Best Grants for Community Centers in New Mexico

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation

The American Academy of Optometry (AAOF) is an association of optometric professionals who strive to stay at the top of their field. You will find like-minded colleagues within the American Academy of Optometry, an organization committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning.

The Academy’s membership is comprised of optometrists, vision scientists, and other qualified professionals who have committed themselves to the rigorous process required to achieve its prestigious designation, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).

For more than a century, the Academy has provided Fellows access to the best minds in optometry, vision science, research, and more. Today’s Fellows welcome the opportunity to attend the Academy’s premiere event, its annual meeting. Other members include students, residents, and Candidates for Fellowship.

Each fall attendees from around the world gather for thousands of hours of continuing education and exposure to the most recent research, networking, and latest products and services. Fellows particularly value the opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors while enjoying an exceptional level of camaraderie.

OD to PhD Scholarship Program

The OD/PhD Scholarship Program funds optometrists receiving a PhD in eye and vision related fields. Examples of appropriate PhD programs include but are not limited to: Vision Science, Physiological Optics, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Education (emphasis on Optometric Education), Neuroscience, and Psychology. The program provides vital support to those who will teach and lead the next generation of optometry students and advance the profession’s cutting-edge research.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is proud to partner with EssilorLuxottica to offer the OD to PhD Fellowship, an opportunity created to support optometrists who are ready to take the next step into vision science research. This fellowship is open to individuals who have completed or are completing the clinical training required for the optometry degree and who are enrolling in a PhD program in vision science or a related biomedical discipline.

This competitive fellowship provides financial support during the early years of doctoral training. Awardees receive funding in their first year and may receive additional support in the second year based on successful academic and research progress as detailed in their annual progress report.

Note, awardees may receive the fellowship for up to one successive, two-year period. 

The Frances H. Ducci Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from public high schools within NCCF's 20-town service area. With awards ranging from $500 to $2,500, this scholarship aims to assist local students in pursuing their academic goals. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing community wellbeing through thoughtful grant-making and scholarship opportunities that address local needs.

The Donald F. and Norma K. Mougenot Scholarship, administered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from public high schools within NCCF’s 20-town service area. With an average award of $2,000, preference is given to past graduates of St. Peter/St. Francis School. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing their academic goals, fostering community growth and educational advancement.

The William P. and Janet C. McCormack Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports high school seniors from New Britain or Berlin who excel academically, ranking in the top 20% of their class. Eligible students must pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution and demonstrate commitment to community service. This scholarship also considers work experience and financial need, requiring a personal essay to highlight the applicant's achievements and aspirations.

The Robert D. and Dorothy M. Powers Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports high school seniors from New Britain, CT, pursuing a bachelor’s degree. This scholarship prioritizes academic achievement and financial need, ensuring that deserving students can continue their education and achieve their aspirations. With a strong commitment to community development, CFGNB aims to empower students and foster a brighter future for the region.

The Linda R. Benavides Memorial Scholarship-Community Fellowship Award, managed by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating high school seniors and GED recipients in the Coastal Bend area. Awards range from $100 to $16,000, with an average of $1,000. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to community service, reflecting Linda Benavides' legacy of advocacy and leadership. This scholarship aims to uplift local students and foster educational opportunities.

The Pfizer Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides $1,000 awards to graduating seniors from select high schools in New London County, CT, and Westerly High School, RI, pursuing STEM studies at accredited colleges. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships, supporting students in achieving their educational and career goals. Notably, children of Pfizer employees are ineligible for this scholarship.

The Patricia K. Drake Scholarship, established by Bill Mayo to honor his mother-in-law, supports New London high school seniors of color pursuing education in healthcare or human services. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has provided over $11.9 million in scholarships to help students achieve their career goals. Each award is approximately $800, with disbursements to colleges made by August 1. This initiative encourages diversity and empowers future leaders in critical service areas.

The Margaret Mary Curtin Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides $500 to support female students from Southeastern CT pursuing degrees in government or politics. Since 1983, the Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to help students achieve their educational and career goals. Awards are paid directly to colleges by August 1, ensuring timely funding for recipients.

The Pat & Ernestine Patterson Music Scholarship, established in 1983, offers $500 to graduating seniors of New London High School who show a talent and interest in music, particularly jazz, and plan to attend a 4-year accredited institution. With over $11.9 million awarded in scholarships by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, this scholarship aims to support students in their educational pursuits and foster their musical talents.

The Michael Todd Gavitt Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, honors Mike Gavitt's culinary passion and musical talent. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to support students in their educational pursuits. This scholarship is specifically for Eastern Connecticut residents in good academic standing who are pursuing studies in culinary arts, with secondary preference for those studying music. The approximate award is $500.

The Matthew Chew Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Matthew Chew, supports students pursuing degrees in the arts, particularly in painting, drawing, or music performance. With an award range of $500 to $1,000, the scholarship aims to assist those from East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, Montville, New London, Norwich, Stonington, and Waterford. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded significant scholarships to help students achieve their educational goals.

