Best Higher Education Grants in North Carolina

The NC Patriot STAR Family Scholarship Program, initiated by the Patriot Foundation in 2003, offers financial support to military families in North Carolina. This scholarship, funded by the NC Legislature, is available to children and spouses of fallen or disabled veterans, as well as qualifying disabled veterans. Each semester, recipients may receive approximately $2,000 to assist with educational costs at NC post-secondary institutions, ensuring accessible education for those who serve our country.

The Nicholls Family Scholarship, provided by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports students pursuing a master’s degree within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at North Carolina State University. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community growth through philanthropy, ensuring diverse students can achieve their academic goals.

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.

Thurman Williams, Jr. Scholarship

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County.

The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students, established by the 2011 North Carolina General Assembly, provides financial assistance to residents attending private colleges in North Carolina. Eligible students must be undergraduates enrolled in at least 6 credit hours, demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA, and not hold a previous bachelor’s degree. This program aims to support those with a Student Aid Index of 15,000 or less, ensuring access to higher education.

The Jecholiah Dinkins Hollar Legacy Scholarship, offered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from Yadkin County pursuing undergraduate degrees at private colleges in North Carolina. Preference is given to those attending Duke University. Selection is based on academic achievement, moral character, and community service. Established in honor of Jecholiah Dinkins Hollar, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of education and fostering a love of learning for future generations.

The Finish Line Grant program, administered by College Foundation, Inc., aims to assist community college students in North Carolina who are facing unexpected financial hardships that could hinder their education. This initiative provides crucial support for expenses such as housing, medical needs, and childcare. The program, which transitioned to state-appropriated funds in FY 2023-2024, seeks to empower students to overcome financial barriers and complete their academic goals.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Christopher W. Lapsley Aviation Scholarship

To support student seeking to earn a private pilot license. Candidate must be 16 to 18 years of age. Student must be U.S. Citizen, speak fluent English, reside and attend school within Henderson County, NC. Student must be accepted into an accredited pilot licensing program located in Western North Carolina. 

The SPC Cares Foundation

The SPC Cares Foundation was established in 2024 as a way for SPC Credit Union to strategically support four key development issues identified within our community: Hunger, Housing, Employment, & Education. The Foundation supports our local communities through monetary donations, in-kind donation drives, and volunteerism.

General Fund Scholarships

These funds are provided by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. Scholarships are available to Members of any credit union in North and South Carolina. Both academic and need-based scholarships for all levels of higher education are awarded, including technical and community college scholarships.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The NC Alpha Delta Kappa Student Achievement Scholarship supports North Carolina high school seniors pursuing education degrees. Eligible applicants should have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5 and SAT scores ranging from 900 to 1050. The selection committee considers academic performance, community service, integrity, and leadership potential. Applications will be accepted from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026, providing a valuable opportunity for future educators to advance their studies.

The Judy Moore Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports students in nursing programs in North Carolina, emphasizing Judy's commitment to education and community health. The scholarship prioritizes residents of Macon County and considers financial need. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Eligible candidates include undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students attending accredited institutions across the state. This scholarship honors Judy's legacy of compassion and dedication to nursing.

The Raleigh Alumnae Delta Scholarship Endowment for Non-traditional Students, supported by the North Carolina Community Foundation, aims to enhance access to higher education for adult learners. This scholarship specifically targets non-traditional students, particularly Black/African American women aged 30 and above, who wish to enroll in two-year or four-year programs. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship empowers these individuals to advance their education and career opportunities, fostering community growth and personal development.

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.

Organization of Korean-American Women of NC Scholarship

Currently enrolled in a NC college, university or community college, taking a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester.

The CASL Scholarship Fund in Memory of Lane Meyer, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, awards scholarships to high school seniors actively participating in the Capital Area Soccer League at the Challenge Level or above. Applicants are evaluated on their academic excellence, soccer skills, sportsmanship, and community involvement, reflecting the values exemplified by Lane Meyer. This initiative not only honors Lane's legacy but also fosters leadership and teamwork among young athletes across North Carolina.

The Philip L. Van Every Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in North and South Carolina, focusing on education, healthcare, human services, and the arts. With a commitment to strengthen communities and support fiscal responsibility, the foundation aims to enhance lives through meaningful projects. Organizations must demonstrate a track record of success to be eligible for funding, which is generally awarded for special projects and capital needs.

