Best Quality of Life Grants in North Carolina

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

MPS/Edward J. and Joan Stewart Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Joan Stewart, who established the Edward and Joan Stewart Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Both Edward and Joan Stewart were graduates of Muskegon High School. They both valued the importance of education. Joan established this fund in 1978 in memory of her husband. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarships for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarship s and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation. The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come. 

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Maureen Linck Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family and friends of Maureen Linck, who established the Maureen Linck Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in memory of Maureen. Maureen Linck had no lack of courage. At the age of 10, she was diagnosed with an illness similar to muscular dystrophy. In the face of this challenge, Maureen continued living her life on her own terms. She studied piano, practiced crafts such as counted cross stitch and other handiwork, and made gifts of her work. In 1985, at 15, Maureen was involved in an automobile accident. As a result of the accident and her illness-related difficulties, Maureen lapsed into a coma and died six weeks later. Maureen's family and friends, as a tribute to her courage and love for life, created this scholarship in her honor.

The scholarship has been established to help Muskegon area youth pursue higher education. To the credit of Maureen's parents, Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Linck, and other contributors to this, Maureen's spirit will endure and continue to contribute through the lasting gift of education.

The Adapted PE/Activity Graduate Student of the Year Award recognizes outstanding graduate students in adapted physical education and physical activity who have made significant contributions to the lives of individuals with disabilities. Sponsored by the Society of Health and Physical Educators, this award emphasizes leadership, dedication, and commitment to inclusive practices in physical education. It aims to inspire future professionals in the field while promoting excellence in adapted physical activity and disability sport.

The Patient-Centered Clinical Research Young Investigator Award (PCC-YIA) supports early-career scientists conducting innovative research in bladder cancer and upper tract urothelial cancer. This award facilitates studies focusing on patient-centered outcomes, quality of care, and health disparities. Eligible applicants must be within six years of their professional degree and have mentorship from an approved institution. The award promotes transformative research aimed at improving patient experiences and outcomes in clinical settings.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Ed and Kim Kapper Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund

Created in memory of Ed Kapper, this Fund provides scholarship support for a high school graduate of a DeKalb County school who is attending an accredited physical therapy program at an accredited college or university.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Cindy Graves Nursing Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is intended for students who are pursuing an additional degree or certification in nursing to grow professionally and better serve their patients. Students may attend any accredited educational institution, college, or university.

This Fund honors Cindy Graves, a DeKalb County public health nurse who had a tremendous impact on the community. Cindy was a registered nurse at Kishwaukee Hospital for 30 years – working as a pediatric nurse and emergency room RN, house supervisor, ER charge nurse, EMS educator, EMS coordinator, and ER director (2005 – 2012). From 2012 until the time of her passing Cindy worked at the DeKalb County Health Department as the director of community health and prevention, health promotion and emergency preparedness. Cindy was very active in the community and with her church.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

CHS Inc. Scholarship Fund

This Fund was created as a lasting memory to the legacy of the Elburn Cooperative and to support the communities that strengthen the cooperative.

The CHS Inc. Scholarship is available to high school graduates and current undergraduate students at an accredited college or university. Applicants must be a family member of an eligible CHS Inc. customer or employee. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Brian D. Slavenas Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Fund honors Brian D. Slavenas, a DeKalb High School graduate who was killed in Iraq (2003). The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of DeKalb County, IL, and going on to either major or minor in music. Preference is given to applicants who were involved in music during at least the last two years of high school. 

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Suter Family Scholarship Fund

Provides an annual award to graduates at both DeKalb and Sycamore high schools. The Charles & Helen Suter Memorial Scholarship award will honor the late Charles and Helen Suter, their love for education and learning, and the family’s ongoing service to the community.

As with many funds at the Community Foundation, the Suter Family Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of a loved one. Recipients of the award will know it as the Charles & Helen Suter Memorial Scholarship award. Eligibility criteria for the award speaks to the values and ideals held by the family, holding academic achievement, volunteerism and service club involvement as preferred.

Currently there are over 65 scholarship funds at the Community Foundation, all with a desire to provide impact in the pursuit of education.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Virginia Larsen Nursing Scholarship Fund

Started in 2001 by Sycamore resident Virginia Larsen, the Virginia Larsen Nursing Scholarship is open to students who are residents of DeKalb County seeking a college-level nursing degree. Applicants must be full-time students.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund

Dee Palmer, his brother, parents, and grandparents have contributed to the musical pleasure of thousands of people in DeKalb County for over 160 years. The establishment of the Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund is in their honor and provides an award for a high school senior who resides in DeKalb County and is pursuing a career in music. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

DeKalb County Dental Society Fund

This Fund provides scholarship support for high school seniors from a DeKalb County high school determined by DeKalb County Dental Society.

The Fund for Women of the Southern Tier Education Grant aims to eliminate barriers to education for women in the community. This grant supports various educational expenses, including college textbooks, technical supplies, and past due tuition bills. By addressing the holistic needs of the community, the grant provides essential resources to empower women in their educational pursuits. Funded by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., this initiative fosters educational growth and opportunity.

The Henry Luce Foundation’s Religion and Theology: Responsive Grants program seeks to enhance understanding of religion in society by supporting innovative projects that challenge traditional narratives and foster diverse voices. With a focus on racial justice and public discourse, the program encourages organizations to explore the intersections of religion, culture, and social movements. This initiative aims to cultivate inclusive knowledge communities and promote scholarship that contributes to a more equitable future.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Rosaline M. Smith, who established the Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Rosaline a former Treasurer for the City of Muskegon, and Darrell Smith, a longtime employee of the Muskegon Post Office, who cared deeply for each other and shared more than 50 years of marriage. Music was something they loved and had very much in common. The Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith scholarship was created to honor Darrell, who is no longer with us, and to provide a helping hand to graduating seniors of any Muskegon County high school who have demonstrated academic achievement and will pursue a music degree.

