial hardship for a variety of reasons.

What are qualifying events?

A qualifying event can be a significant event(s) or radical change of status in a person’s life that creates an immediate, unforeseen, and substantial financial requirement. Some examples include:

Natural Disaster, Medical Emergency, Death of an immediate family member. More information here.

Grant awards depend on the qualifying event and need which could range from $100.00-$500.00. The maximum amount applicants may receive in a calendar year is $500.00, unless otherwise approved by the Board.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Carolyn Bruce Spicer & Gene E. Spicer Nursing Scholarship (Adult Learner)

Criteria evaluated:

• Academic performance, work history, and financial need

Required materials:

• FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $1,100 | 1 scholarship

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Broadway School Alumni Scholarship

Criteria evaluated:

Academic achievement, concern for school and community, essay, and financial need

Required materials: 

• 200 word essay on the role the Broadway High School (the first commissioned colored high school in the state of Indiana, located in the 600 block of North Broadway Street) played in the history of Madison; and 
• FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $1,100 | 1 scholarship

The NABG is honored to provide scholarships to Undergraduate and Graduate students enrolled full-time in Geoscience programs at an accredited college or university.

Scholarship candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to the mission of NABG. The purpose of the scholarship is to prepare candidates to be the workforce of the future.

Funding for scholarships – totaling over $300,000 – has been achieved through fundraising activities and corporate donations. 

NABG Graduate Scholarships

• Five (5) $1000 awards will be presented.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Carter Ray Nimocks and Barbara Deville Nimocks Scholarship

Any high school in Cumberland County.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Nicholas Gaynor Memorial Fund

A scholarship opportunity to provide financial support to local North State students seeking a career in nursing.

The Nicholas Gaynor Memorial Fund was created by his mother, Maureen, and Grandmother, Patricia, to honor the life of Nicholas.

Nicholas was born with a rare heart condition, Tetralogy of Fallot. He died at home in December 1988 after complications from open heart surgery at Stanford University Medical Center, at the age of 18 months old. The nursing staff at Stanford were phenomenal in caring for Nicholas and providing support to the family at such a tragic time. To honor Nicholas’ short life and the nursing team, this scholarship will be used to provide financial support to local students seeking a career in nursing.

Norton Healthcare

For more than 130 years, Norton Healthcare’s faith heritage has guided its mission to provide quality health care to all those it serves. Today, Norton Healthcare is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients from throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond.

Norton Healthcare Foundation

The Norton Healthcare Foundation raises funds to purchase new equipment, provide programs and education, and fund research that makes a difference for the more than 400,000 patients and their families who come to us for help each year.

Scholarships

Norton Healthcare is proud to offer a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support the academic and professional growth of students pursuing careers in health care. These programs reflect our commitment to investing in the next generation of skilled, compassionate health care professionals. Whether you are beginning your educational journey or advancing your career, Norton Healthcare scholarship opportunities provide valuable financial assistance and recognition for your dedication to excellence in patient care and community health.

Norton Healthcare Foundation Lansing Scholars Program

Through the Norton Healthcare Foundation Lansing Scholars Program, Norton Healthcare will help cover college expenses for Bellarmine University nursing students. This is a competitive opportunity with a limited number of scholarships. If you are selected as a scholarship recipient, you will receive $2,000 in the fall semester and $2,000 in the spring semester until you graduate. These funds are a gift. You can use them for tuition, mandatory school supplies, technology expenses and study-abroad opportunities.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Herbert H. and Antoinette V. Schlater Scholarship

Must be enrolling in adult education, a trade school or pursuing a two-year or four-year degree.

Selection based upon:

Financial need; academic ability; community, religious, and school service; recommendations.

Awards

One $2,500 to a Sidney Electric Co. employee’s child and one $2,500 scholarship to an Area Energy & Electric employee’s child

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Heidi Norris Scholarship

Auglaize, Shelby or Mercer County residents majoring in Respiratory Therapy or a closely related field who are one year removed from high school, surpassed college freshman status and, have maintained a college GPA of not less than 2.5, and who are pursuing an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree.

Selection based upon:

Financial need, academic ability, community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $1,500 scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Craig Barhorst Memorial Scholarship

Craig Barhorst Memorial Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

Financial need, demonstrated community and school service, academic ability, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $1,000 scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Donald E. and M. Jane Kemp Trade School Scholarship

Adults or graduating seniors who reside Shelby County, Ohio or in the School Districts of Shelby County, Ohio, who are enrolling in an accredited adult educational program or trade school or pursuing an Associate’s Degree shall be eligible to apply.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Demonstrated interest and passion for a specific career path, demonstrated work experience, demonstrated community or school service and recommendations.

Awards

• Four $3,500 scholarships

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Bruce and Lynn Lindsey Skills Scholarship

Adults or graduating seniors from Lehman Catholic High School, Sidney Christian Academy, and Sidney High School who are enrolling in an accredited adult educational program or trade school or pursuing an Associate’s Degree.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Demonstrated interest and passion for a specific career path, demonstrated work experience, demonstrated community or school service, and recommendations. Preference given to applicants seeking a career in HVAC, plumbing or electrical.

Awards

• Two $2,000 scholarships

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Catherine Moloney Nursing Scholarship

A Shelby County resident pursuing a Registered Nursing degree. 

Selection based upon:

• Financial need; academic ability; demonstrated “empathy which is necessary, the compassion which is required, and the requisite patience in order to enjoy and devote oneself to a long and fruitful nursing career.”

Awards

• One $1,000 scholarship