Best Quality of Life Grants in North Carolina

The Clinical Research - Mentored Research Studies grant supports new investigators, particularly post-docs, who collaborate with mentors to advance treatment efficacy in communication disorders. This funding encourages innovative research that directly impacts service delivery in audiology and speech-language pathology. Proposals must demonstrate a clear plan for mentorship and potential for future funding. Priority is given to studies with matching funds from universities or other sources, ensuring comprehensive support for impactful research.

Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln

The Community Foundation offers many advantages to donors, professional advisors, nonprofit organizations and the community at large. We constantly strive to ensure that the giving process is as streamlined and safe as possible so our donors can focus on the most important aspect of philanthropy - helping others.

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation serves the counties of Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan and Sangamon in central Illinois, and administers an annual scholarship program for approximately 50 scholarship funds.

Fred E. Droste Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior from a high school in Macoupin or Montgomery Counties who is pursuing a degree in a STEAM-related field.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Armin “Bun” and Lorraine Rinness Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Armin “Bun” and Lorraine Rinness Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Armin “Bun” and Lorraine Rinness by supporting Saginaw County students pursuing college or Career and Technical Education (CTE) training. This fund provides need-based assistance to help local students continue their education and achieve long-term success.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Clarence A. “Buck” Iles Scholarship

The Clarence A. “Buck” Iles Scholarship was lovingly established by his wife of 65 years, Carrie, to enable a deserving young person to pursue his/her education in the electrical field. Mr. and Mrs. Iles established a successful family-owned and operated electrical contracting company – serving the Saginaw area for more than 25 years. It was in this tradition of hard work, honesty and quality service that the Iles Electric Company, Inc., was founded.

Mr. Iles’ only regret was that he was not able to pursue a formal college education, but he enabled his children and grandchildren to accomplish their educational goals and dreams. Education, combined with dreams and hard work, will create realities. It is hoped that the values, determination and ambition demonstrated by Mr. Iles will be passed on to future generations of electricians as they realize their dreams.

The Gabriel, Joseph and Lila Mandour Karam Scholarship, established by the late Joseph G. Karam, supports educational opportunities for students attending 2-year or 4-year colleges, universities, or vocational schools. Administered by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, the fund has awarded nearly $60,000 to various nonprofits since 2012. The scholarship reflects a commitment to the dramatic arts and technological development, continuing Joseph's philanthropic legacy and vision for community enrichment.

The Hart Family Scholarship, established by Todd and Terry Hart, supports students residing in the 1969 Fire District area of the Town of Trenton. It aims to provide educational opportunities for those accepted into accredited colleges, universities, or vocational schools in the U.S. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must have lived in the area for at least three years. This scholarship reflects a commitment to enhancing community vibrancy through education.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Cosmetology Scholarship

At a very early age in Alabama, Lee Essie Smith was a self-taught musician. After losing her mother as a young teenager, she began putting her God-given musical talent to work as a pianist for several churches. By the time she graduated from high school, she had learned the cosmetology trade and met Charlie McMillan, Jr.

After his wife’s death, Mr. McMillan continued his community service with the Democratic Party, Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Olive Baptist Church as an usher. Although he did not serve very long in the military, Mr. McMillan continues to exemplify the values and physical energy of the “Army Strong” slogan. He is the patriarch of the family – always dapper – and a regular attendee at church services.

About Us

A Vibrant Region with Opportunity for All

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

No organization has all the answers, but together, with our partners and donors, we have the means and the will to chart a new course—one that will build upon generations of philanthropy and strengthen the fabric of Herkimer and Oneida counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

We help those seeking educational opportunities that will enrich their lives—and enhance our community.

Please note that scholarships administered by the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties are awarded through a variety of different mechanisms, including by school district selection, public application, or through our community partners, such as Utica Dollars for Scholars.

Joey R. Ventura Tradesman Award

Awarded by Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established in memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey, a special young man who was active in his community, excelled academically, was sports-minded and had an extraordinary way about himself. Connor was a graduate of Holland Patent Central School District in 2017. He aspired to be a physician and was attending premedical school when a drunk driver took his life on August 11, 2018. This award is also given in loving memory of Joey R. Ventura (1992-2021), an accomplished welder and welding instructor who unexpectedly passed in July of 2021 at the age of 28 years old.

Candidates are identified through an open application process.

The AUA Boston Scientific Medical Student Innovation Fellowship, funded by the American Urological Association, aims to nurture future urologic researchers. This fellowship offers a $20,000 stipend for a 12-month research project, engaging medical students in innovative urology research under expert mentorship. The initiative addresses the pressing need for skilled professionals in the urologic research field, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent dedicated to advancing patient care and scientific discovery in urology.

The Speech Science Research Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports new investigators conducting research in speech science. A $10,000 grant will be awarded to eligible researchers, who must have completed their PhD within the last five years. The funding can be utilized for various research-related expenses, fostering innovative studies and honoring the legacy of researcher Dennis Klatt. The next application cycle will be in 2026.

Lester Educational Fund

Fund provides scholarships to help students obtain an education in a profession or vocation.

Amount

$1,000+

This funding opportunity aims to enhance research on the long-term impacts of disasters on healthcare systems, particularly for populations facing health disparities in the U.S. and its territories. It encourages collaborative studies that assess how both natural and human-made disasters affect healthcare accessibility and quality. The initiative is supported by the US Department of Health & Human Services, specifically the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with multiple application deadlines from 2024 to 2027.

The William Webermeier Scholarship, administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration, offers financial support to full-time students from Milford High School in Nebraska. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic achievement and good behavior, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and show financial need. Additionally, recipients are required to honor the memory of the scholarship's namesake by placing flowers on his grave annually. This scholarship aims to assist students in achieving their educational goals.

