Best Financial Assistance Grants in North Carolina

Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund 

The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund is committed to empowering students in our community to pursue their dreams through higher education. Since its inception in 1972, the fund has awarded 913 scholarships, totaling an impressive $828,200, to deserving students.

​Focused on supporting graduating seniors from Hilton Head Island High School, Bluffton High School, and May River High School, the fund also offers the potential for continued support throughout college. Scholarship recipients are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, and their commitment to building a brighter future.

Our Scholarships

The Scholarship Committee will consider these criteria in making their selection:

• Academic achievement: Copy of your most recent high school transcript, reflecting last 3 years
• Financial need: Must provide proof of parent(s) income
• Letters of recommendations: one from your guidance counselor and one from a current teacher
• A copy of your award letter from the institution you will be attending.

Scholarship Renewals

The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship is a renewable scholarship. Students may apply for scholarships for two additional years or up to the third year of college. Students are not eligible to receive scholarships for their final year or senior term of college. To be considered for additional assistance, students must provide their most recent college GPA and demonstrate financial need.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Since 1995, we’ve been a resource for students and parents who are looking for a way to offset the cost of tuition while bypassing the use of student loans.

Heritage Classic Foundation Scholarships

Every year we award Heritage Scholarships to 11 high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, community service and leadership skills. Since the program began in 1993, we’ve distributed $5.75 million in scholarships to 408 students from Beaufort and Jasper Counties.

The Morris Animal Foundation is dedicated to improving the health of animals through scientific research and funding. With a focus on domesticated cats, the Feline Health First Award supports innovative research that addresses the welfare of both community and pet cats. Grants are available for projects lasting up to 24 months, with a maximum budget of $120,000. This initiative encourages collaborations that translate research findings into practical applications for veterinarians and cat caretakers.

The College Now Greater Cleveland Manufacturing Scholarship offers financial assistance to high school graduates pursuing training in manufacturing. Awarded funds, up to $2000, are sent directly to educational institutions for related expenses. Applicants must reside in specific Ohio counties and be enrolled in eligible programs. This scholarship aims to support individuals seeking vocational training, certifications, or degrees within a two-year timeframe, fostering career development in the manufacturing sector.

The Morris Animal Foundation offers the Annual Feline Health Pilot Study Award to support innovative research that enhances the health and welfare of domesticated cats. This funding is aimed at proof-of-concept studies, advancing animal health research through collaborative projects. With a maximum funding of $20,000 for a 12-month duration, the foundation seeks proposals that have a significant impact on both scientific and community stakeholders, ensuring a healthier future for feline populations.

Mark and Kay Burkett Scholarship

Applicants must be American citizens demonstrating financial need and academic achievement, and must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Students must reside in or have attended high school within the geographic region served by Innovia Foundation.

Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

Ron Brown Scholar Fund

The Ron Brown Scholar Fund is a public 501c3 charity and administers the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP). Established in 1996 by Anthony M. Pilaro to honor the late Secretary of Commerce, RBSP is a college scholarship and leadership program for African American students. Our three initiatives support young people who share Ron Brown’s dedication to individual excellence, leadership, and public service

Ron Brown Signature Scholarship

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans.

RBSP competitively awards 20 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.

Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. Since the Program’s inception in 1996, 683 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars.

The Simons Postdoctoral Fellowships in Plant Biology, offered by the Simons Foundation, aim to support early-career researchers pursuing fundamental studies in plant biology. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, including engineering and computational modeling, are encouraged to apply. This flexible program enables collaborations between disciplines, fostering innovative approaches to plant science. Eligible applicants should have obtained their Ph.D. within the last three years and may include both U.S. citizens and foreign researchers. Awards will be granted to nonprofit research institutions.

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.

Virginia and Richard Matz Scholarship

Sidney High School past graduates who are pursuing an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree. 

Selection based upon:

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

Awards

• Two $4,500 scholarships.

The AABP Amstutz Scholarship aims to support outstanding veterinary students with a one-time cash award, promoting their education in bovine medicine. Funded by the AABP Foundation and member donations, the scholarship encourages recipients to attend the AABP Annual Conference to receive their awards. Eligible applicants must be student AABP members enrolled in accredited veterinary programs, graduating in 2025 or 2026, and intending to practice in the U.S. or Canada.