Innovia Foundation

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Rika Ream Environmental Scholarship

Applicants must be residents of Spokane County who are accepted or enrolled as a full-time college student to pursue a degree in environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology, recreational management, or land management. Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation offers need-based scholarships to empower members in achieving their educational goals. These scholarships provide financial support of up to $5,000 per year or $2,500 per term for undergraduate students. Applicants may apply for either a merit-based or need-based scholarship, ensuring access to education for all. The foundation aims to create opportunities and promote academic success among its members.

The Equitable Excellence Scholarship® Program, administered by Scholarship America, provides 100 annual scholarships of $5,000 to high school seniors with financial need. This program aims to support students as they pursue higher education, with scholarships renewable for up to four years, totaling $20,000 per recipient. Eligible applicants must demonstrate ambition and reside in the U.S. This initiative promotes educational access and equity, celebrating 23 years of empowering students to achieve their dreams.

The BK℠ Scholars Program, administered by the Burger King Foundation, provides substantial scholarships to support high school seniors and restaurant team members in their pursuit of education. With awards ranging from $1,000 to $60,000, the program focuses on academic merit, community service, and financial need. The Foundation emphasizes empowerment through education, ensuring students can access opportunities that foster personal and community growth. This initiative not only honors co-founder James W. McLamore's legacy but also aims to expand educational access across North America.

The BK℠ Scholars Program, initiated by the Burger King Foundation, provides scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $60,000 to support high school seniors, restaurant team members, and their dependents in pursuing post-secondary education. Established in 2000, the program aims to empower individuals through education, encouraging leadership and civic engagement while also offering emergency assistance to employees facing hardships. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to education and community empowerment across North America.

The Malcolm F. and Harriet B. Brown Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides financial support ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 over four years to graduating high school seniors from Southeastern Connecticut. Established in 1983, this scholarship aims to encourage students to pursue their educational goals, contributing to over $11.9 million awarded since its inception.

The John Coleman Prince, American Legion Post 9 Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports graduating high school seniors from New London. This $1,000 award honors veteran Anthony John "Tony" Basilica and encourages civic engagement through postsecondary education. Eligible students must demonstrate interest in community activities like NJROTC or scouting, paving the way for a brighter future through higher education.

The Joan & Bob Rutman Scholarship, established in 2001 by longtime New London residents, aims to support graduating high school seniors from various Connecticut towns in pursuing four-year degrees. With an approximate award of $4,000, this scholarship reflects the Rutmans' commitment to giving back to their community. Financial need is taken into consideration, ensuring that deserving students receive the assistance they need to further their education and build successful careers.

Epps Scholarship

The Epps Scholarship Fund was established at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation by attorneys Willie and Mischa Epps to support the aspirations of college-bound high school seniors with an expressed interest in pursuing a legal education. This fund honors Dr. Willie James Epps, Sr. and Dr. Barbara Bacon Epps, both born and raised in rural, poor and segregated Mississippi, but excelled in school and became a part of the first generation in their respective families to attend college. Both went on to earn Ph.D.’s in the field of education and to teach at various schools, colleges and universities across the country. They instilled in their two children that faith and education are the keys to success. Their children became licensed attorneys who regularly attend church. Willie and his wife Mischa chose a non-traditional path to promote the scholarship opportunity by working in partnership with churches that disseminate the application and deadline information throughout their congregations.

The Epps Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and an express interest in pursuing a legal education.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January. Each scholarship awarded will be a minimum of $2,000 annually to be paid in two equal installments.

This scholarship is not renewable.

The Harold Dean Wade Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors a dedicated Christian educator who believed in the transformative power of education. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Texas and Oklahoma who plan to attend Christian colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must rank in the top 15% of their class, ensuring that deserving students continue to pursue their academic dreams while upholding Harold's legacy of service and education.

The Gilbert Cook Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors Gilbert Cook, a devoted community leader and philanthropist. This scholarship aims to support graduating seniors from local high schools planning to attend accredited colleges or universities. Through this initiative, the foundation continues its mission of fostering educational opportunities and empowering students to achieve their dreams, thereby contributing to a thriving Abilene community.

The Captain John G. Gardner, USMC, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Scholarship honors a dedicated Marine who went missing in action during the Vietnam War. Established by Local Chapter 124 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, it aims to support the descendants of decorated Vietnam Veterans from 18 western counties in North Carolina. This scholarship provides financial assistance to graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue higher education at accredited institutions.

The Catherine Aileen Smith-Jones Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports graduating high school seniors who are members of Holy Family Catholic Church and plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States. This scholarship honors Cathy Smith-Jones, who valued community, resilience, and the gift of life, leaving a lasting legacy through her organ donations and commitment to helping others.

The Ashley and Sarah Abel Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors two sisters who cherished their bond and creativity. Designed for graduates or undergraduates from Region 14 high schools pursuing careers in English, literature, or communications, this scholarship reflects the sisters' dedication to education and artistic expression. It aims to support students in achieving their college dreams, continuing the legacy of Ashley and Sara Abel's passion for learning and community involvement.

The Gilbert W. Mead III Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students from Southeastern Connecticut who show talent in the Arts and have financial need. Offering an award of $500, the scholarship aims to assist these students in pursuing their educational goals. Priority is given to those with physical limitations or disabilities, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to inclusive education since 1983.