The John William Pope Foundation offers annual grants to enhance the well-being of North Carolinians through public policy, education, human services, and the arts. It prioritizes organizations that promote free-market principles and intellectual diversity, focusing on projects that directly impact the community. With a commitment to fostering critical thinking and personal responsibility, the Foundation accepts proposals year-round, issuing grants biannually in spring and fall. The Foundation aims to empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for success.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

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.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The James M. Schooler, Sr. Scholarship, established by the Beta Theta Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, aims to support African American male students from Durham and Orange County, North Carolina, pursuing a four-year degree. This scholarship encourages academic excellence without a minimum GPA requirement, emphasizing the importance of education and community engagement for young African American men. It reflects the Triangle Community Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering leadership in the local community.

The Rotary Club of Burgaw Scholarship Endowment, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports Pender County residents pursuing higher education in North Carolina. This scholarship particularly favors students attending community colleges and those from local high schools. Emphasizing financial need, it aims to foster educational opportunities for deserving individuals, ensuring they have access to the resources needed for academic success and community contribution.

What We Do

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about.

Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Our Philanthropic Network

We believe in the power of permanent philanthropy to strengthen our communities and people. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, our philanthropic network makes a powerful impact through robust grants and scholarships programs.

Sharma Family Scholarship Fund

Criteria

Recipients must be a graduating high school senior from a Tier 1 county in North Carolina as defined by the State of North Carolina, or Wake, Durham, or Chatham counties in North Carolina, plan to attend North Carolina State University and pursue a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math major.

The Kassel Smit Make A Difference Scholarship, established by the Triangle Community Foundation, is designed to honor the legacy of Kassel Smit by recognizing graduating students from Cary High School who embody creativity, curiosity, and compassion. This non-renewable scholarship offers financial support for various educational expenses at accredited institutions, with no GPA or residency requirements, allowing deserving students to pursue their academic goals without barriers.

North Carolina Community Foundation

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about. Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

A Focus on Rural

We serve the entire state, with a focus on rural North Carolina. Our 53 affiliate foundations serve as our roots in North Carolina’s rural communities and our expertise provides our fundholders with local insight that strengthens our grantmaking – and our communities.

Scholarships

We partner with donors to administer scholarships for students across the state. All NCCF scholarship opportunities are established with criteria determined by the donor. 

Helen Tomlinson Hobart Scholarship Endowment

Graduates of a public high school in Johnston County with plans to attend an accredited university or community college with a career objective to become a public-school teacher. “Public high school” does not include schools that are considered or classified as charter schools.

The Larry and Diane Stone Scholarship Endowment, established by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports Wilkes County high school seniors pursuing higher education within the University of North Carolina system. This initiative aims to empower local students by providing them with essential financial assistance, thereby fostering academic achievement and community development. The Foundation's commitment to philanthropy ensures that resources are allocated effectively to meet the educational needs of students across North Carolina.

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.

Dorothy A. Howard Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County.

Robert Franklin Black Scholarship Fund

The endowment shall be devoted to the support of two scholarships:

The Juki Automation Scholarship (JAS) 

The JAS scholarship will be made available to individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 who have received or are expecting to receive a high school degree or its equivalent and whose parent, stepparent, legal guardian, aunt, uncle, spouse or grandparent is an employee of Juke Automation Systems. The individual must have applied to and be planning to attend an accredited institution of higher learning within one year of the application deadline. Such institution may be a four-year college or university, a community college or a technical institute, for undergraduate or graduate education. The scholarship is renewable. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, school and community activities, work experience and educational goals. 

Community Scholarship

The Community Scholarship will be made available to individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 who have received or are expecting to receive a high school degree or its equivalent and whose parent or legal guardian is a resident of Durham, Orange and Wake Counties of North Carolina. The scholarship is renewable but may not be used for graduate education. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, school and community activities, work experience and educational goals.

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Revity Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

Revity FCU awards two $5,000 scholarships every year to two outstanding high school seniors to help them achieve their college education.

All applications and related information will be reviewed by the Scholarship Review Committee appointed by the Board. 

Additionally, applying for the Revity FCU Scholarship above will also apply you for the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Scholarship. The CCUF Scholarship is open to anyone seeking higher education in North Carolina or South Carolina.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.