The Golden Trowel Award, presented by the Archaeological Institute of America, recognizes the local society with the highest proportional membership increase over the past year. This prestigious award highlights the vital role that local societies play in promoting archaeology and supporting the AIA's mission. By fostering community engagement and growth, the award encourages societies to enhance their programs and initiatives, ultimately enriching the field of archaeology.

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.

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 104 Undergraduate Studies Scholarship

• Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student from any school system within the Community Foundation’s service area or the following high schools: Fennville, Hamilton, or Saugatuck
• Enrolling/enrolled in a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school within the United States
• Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 2.5 or greater
• Past recipients of this award may reapply.
• Top priority given to students planning to study laenforcement.
• Priority given to the direct descendants (children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc.) of present or past Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 104 members.
• Priority given to children of active duty or retired police officers.

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.

Adam E. Huelskamp Scholarship

A college student who resides in school districts in Shelby, Auglaize or Mercer County, Ohio.

Selection based upon:

Demonstrated community and school service, financial need, employment history, and an additional essay of no less than 100 words and no more than 200 words on a designated topic.

Awards

• One $1,000 scholarship

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.

Top of the State Scholarship Endowment Fund

Two different application opportunities available to 1) college or university bound Shasta & Tehama county high school students who have played golf in high school or junior golf programs and 2) previous award recipients from this fund.

The mission of the Top of the State Board of Directors is to provide educational scholarships for Shasta & Tehama county high school students who have played golf in high school or junior golf programs, and are planning to pursue degrees at two or four year universities and colleges. The Top of the State Scholarship Endowment Fund is made possible primarily from the proceeds of the SJ Denham Scholarship Golf Classic in August of each year.

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.

Terry & Wanda Wood Memorial Scholarship

Criteria evaluated:

• Work ethic and ambition, desire to pursue a trade, and financial need

Required materials: 

• Essay of up to 250 words describing the applicant’s career path plans, 
• 2 letters of recommendation from teachers and/or counselors, and 3) FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $7,500 | 1 scholarship

The JJF Grants for Youth Programs, established by the James Joseph Ford Foundation, aim to empower underserved youth through educational, social, and cultural initiatives. Since its inception in 2003, the foundation has prioritized equal opportunities for children, supporting various programs that enhance their potential. Annual grants are awarded based on applications, focusing on both capital and operational funding to foster impactful youth-centered services. The foundation remains dedicated to continuing Jim Ford's legacy of generosity and community support.

The AMS Graduate Fellowship in the History of Science, offered by the American Meteorological Society, supports graduate students completing dissertations on atmospheric or related sciences. With a stipend of $20,000 for one year, this fellowship encourages close collaboration between historians and scientists. It aims to enhance diversity by welcoming applications from women, minorities, and disabled students traditionally underrepresented in these fields, fostering a more inclusive academic environment.

The Montana Circle K - Key Club Renewal Scholarship Program, supported by the Kiwanis Foundation of Montana, recognizes and aids Circle K members who have previously earned a scholarship and excelled academically in college. This program emphasizes the importance of leadership, community service, and continued academic achievement, providing essential financial assistance to deserving students who contribute positively to their communities.

American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is committed to improving all lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Our mission is to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity. Our vision is a world built on science.

What We Do

More than 145 years after our founding, we remain a champion for chemistry, its practitioners and our global community of members.

We’re recognized as a leading publisher of authoritative scientific information. Our 80+ peer-reviewed journals are ranked the “most-trusted, most-cited and most-read.”

We empower our members to advance chemistry, elevate their career potential, expand their networks, inspire future generations, collaborate globally and build communities that provide scientific solutions.

We provide broader networks that facilitate connections and open doors in a way no other professional organization can match!

ACS Award in Industrial Chemistry

Purpose

To recognize outstanding contributions to chemical research in the industrial context. Significant creative contribution to chemistry in any field of chemical, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical, or biochemical research is appropriate.

The award consists of $5,000 and a certificate. Up to $2,500 for travel expenses to the meeting at which the award will be presented will be reimbursed.

The Military Heroes Program, funded by the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation, offers high impact grants to support both active duty and retired service members in their transition to civilian life. This initiative focuses on harnessing military skills for community leadership, promoting educational programs that honor service, and providing resources for meaningful employment. Non-profit organizations can apply for funding to create programs that align with these priorities and positively impact veterans and their communities.

