Best Quality of Life Grants in Missouri

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Liliana Marie Cordes Scholarship Fund

Supporting Hampshire County residents studying music; preference for high school seniors that are residents of South Hadley

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Louis W. and Mary S. Doherty Scholarship Fund

Supporting residents of Hampden County.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

William A. and Vinnie E. Dexter Endowed Scholarship Fund

Supporting graduating high school seniors in western Massachusetts.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Eleanor M. Morrissey Scholarship Fund

To support graduating high school seniors from Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties pursuing a career in nursing.

The Robert (Driz) Young Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Canton/McKinley High School with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. This scholarship is designed for students who have been accepted into accredited two- or four-year colleges or universities, providing essential financial assistance to help them achieve their academic goals and pursue higher education.

The Robert & Joyce Stokes Family Scholarship, provided by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools with a GPA of 2.75 or above and at least two varsity letters. This scholarship honors the Stokes' commitment to education and service. Recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three years by maintaining full-time enrollment and a GPA of 2.75, ensuring ongoing support for their educational journey.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible

Latino Scholarship Fund

To support graduating Latino high school seniors from Hampden and Hampshire Counties.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Latino Breakfast Club Scholarship Fund   

To support graduating Latino high school seniors from Hampden County.

Additional Guidelines

Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.

Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.

Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

York County Community Foundation

York County Community Foundation was founded in 1961 by generous visionaries who saw an opportunity to perpetually support their community by pooling charitable giving, investing it to grow over time and make grants to charity from the earnings on the pooled fund. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Community Foundation made a real push to build its assets so that it could become the kind of leading organization it is today. Donors are the crux of our existence; they are the reason we have been so successful over the years. Today, thanks to encouragement from many community leaders, we have enhanced our mission to include being a community leader and changemaker by working with community stakeholders to leverage our grantmaking and expertise for powerful community improvement.

Field of Study Scholarships

Through the Community Foundation, our donors have established scholarship funds focused on a specific field of study. Each scholarship expresses our donors' deep commitment to helping York County students achieve their educational goals.

Robert R. Anderson Family Fund

This scholarship was created for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies related to agriculture who live in York County.

The Springfield Women’s Club Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, aims to support women over 19 from Hampden County pursuing two- or four-year degrees. Eligible students can apply through a single online application that matches them with various scholarships, providing up to $3,000 in financial assistance. This initiative encourages women to further their education while addressing the unique needs of the community.

The Springfield Teachers Club Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, supports graduates of Springfield public high schools residing in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. The fund offers scholarships up to $3,000 to eligible students enrolling in accredited post-secondary schools. Applicants are advised to consult with their financial aid offices, as scholarship awards may affect financial aid packages. This initiative aims to promote educational opportunities for local students.

The James L. Shriver Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial assistance to students from western Massachusetts pursuing technical careers. Eligible applicants include undergraduate or graduate students attending accredited post-secondary institutions in the U.S. Scholarships can reach up to $3,000 and may impact financial aid offers, so students should consult their college financial aid offices for guidance. This initiative supports diverse students aiming for technical fields.

Handweavers Guild of America

HGA is an international membership association created to encourage excellence, inspire creativity, and preserve fiber arts traditions through education and community. Our mission is to educate, support and inspire the fiber art community.

Founded in 1969 to inspire creativity and encourage excellence in the fiber arts, the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc., brings together weavers, spinners, dyers, basketmakers, fiber artists, and educators. HGA provides educational programs, conferences, and an award-winning quarterly publication, Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot, to its members as it seeks to increase awareness of and appreciation for the fiber arts.

Dendel Scholarship

Description

The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. (HGA) offers the Dendel scholarship for students enrolled in accredited academic programs in the United States and Canada. The scholarship funds students furthering their education in the field of fiber arts, including textile research, history, and conservation. Rather than financial need, scholarship funds are awarded based on artistic and technical excellence and/or on demonstrated excellence in research of textiles, textile history, and textile conservation.

The Dendel Scholarship is made possible by a generous donation in honor of the late Gerald and Esther Dendel to foster studies in handweaving.

Dendel Scholarship funds can be used for tuition as well as materials or travel determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will be judged on their skill and dedication to handweaving.

The STEM Higher Education Grant Program, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, aims to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM graduate education. The program focuses on transforming educational pathways, empowering universities, and supporting innovative initiatives that cultivate a diverse faculty body. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive environments, the Foundation seeks to ensure that all students have equitable opportunities to succeed in STEM fields, ultimately strengthening the scientific enterprise.

The Performing Arts Global Exchange Grant (PAGE) fosters international performing arts in the U.S., promoting cultural understanding through diverse programming. It offers support to nonprofit presenters who engage artists from a curated roster, focusing on underrepresented regions like Morocco and South Africa. Grants require public performances and community interaction, emphasizing outreach to underserved areas. PAGE is supported by Mid Atlantic Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, aiming to enhance accessibility to global artistic expressions.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Awarded to Mahoning Valley college students pursuing nursing degrees.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Marsha J. Alico Memorial Scholarship

Marsha Alico taught for Apollo-Ridge School District from 1972-2006, with 30 of those years teaching third grade. (A few of her later students were children of her early students!) Throughout all of those classes, there was not a single kid she did not care deeply about; and she kept every card and homemade gift they gave her, some for decades. She spent evenings, school breaks, and summers finding and working on new ways to engage her students; and she talked about her “kids” daily until her family felt like we knew them too. 