The BACKstage Grant Fall 2025, offered by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), provides funding for secondary education theatre teachers to enhance their professional development. Grants support various expenses, including workshop registrations, travel, and educational supplies. Eligible applicants must be secondary school educators teaching theatre-related subjects, and all funded activities must be completed within a year. This initiative fosters growth and innovation in the performing arts community.

The Moffat Geriatric Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports innovative physical therapy research. With a commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes, this grant aims to fund both emerging and established researchers. By addressing health disparities and fostering a new generation of researchers, the program seeks to advance evidence-based practices that improve movement and health across diverse populations.

The Pediatric Physical Therapy Research Grant, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports innovative research to enhance physical therapy practices. By fostering early career researchers, the grant aims to build a strong evidence base in physical therapy. Over the past 46 years, this initiative has created a sustainable pipeline for research funding, benefiting patients and healthcare professionals alike, while advancing the profession's evidence-based practices.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

John Jurkas Law Enforcement Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family and friends of John Jurkas, who established the John Jurkas Law Enforcement Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. John Jurkas served the City of Muskegon Police Department for 34 years, during which he established the reputation as a detective with the shrewd ability to solve crime. Mr. Jurkas completed his distinguished career as investigator for the Muskegon County Prosecutor. Following his death in 1991, family and friends established this to assist young people who wish to continue this tradition of excellence in law enforcement. The fund provides awards to Muskegon County students pursuing careers in law enforcement. These scholarships ensure that John Jurkas will continue to promote excellence in the field of law enforcement through the lasting gift of education.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Merrie Schmiege 4-H Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family of Merrie Schmiege, who established the Merrie Schmiege Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship has been established by Maxine and Don Schmiege in memory of their daughter, Merrie, who died in a tragic automobile accident. Merrie was an active member of 4-H, received many local and state equestrian awards, taught horseback riding, and owned many horses. On account of her enthusiasm for equestrian activities and the programs of 4-H, Mr. and Mrs. Schmiege chose to create a Scholarship that provides financial support to young men and women who actively participate in these excellent programs. To the credit of the Schmiege's, Merrie's zeal and love of life will endure through the lasting gift of education.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Mary A. Eyke, who established the Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Mary A. Eyke has been described as friendly and independent, “a rock,” by her family, but Mary was more than that. She was a dedicated Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing who taught OB/GYN and pediatrics nursing at Mercy School of Nursing at Mercy General Health Partners for 30 years…and she was a philanthropist! At her death, after a life of 92 years, her wish was to establish the Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship. Her passion was helping her students become good nurses. The Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship will provide financial assistance to students who have dedicated themselves to the nursing profession Mary loved so very much.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the members of the Mona Shores Optimist Club, who established the Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Mona Shores Optimist Club is committed to making a difference in the lives of others with the money that they raise! In 1994 this active service club established the Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship to benefit graduating seniors from Fruitport, Holton, Mona Shores, Montague, Muskegon Catholic, Muskegon Heights, Muskegon, North Muskegon, Oakridge, Orchard View, Ravenna, Reeths-Puffer, West Michigan Christian and Whitehall high schools. Three scholarships are awarded each year on a rotating basis between the 14 high schools. The Mona Shores Optimist Club is to be commended for spreading its good works all around Muskegon County. 

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel Calhoun Scholarship Fund

The Calhoun County Chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) was established in 1923, with four objectives:

• To promote greater interest in legislation affecting retired school employees;
• To furnish a practical basis for united action among those devoted to the cause of public education;
• To support in every way possible the MARSP and the American Association of Retired Persons, NRTA Division; and
• To promote voluntary participation by its members in civic and  educational affairs.

This scholarship was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to relatives of the current membership of the Calhoun County Chapter of the MARSP who seek educational opportunities beyond high school. Other educational related opportunities may also be supported by this scholarship.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Mac & Betty Behnke Scholarship Fund

The Mac & Betty Behnke Scholarship was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to Battle Creek area students who seek educational opportunities beyond high school.

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.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

George V. Dodd scholarship Fund

George Dodd enjoyed life and his family. He was active in their lives. He displayed patience, persistence, professionalism, fairness, kindness, and collaboration at home and work. George served in the Navy during World War II as a radar instructor. After the war, he graduated from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University. He worked 37 years at Kellogg's as a Project Engineer. He traveled to Kellogg plants in multiple continents. He participated in local and national engineering clubs and found the energy to lead groups ranging from the Boy Scouts to the PTA. His children attended Battle Creek Public Schools, received an excellent education, and participated in extracurricular activities, sports, and Clear Lake Camp activities. They graduated college and received advanced degrees. The Dodd family would like to honor George's memory by helping Battle Creek Public School graduates achieve their career goals.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Kay Earline Vanderford Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Kay Earline Vanderford Nursing Scholarship Fund was established in 2011 in loving memory of Kay Earline Vanderford by her son Douglas Vanderford. A graduate of Kellogg Community College's nursing program, Kay Earline Vanderford worked as a LPN for several years at area nursing homes. She served the Homer and Litchfield communities most of her life and was very compassionate toward her patients. This scholarship assists those who are called to enter the field of nursing.