The International Association of Minister's Wives & Widows Scholarship Program, supported by the United Negro College Fund, provides need-based scholarships to eligible students attending accredited four-year Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This initiative aims to empower deserving students, ensuring they have the financial support necessary to pursue their education and achieve their academic goals. By fostering educational opportunities, the program continues the legacy of advocating for minority education and community engagement.

The Elliott Antokoletz Fund supports doctoral and post-doctoral research in twentieth-century music, honoring the legacy of esteemed scholar Elliott Antokoletz. It is open to Ph.D. students and recent graduates from North American universities, with an award range of $500 to $5000. Preference is given to applicants from institutions lacking financial support for musicological research. This initiative promotes creativity through music-centered research, ensuring equity and inclusion in the academic study of music.

The Howard Vincent Kurtz Student Engagement Grant, funded by USITT, supports emerging theater artists with financial assistance up to $1,200 for academic costs. Grants cover research, travel, and project completion, along with a complimentary conference registration. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students in theatrical design and technology, nominated by a USITT member. Winners receive mentorship for six months, fostering professional growth and development in the entertainment industry.

Clinical Research Training Scholarship in Autoimmune Neurology

This award recognizes the vital importance of rigorous clinical and translational research and aims to inspire and support early-career investigators pursuing clinical studies in autoimmune neurology — specifically immune-mediated diseases of the nervous system other than multiple sclerosis.

The scope of this award encompasses research on autoimmune neurologic disorders, including neural antibody-associated diseases of the nervous system, autoimmune encephalitis, immune-mediated epilepsy, autoimmune movement disorders, inflammatory myelopathies, NMOSD, MOGAD, paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, neurological complications of cancer immunotherapies, and inborn errors of immunity/autoinflammatory syndromes affecting the nervous system.

This award will consist of a commitment of $65,000 per year for two years, plus a $10,000 per year stipend to support education and research-related costs for a total of $150,000. Supplementation of the award with other grants is permissible, but to be eligible to apply for this award, the other grant source(s) cannot exceed $75,000 annually.

The Founders Concept Development Grants, offered by the Children's Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA), support US non-profit theatres in developing innovative concepts and strategies for engaging young audiences. This initiative emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to enhance the quality of theatre for youth. CTFA encourages artists to explore new ideas while ensuring that all children have access to impactful theatrical experiences. This grant embodies a commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in youth theatre.

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Topical PCORI Funding aims to support high-quality, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) focusing on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This funding opportunity recognizes the diversity of conditions under IDD and the varying support needs among individuals. PCORI encourages the use of both person-first and identity-first language, acknowledging the preferences within the disability community, and aims to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery for these populations.

The Salute to Citizens Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors individuals who enhance their communities through active citizenship. Open to Taylor County graduates pursuing higher education or trade certifications, applicants must demonstrate past contributions to society and outline their future commitment to community service. Established by Hannah Durbin, a dedicated Air Force veteran and educator, this scholarship aims to empower students with awards ranging from $500 to over $5,000.

Dave Dupont Memorial Scholarship

The family remembers Dave as a very kind hearted, loving husband, father, and friend. He and his wife Sandi were married 35 years, and had 2 children Kyle and Danielle DuPont.

Dave loved to give back to his community, and attend as many fundraisers as he could. Dave would be proud to be able to give back to the kids in his community.

The Lawrence M. Brass, MD Clinical Research Training Scholarship in Stroke supports early career investigators focused on stroke and neurocritical care research. This award offers $65,000 annually for two years and an additional $10,000 yearly for educational costs, totaling $150,000. Eligibility requires applicants to be AAN members with MD, PhD, or equivalent degrees, and research must be conducted in accredited non-profit institutions in the U.S. Applications are assessed on research quality, innovation, and significance.

Dr. Sonny Rush Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Sonny Rush was a pioneering orthopedic surgeon and a kind friend to all his patients. He encouraged all students interested in healthcare to pursue their passion in the medical field. This scholarship was established by his family in his memory and is designed to help jumpstart a career in the healthcare field. 

Amount

• 1500

The Societies for Pediatric Urology Annual Research Grant offers up to $40,000 for innovative research in pediatric urology. Targeted at junior and mid-level faculty, this grant encourages clinical, translational, and basic science research. Eligible applicants include pediatric urological clinicians and researchers who are SPU members or have sponsorship. This funding aims to foster impactful projects that can secure additional external funding, enhancing the field of pediatric urology.

The Stone Owl Scholars Scholarships, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, provide a one-time award of $3,000 to 120 high school juniors and seniors who complete a 9-week program. This initiative aims to support students entering vocational schools or colleges, with additional matching scholarships available for those enrolling in specific institutions. The foundation manages over 150 scholarship funds, ensuring financial aid for a diverse group of students pursuing various educational paths.

The State Clinical Achievement Awards and the Louis M. DiCarlo Award honor significant accomplishments in clinical practice within audiology and speech-language pathology over the past six years. Nominations are submitted by state associations, selecting individuals who have advanced clinical knowledge. The DiCarlo Award, in memory of Louis M. DiCarlo, provides a plaque and a $2,500 grant to further the recipient's work. Eligible achievements must be specific and well-defined.

The Pelvic Health Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to enhance the health and movement of society through innovative research in physical therapy. With a commitment to addressing health disparities and supporting emerging researchers, this grant provides $40,000 over one or two years. It underscores the foundation's mission to optimize movement and improve health outcomes while fostering a robust pipeline of skilled researchers dedicated to evidence-based practices.