Shortly after she retired, Marsha, who laughed easily and rarely stood still, was diagnosed with cancer and died after a courageous nine-month battle.  In her memory, we hope to help the next generation of teachers and child advocates pursue their degrees and inspire future kids.

Achieve Your Community’s Economic Vitality Goals

Generously sponsored by U.S. Bank, Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street courses center the real challenges of entrepreneurs and equip Main Street leaders with invaluable insights and practical tools needed to respond. 

Building Your Local Business Ecosystem helps Main Street leaders understand and strengthen the network of people, organizations, programs, and resources that support local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Across three connected virtual classroom sessions, you will map your local business ecosystem, identify strengths and gaps, and develop practical ways to improve coordination and turn shared insights into action.

Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street is a recurring learning offering, available twice each year. Each session explores a distinct, timely topic shaping Main Street economies, allowing practitioners to gain tools, knowledge, and strategies to meet the immediate needs and long-term economic vitality goals of their community’s entrepreneurs.

What You’ll Get

• Three interactive virtual learning sessions
• Dynamic curriculum developed by subject matter experts
• Access to a peer network of Main Street economic development leaders
• Curated suite of templates, resources, and customizable tools that you can use right away
• A practical entrepreneurial ecosystem-mapping and action-planning process that you can apply in your own community
• Eligibility for credit toward the Main Street America Revitalization Professional credential and AICP certification 

Why It’s Worth the Investment 

Many community leaders are driving critical economic development initiatives on tight budgets — so how do you justify the expense of this course to your Board or leadership team? Here’s what you and your community will receive from this investment:

• Practical tools for understanding and mapping your local business ecosystem
• Strategies for identifying gaps, overlaps, and opportunities within the local support system
• Approaches for strengthening coordination among business-support partners
• Evergreen resources that support continued implementation after the course
• Professional credentials
• National peer networking

Price, Registration & What's Included

• Rates: $275 Member, $350 Non-member

The Four Directions Scholarship Fund for Native Students, created by Penny Gill, aims to support Ojibwe students through higher education. With a total award of $10,000 distributed over four years, the scholarship is available to enrolled members of specific Chippewa tribes who demonstrate financial need. It reflects Gill's commitment to sharing educational opportunities with her community on Madeline Island, honoring the original caretakers of the land.

The CURE Childhood Cancer Early Investigator Award supports emerging scientists in the fight against pediatric cancer. This grant offers up to $150,000 per year for two years, totaling $330,000. It is designed for early-career researchers at US-based nonprofit institutions, particularly those at the Instructor or Assistant Professor level. The award aims to foster innovative research that can lead to effective treatments for childhood cancer, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and scientific advancement.

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 Joan Blend Scholarship Fund

The Joan Blend Scholarship Fund assists students pursuing a career in nursing or who are registered nurses pursuing further studies. Applicants must reside in Stark County and have been accepted into or attend a school of nursing or a college or university offering a registered nursing degree. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The CURE Childhood Cancer: Translation to CURE (T2C) award provides funding for groundbreaking research to improve outcomes for children with cancer. Offering up to $150,000 per year for two years, this grant supports innovative projects led by full-time faculty at nonprofit institutions. The initiative seeks to foster collaboration among researchers at all career stages, ensuring that promising ideas can take root and flourish, ultimately driving advancements in pediatric oncology.

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. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Don and Madalyn Sickafoose Educational Trust Fund

The Don and Madalyn Sickafoose Educational Trust Fund was established to assist students residing in southeastern Stark County, northwestern Carroll County and northern Tuscarawas County.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

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. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Cole Eriksson Parker Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund

The Cole Eriksson Parker Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to high school graduates or graduating seniors who are Buckeye Council, Scouting of America, Canton, OH, Eagle Scouts.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is offering at least $10 million in funding for the National Clean Plant Network (NCPN) program, aimed at supporting the production of pathogen-free plant material. This initiative focuses on establishing Clean Plant Centers across the U.S. to enhance competitiveness for specialty crop producers. Key priorities include optimizing clean plant distribution and advancing innovative technologies to increase awareness of clean plants' importance.

The Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) Program aims to equip residents with the skills to deliver exceptional healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas. By funding the training of residents in HRSA-supported primary care residency programs, it fosters a diverse healthcare workforce capable of meeting the needs of various populations. This initiative not only enhances the quality of care but also strengthens community health systems.

The DTA Foundation: Dental Scholarship aims to support dental students halfway through their education who show a commitment to community service. With over 20 years of experience in enhancing oral care, the foundation, backed by generous donations, empowers the next generation of dental professionals. In honor of Robert J. Sullivan, $125,000 was established to improve dental education across the U.S., with scholarships awarded to deserving students who embody the foundation's mission.