Rotary Club of Portsmouth

For more than a century, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, NH has improved homes, shelters and parks, fed and provided medical aid to those in need, and funded student education — locally and abroad.

Scholarships

Each year the Rotary Club of Portsmouth seeks scholarship applications from high school seniors scheduled to graduate this spring and will be beginning study at a post-secondary institution (either a 2 or 4 year program) in the fall.  

The scholarships are one-time non-recurring awards and are made on a non-discriminatory basis to individuals demonstrating excellence in scholastic, extracurricular, and/or community service activities. A family’s financial need may also be taken into consideration by the reviewing committee. Individuals with special learning circumstances, who have worked to overcome these circumstances, are encouraged to apply for the scholarship.

Once all applications have been received, the Portsmouth Rotary Scholarship Committee will select a pool of finalists to be interviewed individually in April. The scholarships are awarded to the students during a Rotary meeting in May or June.

Methodist Foundation of Mississippi 

The Methodist Foundation of Mississippi was founded in 1967 to provide financial resources and expertise to Wesleyan churches and missions. Since then, we have served nearly 1,110 organizations and 3,500 accounts, while growing the collective investment portfolio to $180 million. This benchmark means more than financial success. It opens the door to a level of opportunity and security not usually available to individual churches and charities.

Thanks to this position, the Foundation is able to offer both short and long-term investment products for churches to maximize returns with greater freedom and lower fees (or no fees) than typical banks or investment firms.

Scholarships We Offer

The Foundation seeks to provide Mississippi Methodist/Wesleyan Heritage students a financial boost to further their educational goals. Our scholarship committee awards scholarships from generous donors and endowments. Eligible students must be Mississippi residents, active in a United Methodist/Wesleyan Heritage congregation or Wesley Foundation in Mississippi. Non-seminary graduate & undergraduate students are eligible for up to four(4) scholarship awards.

College Scholarship 

To be considered for a scholarship through the Methodist Foundation of Mississippi, applicants must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria listed below and submit all required documentation.

All college applicants must submit a Pastor Certification Form signed by a pastor from one of the eligible churches or ministries listed below.

Join Maddie's Fund every Monday at 11am PT for the Weekly Community Conversations, a supportive platform for animal well-being professionals. Engage in discussions about innovative programs and share valuable insights with peers. Each month, attendees have the chance to win up to $10,000 in grants by participating in the calls or watching on-demand. This initiative fosters collaboration and addresses crucial topics in the field.

We are about helping children, right here in Marietta!

Kiwanis Club of Marietta members participate in service projects, hold fundraisers, and change children’s lives in our community. In addition, club members contribute to Kiwanis International initiatives helping clubs around the world assist children with education, basic needs, and medical care.

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta was chartered March 3, 1930 - Marietta, GA.

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta has proudly established and contributed to several scholarship endowments over the years to support deserving college students in our community. These scholarships are made possible through our club's Flag Project, which places over 1,300 American flags in front of homes and businesses five times each year.

Turner-Howard Scholarship

This is a memorial scholarship established in 1988 by Mr. and Mrs. James L. Howard in memory of their late mothers, Mary Miller Turner and Ellie Morris Howard. 

This undergraduate or graduate scholarship is available to a student who is entering or attending an accredited college or university AND who is either a staff member of the Cobb County Schools or the Marietta City Schools or who is a dependent of such a staff member. Selection emphasis will be placed on academic achievement and character.

The Community Wellbeing Grant, offered by the Lululemon Centre for Social Impact, aims to enhance wellbeing through movement, mindfulness, and connection. This grant supports community-led non-profits working to address systemic inequities, helping to build access to wellness resources. Applications are encouraged from organizations that prioritize diverse leadership and serve populations facing barriers to wellbeing. The goal is to impact 10 million individuals positively by 2025, fostering equity and resilience in communities worldwide.

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 Elsie Sickafoose Educational Trust Fund

The Don and Elsie Sickafoose Educational Trust Fund was established to assist students residing in Carroll County.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Nellie G. Allen Curiosity Shop Scholarship

Award:

• One-time award of $1,000.